Gravity research laboratory engineer

We are looking for a Gravity Research Laboratory Engineer (E3) 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!

Specific tasks to be performed:

• Lead and coordinate gravity-related research activities in our TEC-MMG laboratories, including hands-on preparation and execution of experiments using the Large Diameter Centrifuge (LDC), Random Positioning Machines, and other specialized equipment.
• Support commercial clients by facilitating the use of our centrifuge and lab services for product testing and development.
• Engage with the global science community to plan and organize collaborative gravity-related experiments.
• Ensure smooth operation and maintenance of the LDC and associated systems, keeping them in top condition for high-impact research.
• Contribute to strategic planning by providing expert input on technologies and diagnostics for life and physical science experiments—especially those that support future space exploration.

To successfully perform the above mentioned tasks, the following background / experience is required:

• A Master’s degree in Life Sciences and/or Engineering.
• Several years of hands-on experience in gravity-related research.
• Strong expertise in optical diagnostic methods (e.g., optical microscopy).
• Deep knowledge of (micro)gravity research in both life and physical sciences

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 recruitmentaerospace@akkodisgroup.com before 20/10/2025