Laboratory Technician ESTEC Ref. No. 26-83983(m/f/d)

Laboratory Technician

Would you like to be part of our specialist services group, who have been providing engineering support to space agencies and prime contractors for more than 40 years?

For our customer, the European Space Agency (ESA), we are seeking an experienced team of Laboratory Technicians to work at ESA’s ESTEC site in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Job description

You will be integrated into the customer as team member providing a maintenance and operations service for the European Space Power Laboratory (ESPL) under Power Systems Division (TEC-EP), part of the Directorate of Technical and Quality Management (TEC).

The Laboratory is made up of several facilities designed for electrical testing of batteries, fuel cells, solar generators and power electronics. These tests are carried out in support of ESA spacecraft projects, under contract to external customers, and to validate the performance of prototypes of new and improved technologies produced under ESA R&D contracts.

Responsibilities

You will support day-to-day laboratory operations including:

• Integrating test equipment.


• Programming the test control computers.


• Commissioning of new facilities procured in the frame of new lab activities


• Preparation of the tests, performing and monitoring the tests.


• Performing, arranging or supporting for maintenance, and calibration


• Maintaining a comprehensive test data archive accessible by test managers over the network.


• Developing and maintaining test software.


• Assisting in designing and building special test jigs/equipment and breadboards.


• Editing documentation to support the execution of the test (e.g. step-by-step procedure, Non-Conformance Report, inputs for the final test report)


• Maintaining and ensuring the availability of the infrastructure (e.g. nitrogen line) for the execution of the tests.

In addition, on an as-needed basis support other maintenance and evolution tasks including:

• Support of the Investment and Preparation of the Maintenance Plans for the laboratory infrastructures under the responsibility of the Division, namely: Battery and Life Test Facility, Power Conversion Facility, High Voltage Facility, Solar Generator Characterization Facility and Accelerated Life Test Facility.


• Investment implementation, maintenance and tests performance in all above-mentioned facilities.


• Maintaining up to date documentation and logbooks of in-house built hardware and software, calibration status, electrical safety checks status and equipment inventory.


• Support for the preparation of the quotation of services


• Support during exhibitions/events

This is a full-time position located at ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Some out of normal working hours on-call support will be required in support of long-duration tests.

The foreseen start of the service is January 2027.

How to succeed in this position?

The successful candidate shall have:

• A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering or similar.

• At least 4 years relevant professional working experience including proven experience in a technical environment.


• Good knowledge of technical laboratory operations and maintenance including test setup, test data collection and archiving, test software maintenance and programming.


• Experience with electrical laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration, inventory management and stock control.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with use and programming of laboratory software e.g. LabView. 


• Experience with high-voltage electrical installations.


• Experience with ISO 9001 quality management systems.


• Some experience with procurements activities.


• Knowledge of Health & Safety as applicable to laboratories.


• Prior experience with electrical space hardware (batteries, solar cells, power conditioning units etc.)

Soft skills:

• Service orientation.


• Attention to detail and willingness to take responsibility.


• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.


• Good English language skills, written and spoken.

Note: Candidates must be eligible for Personal Security Clearance from an EU country.

What's our company like?

We are an international company representing world class expertise, delivering complex and high-tech products and services. We value our colleagues and our meaningful contributions to securing people through advanced technology.

You will be part of the Terma Space Division which has for 50 years delivered mission-customized software and hardware products including power systems and star trackers as well as services to the European space market. We have supported a large number of pioneering European scientific and Earth Observation satellite missions and continue to be contracted for the development and delivery of software and hardware systems and services for numerous ongoing and future European, and international missions.

Terma Space operates out of Denmark, The Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Romania, and the UK.

Any answered questions?

Feel free to contact Ms Silvia Cavallini, TA Manager on 49 6151 86005-0 or [email protected] in case of any further questions regarding this position.

We look forward to receiving your application with CV and a Cover Letter explaining your motivation for applying, why you believe you are a good candidate, and potential availability. To ensure that your application will reach us and is properly processed, we only accept applications via www.terma.com.

Applications will be processed continuously.

Please note:

• Applicants must hold all appropriate documentation and permits to work in the EU.


• Applicants are required to provide a copy of their ID/passport and degree/higher education certificate. Terma will validate the certificate with the issuing authority.


• In line with ESA Security Requirements, an official Certificate of Good Conduct (or equivalent) and employment reference checks will be required at commencement of employment. Please attach a copy of any reference letters with your application if you have them.