Structure and Mechanisms Engineering - ESA

Training Opportunity for “Young Graduate Trainees”
Reference Specialist Area Duty Station Closing Date
ESA/YG-ESTEC(2013)034
Structures and Mechanisms
Engineering
ESTEC 15 December 2013
Overview of the Division’s mission
The Structures and Mechanisms Division is the centre of competence of the Agency in all areas related to
spacecraft and launcher structures and mechanisms. This encompasses spacecraft and launcher lightweight
structures, stable structures, advanced mechanical materials applications, structural dynamics, damage
tolerance, deployable structures/booms, active structures, hold-down and release devices, electrical motors
for space mechanisms, launcher and re-entry hot and cold structures, landing attenuation systems, seals,
valves, parachute systems, separation systems, reaction wheels, gyros, bearings and tribology aspects. It
provides support to projects, preparatory programs and technology programs.
Within this frame, the Mechanisms Section is in charge of all mechanisms engineering aspects, and the
Structures Section is in charge of all structural engineering aspects.
Mechanisms Engineering:
Overview of the field of activity proposed
The Trainee will participate in the development and verification of mechanisms for use in space projects.
In assistance to ESA engineers working in this domain, the holder of the training position will be given a
specific task which may include:
1. assistance in the implementation and monitoring of R&D contracts;
2. critical review of design / analysis / test activity and simulation / characterisation / validation up to
simulation correlation of high accuracy mechanism systems, with particular emphasis to frequency
domain performances representation and advanced signal analysis techniques;
3. mechanism simulation, using software packages like SIMPACK, ADAMS, DCAP and LMS Motion;
4. feasibility assessments of new mechanisms design concepts;
5. critical review and analysis of design solutions for mechanisms, and participation to project review
processes;
6. participation to CDF (Concurrent Design Facility) studies and involvement into the study sessions and
report preparation.
Structures Engineering:
The Trainee will participate in the development and verification of spacecraft-and launcher structures. In
assistance to ESA engineers working in this domain, the holder of the training position will be given a
specific task which may include:
1. Perform / evaluate instrument / satellite accommodation studies, familiarization with project
requirements and CAD tools;
2. Perform structural static / dynamic / vibro-acoustic / shock analyses for low, medium and high
frequencies (Nastran, Abaqus, Samcef, VA-One, Dytran), in support to on-going spacecraft and
launcher programs;
3. Participate to the definition / improvement / verification of structural & configuration analysis tools
(including participation to and development of the Concurrent Design Facility);
4. Perform Fracture Mechanics Analysis and evaluate material properties for manned and unmanned
spacecraft (ESACRACK, FRAMES-2, StressCheck);
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5. Participate to the definition /improvement/ verification of FSI (Fluid Structure Interaction) analysis
tools with emphasis in sloshing, water landing and parachute deployment structural applications;
6. Perform numerical micro-vibration simulations, including characterization of disturbers at the source
and evaluation of possible isolation and attenuation of the environment at the target;
7. Support the development of new technologies for hot structures concepts and materials as well as
health monitoring concepts for Reusable Launch/Re-entry Vehicles, including related engineering
analyses and support to on-going programmes;
8. Participate in the definition and post processing of mechanical test programmes, including the
development and application of tools for mathematical model correlation / cross-checks between
analytically predicted and experimentally identified modes, deflections, strain;
9. Participate in the development and application of the Agency's structural analysis tools (e.g.
ESACOMP, Nastran, Samcef) for spacecraft and launcher composites structures, including the
evaluation of composite test methods and implementation of relevant interfaces in FRAMES-2,
ESACOMP;
10.Participate in the development of tools and methodologies for dynamic analysis of spacecraft and
launchers, e.g. Coupled Loads Analysis;
11. Participate to the development of new technologies for structural applications of composites, nanomaterials,
smart structures and health monitoring.
Educational and other requirements
Applicants should have just completed, or be in their final year of a University course at Masters Level (or
equivalent) in Aeronautical / Mechanical Engineering, with some knowledge of the topics to be addressed.
(e.g. composites, active control, hot structures, hyper-velocity, structural dynamics, mechanisms design,
tribology, multi-body dynamics).
Applicants should have good interpersonal and communication skills and should be able to work in a multicultural
environment, both independently and as part of a team.
Applicants must be fluent in English and/or French, the working languages of the Agency. A good proficiency
in English is required.
How can I apply?
Please fill in the online application form.
Please note that only one application may be submitted for the YGT Scheme.
The YGT Scheme is open to recently qualified young men and women
who are nationals of one of the following states:
Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK,
or Canada as a Cooperating State, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia and Slovenia as European Cooperating States
(ECS).
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