Project Manager – Space Systems
Location: Bucharest
Company: TCE
Client Assignment: European Space Agency (ESA)
About TCE
TCE is a leading engineering services provider delivering high-end technical expertise to the aerospace and space sectors. We support major European programs by supplying specialized engineering talent to institutional and commercial space projects.
We are currently seeking a Project Manager – Space Systems, preferably with an academic background in Aerospace Engineering, to support projects at the European Space Agency (ESA).
Position Overview
The Project Manager will lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering activities related to space hardware development, test environments, and system verification.
This role includes direct coordination of:
- The Senior Mechanical Designer (Siemens NX) responsible for space hardware design and documentation
- The Automation Engineer – Test Environment responsible for DAQ systems, PLC automation (including TIA Portal), and simulation infrastructure
The Project Manager ensures alignment between mechanical design, test infrastructure, verification strategy, schedule, cost, and ESA requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead full project lifecycle execution (initiation through closure)
- Define project scope, WBS, milestones, and deliverables
- Develop and maintain integrated project schedules covering:
- Mechanical design activities
- Test environment development
- Verification and validation campaigns
- Coordinate daily technical activities between mechanical and automation/test teams
- Ensure design-for-test alignment between hardware development and automated test systems
- Monitor cost, schedule, risk, and quality performance
- Interface directly with ESA technical officers and stakeholders
- Ensure compliance with ECSS standards and contractual requirements
- Prepare and lead formal reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR, AR, etc.)
- Manage project risks and cross-functional technical dependencies
- Oversee suppliers and subcontractors where applicable
- Ensure proper configuration management and documentation control
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering (preferred) or Mechanical/Electrical Engineering with aerospace specialization
- Minimum 7–10 years of experience in aerospace or space projects
- Proven experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Strong understanding of space system lifecycle (Phase 0/A through Phase E)
- Experience coordinating both design and test/validation activities
- Familiarity with ECSS standards and ESA governance structure
- Experience in schedule management tools and cost control
- Strong leadership and stakeholder communication skills
- Professional-level English
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience managing ESA institutional programs
- Certification in project management (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent)
- Experience in hardware development and AIT campaigns
- Understanding of automation systems and test bench infrastructure
- Experience working in international and multicultural engineering environments
Personal Competencies
- Strong systems-level thinking
- Ability to bridge design and test engineering disciplines
- Excellent coordination and conflict-resolution skills
- Structured, analytical, and proactive mindset
- High level of accountability and ownership
What We Offer
- Leadership role in high-impact European space programs
- Direct collaboration with the European Space Agency
- Opportunity to manage multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Long-term strategic assignment within advanced space projects
- Competitive compensation package and professional growth opportunities
Automation Engineer – Test Environment (Data Acquisition & Simulation)
Location: Bucharest
Company: TCE
Client Assignment: European Space Agency (ESA)
About TCE
TCE is a leading engineering services provider delivering high-end technical expertise to the aerospace and space sectors. We support major European programs by supplying specialized engineering talent to institutional and commercial space projects.
We are currently seeking an Automation Engineer – Test Environment to support space hardware verification and validation activities for the European Space Agency (ESA).
Position Overview
The Automation Engineer will be responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of automated test environments used for space systems verification. This includes data acquisition systems (DAQ), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations, PLC-controlled test benches, and integration of simulation tools.
The role supports qualification, acceptance, and functional testing of space subsystems and payloads in accordance with ESA standards (ECSS).
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain automated test systems for space hardware
- Configure and manage data acquisition systems (DAQ) for electrical, thermal, and mechanical measurements
- Develop and integrate hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation environments
- Program and configure PLC systems using TIA Portal (Siemens)
- Develop automation logic for test benches (interlocks, safety, sequencing)
- Create automated test scripts and validation procedures
- Interface sensors, instrumentation, and control systems with test software
- Support environmental testing (thermal, vibration, functional)
- Ensure compliance with ECSS standards and project test requirements
- Troubleshoot test anomalies and support root cause investigations
- Document test architecture, procedures, and results
- Collaborate with systems, AIT, software, electrical, and mechanical engineering teams
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
- Minimum 5–8 years of experience in automation or test engineering (preferably aerospace/space)
- Strong experience with PLC programming and industrial automation
- Proven hands-on experience with TIA Portal (Siemens S7, HMI integration, safety PLCs)
- Experience with data acquisition systems and instrumentation
- Programming skills (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar)
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems
- Knowledge of communication protocols (Profinet, CAN, Ethernet, RS-422/485; SpaceWire is a plus)
- Understanding of signal conditioning and sensor integration
- Experience working in regulated, high-reliability environments
- Professional-level English
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting ESA or institutional space programs
- Familiarity with ECSS standards
- Experience with real-time simulation platforms
- Knowledge of control systems and closed-loop automation
- Experience working in cleanroom environments
- Basic understanding of space systems (payloads, mechanisms, avionics)
Personal Competencies
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
- High level of autonomy and ownership
- Structured and detail-oriented mindset
- Ability to work under schedule constraints
- Strong communication skills in multidisciplinary teams
What We Offer
- Direct contribution to high-impact European space missions
- Long-term assignment supporting the European Space Agency
- Competitive compensation package
- International and highly technical work environment
- Opportunities for professional growth in space system verification and validation
Senior Mechanical Designer (Siemens NX)
Location: Bucharest
Company: TCE
Client Assignment: European Space Agency (ESA)
About TCE
TCE is a leading engineering services provider delivering high-end technical expertise to the aerospace and space sectors. We support major European programs by supplying specialized engineering talent to institutional and commercial space projects.
We are currently seeking a highly experienced Senior Mechanical Designer (Siemens NX) to support projects at the European Space Agency (ESA).
Position Overview
The Senior Mechanical Designer will be responsible for the design, development, and detailing of complex mechanical systems for space applications. The role involves working within multidisciplinary engineering teams and contributing to high-reliability space hardware from concept through manufacturing and qualification.
The position requires strong expertise in Siemens NX, deep understanding of space engineering standards, and experience working in highly regulated aerospace environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings using Siemens NX
- Design mechanical components and assemblies for spaceflight hardware
- Perform tolerance analysis, stack-up calculations, and design-for-manufacturing assessments
- Ensure compliance with ESA standards (ECSS) and project requirements
- Collaborate with structural, thermal, AIT, and systems engineering teams
- Support design reviews (PDR, CDR, QR, etc.)
- Manage CAD data within PLM systems
- Support suppliers during manufacturing and integration phases
- Prepare technical documentation and reports
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Minimum 8–10 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in aerospace or space industry
- Advanced proficiency in Siemens NX (3D modeling, drafting, assemblies)
- Strong knowledge of aerospace materials and manufacturing processes
- Experience with tolerance analysis and mechanical integration
- Familiarity with ECSS standards
- Experience working in cleanroom and high-reliability environments
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Professional-level English (written and spoken)
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience supporting ESA programs
- Experience with space mechanisms, structures, or payload systems
- Knowledge of PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter)
- Experience with additive manufacturing for space applications
Personal Competencies
- High level of autonomy and accountability
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work in an international, multicultural environment
- Proactive and solution-oriented mindset
What We Offer
- Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge European space programs
- Long-term assignment supporting the European Space Agency
- Competitive compensation package
- Dynamic and international working environment
- Professional growth within high-technology aerospace projects
