Job Introduction

Serco has made significant contributions at ESA's European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands, supporting a wide range of space missions and projects. Serco has provided essential engineering, technical, and management services, playing a key role in logistics and operational support for missions. Serco's expertise in spacecraft management, ground systems and data processing has earned them recognition, including 'Best in Domain' awards from ESA. Their long-standing partnership with ESA reflects their commitment to excellence and innovation in the space sector.

Are you passionate about advanced materials and their application in groundbreaking space missions? Join Serco, a leading Space Services Provider, as a Non-Metallic and Materials Processes Engineer, working on-site with the European Space Agency (ESA) at their ESTEC facility in the Netherlands. This role offers you the chance to work at the forefront of space exploration, contributing to the development and evaluation of cutting-edge materials and processes for space systems.

Your Mission
As a Non-Metallic and Materials Processes Engineer, you will bring deep technical expertise in processing, production, testing, and performance evaluation of carbon-fiber-reinforced composites and advanced materials. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of ESA’s ambitious missions by advancing material technologies for space applications.

Main Responsibilities

As a Non-Metallic Materials and Processes Engineer you will concentrate your activities on the following:

Composites Expertise: Develop and evaluate carbon-fiber-reinforced composites and associated bonding and joining technologies. Assess mechanical, thermal, and environmental performance requirements for composite materials used in launcher systems and space vehicles. Advanced Materials: Contribute to the development of high-temperature materials, including ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), ceramics, and hybrid composites, focusing on their manufacturing methods and performance evaluation for space applications. Provide expertise in composite materials for tanks and pressure vessels, such as fuel tanks, cryogenic tanks, and pressurized systems. Simulation and Digital Twinning: Apply simulation tools to predict the mechanical and thermal performance of composite materials. Utilize virtual testing and digital twin methodologies to simulate composites manufacturing processes, thermo-mechanical behaviour, and fatigue analysis. Leverage data analytics and machine learning tools (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) to enhance composite analysis and performance predictions. Testing and Qualification: Define and execute materials test plans for qualification and process validation. Conduct mechanical testing, fatigue life assessments, and materials selection for space applications. Collaboration and Decision-Making: Work closely with ESA teams, contributing to materials selection and process recommendations. Collaborate with industry and research partners to drive innovation in material processes for space systems. Successful Candidate

Do you think you are the person we are looking for? See below what experience or knowledge you should bring:

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field. Extensive experience in processing, production, and testing of carbon-fiber-reinforced composites. Proven expertise in mechanical testing, fatigue life assessment, and materials qualification processes. Strong understanding of composite materials in space systems, including tanks, pressure vessels, and high-temperature applications. Proficiency in simulation tools for composite performance and manufacturing processes (e.g., Hexagon Marc/Digi-Mat, MOOSE, DAMASK, NASA-PUMA).

Desirable Skills and Experience:

Familiarity with high-temperature materials and hybrid composites manufacturing and evaluation. Experience in data-driven methods and machine learning software for composite analysis (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Rapids). Knowledge of general materials testing methodologies and qualification standards for space applications. Capability to support digital twinning initiatives and virtual testing for advanced material systems.

On offer

Flexible working policy (hybrid working) Comprehensive and competitive benefits plan A range of wellness activities and employee assistance programs Casual dress code   Bike Scheme

Relocation:

The Netherlands' central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for travel and business within the EU. Major cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport one of Europe's busiest and most well-connected airports, facilitating easy international travel. Serco offers relocation support for all EU passport holders that are planning to relocate to the Netherlands and work for Serco B.V.
  About the Company

Serco is a leading Space Services Provider with thousands of skilled resources that has supported over 50 space missions on behalf of more than 10 Space or Government agencies around the globe, including the ESA and NASA. Serco offers space capability across the full space lifecycle from satellite testing to launch services, LEOP to spacecraft operations, space surveillance to data management, and supporting downstream application development.

Why should you join Serco ?

At Serco not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play.

Meaningful and vital work - You’ll contribute to methodologically intercepting challenges whilst achievements will also be recognised and celebrated.

A world of opportunity - You’ll be wholeheartedly supported with development and career progression

Great people - You’ll become an integral member of a well-defined and supportive team who believe passionately in the value of our work. We are a company passionate about diversity and inclusion. 

We are diverse and inclusive organisation

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential and we are committed to supporting the needs of all our colleagues. It’s a mix of people from different backgrounds, experiences and opinion that keeps our culture strong and vibrant.

We believe in equity so we strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their abilities in an interview. We also welcome a conversation about any adjustments that would make the interview process more accessible for you. Wherever possible we are open to discussions around flexible working and we operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas.

In the UK we are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader in the government’s scheme and hold the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard; in Belgium we are partner of Diversicom and member of Charter der Vielfalt in Germany.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to The Serco Europe Recruitment Team

Important:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing documents to verify your identity and employment eligibility, as required by law.

Applicants are reminded that they will be requested to produce such documentation during the recruitment process.

Please contact a member of the recruitment team if you require further details of acceptable types of documentation required for verification of identity and work authorization. 

Data Protection:

For more information on how the personal data in your application is process, please see the link Data Protection policy here. 

Apply