Key Skills

Job Description

Airbus Netherlands is a leading high-tech company operating in the international space industry. The company develops and manufactures advanced space systems and structures that contribute to innovative space missions. Working at Airbus Netherlands means contributing to technically challenging projects in an international environment, where engineering excellence, quality, and innovation are essential. We are looking for a Lead Engineer Structures to join our Akkodis team in Leiden, the Netherlands. About the role In this role, you will provide technical and operational leadership to a team of engineers responsible for the development and delivery of large metallic structures used in advanced space applications, including rocket structures. You will coordinate engineering activities, guide and support your team, and ensure that structural designs meet the required technical, safety, and quality standards. A key part of the role involves working closely with FEM analysts, AIT, other engineering disciplines, Procurement, and Quality to ensure that structural solutions are technically sound and ready for production and integration. Beyond coordinating daily activities, you will actively contribute to solving complex engineering challenges, analysing technical incidents, and working with specialists to identify and implement appropriate solutions. We are looking for a proactive technical leader with strong structural engineering expertise, a hands-on approach, and a genuine affinity for aerospace and space technology. Your Role & Responsibilities Provide technical and operational leadership to a team of engineers working on large metallic structures for space applications. Coordinate and guide engineering activities, ensuring progress, quality, and alignment with project requirements. Support, coach, and motivate team members, helping them resolve technical challenges and improve their performance. Oversee structural engineering activities, ensuring designs meet applicable technical requirements and safety standards, including Factor of Safety considerations. Collaborate closely with FEM analysts, AIT, other engineers, Procurement, and Quality throughout the engineering and production process. Analyse technical incidents and structural issues in collaboration with subject-matter experts and other relevant stakeholders. Coordinate the investigation, assessment, and resolution of engineering problems. Ensure effective communication between engineering teams and production-related stakeholders. Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, methods, and ways of working. Maintain a strong focus on the technical integrity, reliability, and manufacturability of structural designs. Responsible for estimating, executing and monitoring financial budgets of your work packages. Who are we looking for? A Bachelors or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a comparable technical discipline. At least 5 years of relevant experience in structural engineering, preferably combined with demonstrable technical leadership or team management experience. Experience with metallic structures is essential: experience with concrete or other non-metallic construction alone is not sufficient. A background in aerospace, space, aviation, offshore, automotive, or (offshore) wind turbines. Experience with Factor of Safety calculations and structural safety requirements. Proven experience leading, coordinating, or supervising engineers in a technical environment. A proactive, hands-on approach and the ability to take ownership of technical challenges. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience investigating technical incidents and resolving complex engineering issues. Knowledge of structural analysis methods and the ability to work effectively with specialists in different engineering disciplines. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. A genuine interest in aerospace technology, space systems, and the products being developed. Experience working in an Agile environment is an advantage. Knowledge of Nastran is an advantage. Good command of English, both written and spoken. Residency in the Netherlands. Akkodis is a global leader in the engineering and R&D consulting market - we bring digital and engineering solutions together, creating a smarter future for everyone. Akkodis' 50,000+ engineers and digital experts are spread among 30 global locations. Our success (€4 billion annual revenue) is built upon extensive cross -industry experience of more than 38 years. Please send your CV to [email protected]

Core Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate engineers developing large metallic structures for space applications, ensuring designs meet technical, safety, quality, and production requirements. Collaborate with engineering specialists and stakeholders to resolve structural issues, improve processes, and manage work-package budgets.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline and at least five years of structural engineering experience, including experience with metallic structures and preferably technical leadership. Candidates should have structural safety and analysis expertise, strong communication and problem-solving skills, English proficiency, and residency in the Netherlands; Nastran and Agile experience are advantageous.