🚀 Systems Engineer (Structures/Launchers) - Airbus Netherlands B.V.

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Engineer (Structures/Launchers)
Company: Airbus Netherlands B.V.
Location: Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: Systems Engineering, Aerospace Structures
Date Posted: June 24, 2025
Experience Level: Professional (5-10 years)

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the development and deployment of structures for Ariane and Vega launchers, as well as Solar Arrays.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Lead Engineers, Design and Analysis Specialists, and Production Teams.
Shape the present and future of Airbus' products by working on cutting-edge aerospace technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to work on high-profile aerospace projects, collaborating with diverse teams and driving innovation in the launcher structures domain.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Technical Leadership: Lead the technical aspects of projects from proposal to execution, ensuring requirements are met and managing a team of specialists.
Structural Analysis: Guide the finite element modeling and analysis of launcher structures, optimizing mass, cost, and reliability using tools such as FEMAP, NASTRAN, HyperSizer, and ESACRACK.
Requirements Management: Define and verify requirements, and develop the approach leading to qualification.
Technical Documentation: Deliver technical designs and system performance calculations, and ensure effective reporting of engineering work in technical documents.
Customer Interaction: Act as the technical interface with customers, partners, and suppliers.
Product Development: Support product/business development in defining the launcher structures strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams while maintaining focus on priorities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Master's Degree in Engineering (Aeronautical or Mechanical) with a strong curriculum emphasis on structural analysis of lightweight (aerospace) structures.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Systems Engineer, preferably in the aerospace/Space sector.
Proven track record of effective interaction with internal project management, customers, partners, and suppliers.
Strong background in mechanical analysis (strength, stability, and stiffness) and testing, managing work packages, and leading teams.

Required Skills:

Strong understanding of coupled load path analysis principles.
Familiarity with NASA, ESA, Ariane, or aerospace mechanical engineering standards.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Knowledge of the Finite Element Method and Analysis of structures.
Good interpersonal skills, flexibility, and adaptability.

Preferred Skills:

Knowledge of Python coding.
Experience working with Google Suite (GMail, Docs, Sheets, Slides).

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in launcher structures, Solar Arrays, or related fields will have a significant advantage in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate experience in leading the development of load-carrying aerospace structures, preferably for launch vehicles.
- Showcase proficiency in structural analysis, mechanical testing, and requirements management.
- Highlight successful collaboration with cross-functional teams and effective customer interaction.
Technical Documentation:
- Provide examples of technical designs, system performance calculations, and effective reporting of engineering work in technical documents.
- Demonstrate experience in defining and costing detailed work package descriptions for project planning.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Research shows that the average salary for a Systems Engineer in the Netherlands is around €60,000 - €80,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. For this role, we estimate a salary range of €70,000 - €90,000 per year.

Benefits:

Competitive salary including participation in the PME pension fund.
27 holidays + 13 ADV days per year based on full-time employment.
Flexibility in working hours and work location.
Commuting allowance or public transport allowance.
Bicycle plan and company fitness plan.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Airbus Netherlands B.V. is a dynamic and international working environment with extensive opportunities for personal development.
The company welcomes team players with a positive and collaborative attitude, good interpersonal skills, flexibility, and adaptability.

Team Structure:

The Product Engineering team leads the development and deployment of structures for Ariane and Vega launchers, as well as Solar Arrays.
The team collaborates with Lead Engineers, Design and Analysis Specialists, the Materials & Processes department, Assembly & Integration, Production Teams, and fellow Systems Engineers.

Development Methodology:

The team follows a structured project management approach, with clear phases (A, B, and C/D) and associated external reviews.
The team uses tools such as FEMAP, NASTRAN, HyperSizer, and ESACRACK for finite element modeling and analysis.

Company Website: Airbus Netherlands B.V.

📝 Enhancement Note: Airbus Netherlands B.V. offers a challenging job in a dynamic and international working environment, with extensive opportunities for personal development and attractive working conditions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level:

This role is at the professional level, requiring at least 5 years of experience in systems engineering, preferably in the aerospace/Space sector.

Reporting Structure:

The Systems Engineer (Structures/Launchers) reports to the Head of the Product Engineering team and works closely with Lead Engineers, Design and Analysis Specialists, and other team members.

Technical Impact:

The role has a significant impact on the development and deployment of launchers and Solar Arrays, contributing to the success of Airbus' clients' missions.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in launcher structures, Solar Arrays, or related fields.
Team Leadership: Develop leadership skills by guiding and motivating multidisciplinary teams.
Product Development: Contribute to the development of future products and services in the launcher structures domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers ample opportunities for career growth and development within Airbus' Product Engineering team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Airbus Netherlands B.V. has an easily accessible head office near Leiden Central Station, with the structures assembly facility close by.

Office Location(s):

Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

Workspace Context:

The team works in a collaborative environment, with a focus on effective communication and cross-functional collaboration.
The workspace is equipped with modern tools and technologies to support the team's needs.

Work Schedule:

The team works a standard 40-hour week, with flexibility in working hours and work location.
The work schedule may include deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Airbus Netherlands B.V. fosters a flexible working environment to stimulate innovative thinking and collaboration.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Assessment: Demonstrate proficiency in structural analysis, mechanical testing, and requirements management through technical exercises and case studies.
Behavioral Assessment: Showcase strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams.
Final Evaluation: Present a comprehensive portfolio and demonstrate a strong understanding of the role's requirements and the company's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight experience in leading the development of load-carrying aerospace structures, preferably for launch vehicles.
Showcase proficiency in structural analysis, mechanical testing, and requirements management.
Demonstrate successful collaboration with cross-functional teams and effective customer interaction.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on knowledge of coupled load path analysis principles, aerospace mechanical engineering standards, and finite element method and analysis of structures.
Familiarize yourself with Airbus' products, clients, and mission objectives.

ATS Keywords:

Systems Engineering, Aerospace Structures, Launcher Structures, Solar Arrays, Structural Analysis, Mechanical Testing, Requirements Management, Project Planning, Team Leadership, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Customer Interaction, Technical Documentation, Product Development, Airbus, Netherlands, Leiden, Zuid-Holland.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailor your application and interview preparation to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this unique role in the aerospace industry.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Structural Analysis Tools:

FEMAP
NASTRAN
HyperSizer
ESACRACK

Project Management Tools:

Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Google Suite (GMail, Docs, Sheets, Slides)

Programming Languages:

Python (nice-to-have)

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarize yourself with the tools and technologies used by Airbus Netherlands B.V. to demonstrate your ability to contribute to the team's success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Airbus Netherlands B.V. Values:

Innovation: Drive progress and continuous improvement in all aspects of the business.
Safety: Prioritize safety in all operations and products.
Respect: Value and respect the diversity of people, ideas, and cultures.
Excellence: Strive for the highest standards in all activities.
Trust: Build trust by being reliable, honest, and transparent.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Collaborate with diverse teams, including Lead Engineers, Design and Analysis Specialists, and Production Teams.
Code Review Culture: Encourage peer review and continuous learning.
Knowledge Sharing: Foster a culture of knowledge sharing and technical mentoring.

📝 Enhancement Note: Embrace Airbus Netherlands B.V.'s values and collaboration style to thrive in this dynamic and international working environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Structural Optimization: Optimize launcher structures for mass, cost, and production/assembly requirements while ensuring the highest reliability.
Performance Optimization: Optimize the performance of launchers and Solar Arrays to meet the rapidly changing demands of the market.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in the aerospace industry and their potential applications in launcher structures and Solar Arrays.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in launcher structures, Solar Arrays, or related fields through training, workshops, and conferences.
Leadership Development: Develop leadership skills through mentoring, coaching, and on-the-job training.
Architecture Decision-making: Contribute to architecture decisions that shape the future of Airbus' products and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: Embrace the challenges and growth opportunities presented by this role to drive your professional development and contribute to Airbus' success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Structural Analysis: Describe your experience with coupled load path analysis principles and finite element method and analysis of structures.
Requirements Management: Explain your approach to defining, verifying, and costing detailed work package descriptions for project planning.
Team Leadership: Discuss your experience leading multidisciplinary teams and driving projects from proposal to execution.
Customer Interaction: Share examples of effective customer interaction and collaboration with internal project management, partners, and suppliers.

Company & Culture Questions:

Airbus Netherlands B.V.: Describe what attracts you to working for Airbus Netherlands B.V. and how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values.
Team Dynamics: Explain how you would contribute to the team's success through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technical mentoring.
Product Development: Discuss your ideas for driving innovation in launcher structures and Solar Arrays, and contributing to the company's future growth.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structural Analysis: Present examples of your experience in structural analysis, mechanical testing, and requirements management.
Team Leadership: Highlight your ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, driving projects from proposal to execution.
Customer Interaction: Showcase your successful customer interaction and collaboration with internal project management, partners, and suppliers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailor your interview preparation to demonstrate your understanding of Airbus Netherlands B.V.'s mission, values, and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Engineer (Structures/Launchers) position at Airbus Netherlands B.V.:

Tailor Your Application: Highlight your relevant experience and skills in leading the development of load-carrying aerospace structures, structural analysis, mechanical testing, and requirements management.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, driving projects from proposal to execution, and effective customer interaction.
Research Airbus: Familiarize yourself with Airbus' products, clients, and mission objectives to demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and values.
Submit Your Application: Upload your application letter and resume via the online application button.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Airbus Netherlands B.V. before making application decisions.

Systems Engineer (Structures/Launchers)