Microwave&RF Laboratory Technician, Noordwijk aan Zee

We are looking for a Microwave&RF Laboratory Technician 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!

Your role:

We are seeking a full-time

Laboratory Technician

to support the Microwave Laboratory, the Antenna Laboratory and Payload Laboratory. These labs are very different but have RF and microwave measurements in common. This role is strongly hands-on and operational, facilitating engineers and customers. In other words: keep the labs ready to work in, support test preparation and support test execution.

General tasks for all three labs:

Manage calibration of RF and microwave hardware with external contractor (track validity, coordinate shipment, register). Coordinate with external/internal contractor the maintenance services for thermal installations (e.g. TVAC's), electromechanical installations, positioner systems and safety and working aidsSupport compliance of cleanroom and chemical storage. Maintain order and safety in the labs, keep lab consumables available. Keep systems for inventory and asset control up to date, support audits and inspections. Keep track of the condition of (electrical) instruments and organise repairs, disposal, procurement.Cable assembly and harness preparation (routing, crimping, integration). Soldering and rework of electronic components and assemblies. Basic knowledge on RF components (e.g. LNA, filter, PA, mixer, coupler) with a variety of equipment (e.g. vector network analysers, power meters, spectrum analysers, oscilloscopes).Support users of the facilities, instruct on tidiness, safe operation, good practices, assist in setting up the facility. Coordination of electrical; inspections with external contractor.

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

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field. With 3+ years of experience in a similar environment. Knowledge and experience in safe operation, maintenance and inspection of low-voltage installations and equipment (Certification in NEN 3140). Knowledge in the basic principles and operation of RF measurement equipment, such as VNA, power meter, spectrum analyser, oscilloscope..Good knowledge in electronics and electrical systems. Knowledge and experience on the working principles and operation of thermal systems (thermistors and PT-100 probes) and TVAC (at user level). Experience in building harnesses, and other soldering work on electronic components. Experience in preparing and handling EGSE including electronics. Design of PCBs, electrical boxes, etc ..Experience in coordinating with external service providers and contractors. Organizational and inventory-management skills. Knowledge in infrastructure projects (e.g. electrical and other supplies in buildings used for laboratory purposes)

Experience that is nice to have:

ISO accreditation experience and ISO auditing experience. Experience with ESTEC site services Knowledge on ECSS-Q-ST-70-61 (wires, terminals, crimping, etc ..) Knowledge on UPS systems Experience on RF system testing activities: from initial feasibility assessment to assembly/integration, testing, reporting.+5 years’ experience in similar lab environment

Personal Attributes

Highly structured, methodical, and safety-oriented. Positive attitude and constructive mind Proactive and comfortable enforcing laboratory discipline. Service-minded and reliable. Able to work independently. Not afraid to, from time to time, make dirty hands or do physical work. Flexible and willing to support multiple laboratories with different managers.

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 as soon as possible