Lead Mechanical Engineer

Lead Engineer Structures – Space & Aerospace Leiden Region · Technical leadership on lightweight launcher structures · Up to €7,500 gross/month INTRODUCTION Are you an experienced Structural Engineer ready to take technical ownership of some of Europe’s most advanced space structures? We are looking for a Lead Engineer Structures to join an international high-tech organization in the Leiden region, working on lightweight structures for a specific launch vehicle. In this role, you will combine advanced structural engineering with technical leadership, guiding multidisciplinary teams from initial concept through design, verification, and qualification. You will play a key role in developing reliable, lightweight structures that meet the demanding requirements of the international space industry. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES As a Lead Engineer Structures, you will take technical ownership of complex structural engineering projects, ensuring high-quality designs, effective collaboration, and successful delivery throughout the development lifecycle. • Lead the structural development of lightweight launcher structures, translating customer requirements into engineering concepts, technical specifications, and verification plans. • Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering activities, working closely with Systems Engineering, Mechanical and Thermal Analysis, Design, Manufacturing, and Assembly & Testing teams. • Define, review, and validate structural analyses using FEMAP and NASTRAN, ensuring compliance with strength, stiffness, stability, and fracture control requirements. • Drive technical design reviews, qualification activities, and engineering trade-off studies, balancing structural performance, weight, cost, manufacturability, and reliability. • Provide technical guidance to engineers, review engineering deliverables, resolve complex technical challenges, and communicate engineering decisions and risks to internal stakeholders and customers. COMPANY PROFILE You will join an internationally operating high-tech organization that plays a key role in the European space industry. The company develops and manufactures advanced technologies for satellites, launch vehicles, and laser communication systems in space. With decades of experience in aerospace engineering and a strong focus on innovation, this organization is recognized as a global leader in several specialized technology areas. From its location in the Leiden region, engineers contribute to challenging international space programs where technical precision, reliability, and innovation are essential. You will become part of a specialized D&A Engineering team, collaborating with experienced engineers and technical specialists across multiple disciplines. The environment is international, technically driven, and highly collaborative, with plenty of room for independent decision-making and professional development. As a Lead Engineer, you will have the opportunity to influence technical direction, mentor colleagues, and contribute directly to the next generation of European space technology. YOUR PROFILE • You hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline, preferably with a specialization in structural mechanics or lightweight structures. • You have at least 7 years of relevant engineering experience, preferably within aerospace, space structures, or another advanced engineering industry. • You have demonstrated experience as a Lead Engineer, Technical Lead, or Engineering Coordinator, taking ownership of technical deliverables within multidisciplinary development projects. • You have extensive experience with structural analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and the use of FEMAP and NASTRAN, combined with a strong understanding of linear and nonlinear mechanics, structural stability, and failure mechanisms. • You have experience with mechanical testing, structural verification, and qualification processes. You are confident making technical decisions, guiding engineers, and communicating effectively in English. You currently reside in the Netherlands. Nice to have: Experience with European launcher programs, ECSS standards, fracture control, fatigue and damage tolerance, or additional engineering tools such as Abaqus, CATIA, Python, or MSC Nastran SOL 400. Don’t meet every requirement but recognize yourself in this role? We would still love to hear from you! WHAT WE OFFER • A competitive salary of up to €7,500 gross per month, depending on your knowledge, experience, and technical leadership capabilities. • 27 vacation days and 13 additional ADV days per year, based on full-time employment. • Flexible working hours and opportunities for flexible working arrangements within an international and technically challenging environment. • Attractive secondary benefits, including participation in the PME pension scheme, a commuting allowance or NS Business Card, a bicycle scheme, and company fitness benefits. • A conveniently located office near Leiden Central Station, excellent opportunities for technical and leadership development, and the chance to take ownership of structures used in leading European space programs. This is a full-time position. A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) and background screening are part of the recruitment process. INTERESTED? Apply directly or contact Fabrice Craenmehr: Phone / WhatsApp: +31 6 44 03 97 73 Email: fabrice.craenmehr@mcflybrown.com