Thermal Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20580

Date Posted: 11 June 2026

Application Deadline: 2 July 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment : 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band : A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
Thermal Engineer in the Thermal Control Section, Thermal Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Thermal Control Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of thermal control, two-phase heat transport and thermal protection.

The Section is part of a key centre of competence in space thermal engineering, covering the complete temperature range and staffed with around 25 engineers supporting all ESA projects and the development of thermal hardware technologies.

The Section offers a unique opportunity to contribute to solutions to the thermal challenges required for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment, and is very active in knowledge management.

Duties
Reporting to the Head of Section and within the technical fields described above, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the field of thermal control throughout all project phases;
• participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
• performing analysis as required to support the thermal subsystem definition;
• participating in thermal testing activities and correlating analysis and test results;
• identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
• contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
• defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
• fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, placing emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• laboratory activities as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of the activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your field of expertise.

Technical competencies
General background and experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Hands-on hardware experience

Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape

Project support experience in a relevant domain

Environmental testing for space hardware

Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, such as statements of work and proposal evaluation

Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education and professional experience
A master’s degree in mechanical engineering or physics is required for this post together with at least 4 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements
Experience in spacecraft thermal engineering, related technologies and a general knowledge of space thermal control analysis tools, such as ESATAN-TMS, is required.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at Se e-mailadresse på jobbank.dk .

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations & eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.