We are looking for a Power Systems Engineer to join our Akkodis Aerospace team, working onsite at the European Space Agency in the Netherlands.
Akkodis has proudly supported the Aerospace & Defence industry in the Netherlands for decades. Our partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) has been one of the many success stories allowing our people to expand their career horizons. Akkodis experts are contributing to some of the most important technical advances in Aerospace and Defence which impact the way we live our lives today, through specialised engineering expertise and other required skillsets. This could be your future. Become part of our successful team!
Tasks to be performed:
Mission Support:
- Provide power systems technical support to ESA for:
- Small and fast-track science missions
- Earth Explorer and Small EOP (Earth Observation Programme) missions
- Telecom missions
- Class Beta, Gamma, and Delta missions with high technical risk or accelerated timelines
- Support ESA Technical Officers and Technical Responsibles on specific missions as required
Power Systems Architecture Support:
- Perform calculations and mission-related simulations
- Review unit and system-level technical documents
- Provide detailed feedback and recommendations to ESA Power Systems Architecture teams
Launcher and CubeSat Development:
- Provide power system expertise in the development of European launchers
- Support CubeSat developments across all ESA applications
R&D Activity Support:
- Support ESA R&D activities through:
- Calculations, simulations, and technical reviews
- Providing feedback on design and performance findings
- Assist ESA Technical Responsibles in managing industrial R&D contracts:
- Day-to-day activity development
- Organizing monthly meetings and reviews
- Reporting and progress evaluation
Hands-On Laboratory Activities:
- Provide support within the ESA Space Power Laboratory for:
- PCB design and development
- PCB integration and testing
- Maintain and manage power systems architecture laboratory infrastructure
Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) Studies:
- Participate in system-level studies not related to large ESA missions
- Conduct simulations using tools such as PEPS/EcosimPro
- Develop new simulation models and provide study feedback to ESA
Laboratory Management:
- Support lab operations, including:
- Procurement of equipment and EEE components
- Coordination of lab inspections and maintenance activities
To successfully perform the above mentioned tasks, the following background / experience is required:
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline
- Strong background in space power systems engineering with relevant project support experience
- Broad knowledge of spacecraft systems and subsystems
- Experience in early-phase power system design and performance assessment
- Proficient in power and energy budget analysis, distribution systems, and secondary power systems
- Practical knowledge in DC/DC converter design, control, and verification
- Hands-on experience in hardware development, laboratory testing, and PCB work
- Familiarity with electrical simulation tools (e.g., PEPS, EcosimPro)
- Experience supporting power systems during the Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP) of space missions
- Experience managing and monitoring industrial activities, including participation in design and review processes
About ESA-ESTEC
The European Space Agency (ESA) has sites in several European countries.
The European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), has grown into ESA’s largest establishment and the technical and organizational hub of Europe’s space sector. Missions designed and tested at ESTEC are circling Earth, have landed on planetary bodies and have probed far into the Solar System.
The infrastructure and equipment assembled here, together with the expert knowhow of its 2800 personnel, make ESTEC a unique resource for Europe. The work done here by teams skilled in every aspect of engineering for space has enabled the creation of novel communication, navigation and information services, creating new jobs and growth while improving the lives of European and world citizens.
Please send your CV to [email protected] as soon as possible