Mechanical Test Engineer

Introduction

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 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.

Within this context, Serco is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer to support the activities of ESA’s Test Centre at ESTEC, Noordwijk. The role provides engineering and technical support across the design of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE), development and modification of test facilities, and support to environmental test campaigns.

The successful candidate will contribute directly to preparing, enabling, and executing spacecraft and equipment testing by providing engineering design, facility development, and hands on test support. The position operates in a structured, procedure driven environment with strong quality, safety, and security requirements.

At Serco, we do not only offer a career but also the opportunity to join a community where everyone’s wellbeing matters, by living out the Serco values in all we do!

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) to be used for tests in the Test Centre and ESTEC laboratories.
• Prepare MGSE design documentation, including 3D models, manufacturing drawings, numerical analyses and design justification files.
• Support the installation, verification, and acceptance testing of MGSE when requested.
• Support the development, modification, and improvement of Test Centre facilities used for spacecraft environmental testing.
• Contribute to the definition and consolidation of requirements for test facility developments in coordination with ESA engineers and facility operators.
• Support procurement activities related to test facility developments, including technical inputs and follow‑up.
• Support planning, coordination, and supervision of on‑site and off‑site activities related to facility modifications and developments.
• Support the organisation, planning, and execution of test campaigns across different laboratories and test environments.
• Assess the feasibility of requested tests and contribute to defining test configurations, setups, and required equipment.
• Support the installation and configuration of test equipment and instrumentation in coordination with Test Centre personnel.
• Act as Test Engineer or Test Lead during test execution when required, supporting day‑to‑day test activities.
• Support test data acquisition, processing, and analysis and contribute to the preparation of test reports and technical documentation.
• Prepare and contribute to technical reports, MEMOs, presentations, and other deliverables supporting test activities.
• Ensure all MGSE, facility, and test support activities are performed in compliance with applicable procedures, quality manuals, safety rules, and ESA standards.
• Support internal and external audits related to test facilities, MGSE, and testing activities when requested.
• Interface with ESA engineers, Test Centre staff, laboratory personnel, and external suppliers to ensure effective coordination.
• Proactively identify technical risks, operational issues, and improvement opportunities and propose mitigation or enhancement actions.
• Handle equipment, data, and documentation in compliance with security, data protection and export control requirements.

Successful Candidate

• Delivers reliable and high‑quality engineering support across MGSE, test facilities and test execution activities.
• Ensures MGSE designs and test setups are fit for purpose, verified and properly documented.
• Contributes to efficient preparation, execution, and reporting of test campaigns.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and traceable technical and test documentation.
• Supports multidisciplinary teams effectively during routine operations and intensive test campaigns.
• Applies a pragmatic and solution‑oriented approach to technical challenges in complex test environments.
• Builds constructive and professional working relationships with ESA stakeholders, engineers, technicians and external suppliers.

Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or related Engineering discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven experience in MGSE design, mechanical engineering, or test support activities.
• Experience working in test centres, laboratories, or similar engineering environments.
• Knowledge of environmental testing methods and facilities (e.g. vibration, thermal vacuum, acoustic, EMC) is an asset.
• Experience with CAD tools and mechanical design and analysis methodologies.
• Familiarity with test campaign preparation, execution, and reporting.
• Experience in aerospace, space, or large R&D / engineering organisations is highly desirable.
• Hands‑on, methodical, and quality‑driven working style.
• Proactive and autonomous, with the ability to manage multiple parallel activities.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work under schedule pressure.
• Problem‑solving mindset with attention to detail and operational constraints.
• Clear communication skills and ability to interface effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders at all levels.
• Candidates must be EU nationals.

What We Offer: More than a job

At Serco, we believe that a career should come with more than just a paycheck, it should provide support, security and a sense of balance in your life. Your salary will be paid promptly on Fridays before the 28th of each month, giving you peace of mind about your finances.
We support your daily life and commute in practical ways. If you travel to work, you can claim a travel allowance of €0.21 per kilometre for up to 150 km, or you can have your public transport fully reimbursed. For those working from home, there’s a small daily allowance of €2 to cover extra costs and new employees can be reimbursed up to €500 for a desk or chair to make their home workspace comfortable.
When your work takes you on missions or travel, all business-related expenses are fully covered and for peace of mind during tax season, our appointed advisor will assist you in completing your income tax forms. If you enjoy cycling, our bicycle scheme allows you to benefit from a tax-efficient allowance of up to €749, one year of full insurance with an additional €89 per year for accessories.
Serco also cares about your long-term security. All employees are covered under a collective life insurance scheme and our health insurance partnership with Zilverenkruis Achmea offers discounts of 5% on basic coverage and up to 10% on additional plans. Our company pension scheme, managed via Nationale Nederlanden, follows the Dutch State Pension framework, ensuring you can plan confidently for the future.
In addition, in emergency situations, you may request an advance salary payment of up to one month’s net salary at the discretion of your line manager. To support your wellbeing and daily work, we offer up to €250 reimbursement for work glasses to reduce blue light strain and provide access to Benefits & Work, offering multiple discounts for online shopping. For lifelong learning, all employees receive a 35% discount on programs at Webster University.
At Serco, our benefits are designed to make your life easier, healthier and more flexible, so you can focus on contributing to groundbreaking space missions while feeling supported every step of the way.

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.