Materials And Process Engineer

Space Materials and Processes Consultant (6-Month Contract)

Location: Hybrid (Remote & On-Site) | Industry: Space Engineering | Type: Contract Consulting (Full-Time or Part-Time)

Keywords: ECSS, space materials, aerospace engineering, PMP qualification, contamination control, ESA, DMPL, mechanical parts, space manufacturing

Join a Mission to Enable the Future of Space Exploration

Are you a space materials expert with deep knowledge of ECSS standards and proven experience in qualifying components for the harshest environments? We're looking for a Space Materials and Processes Consultant to support exciting ongoing satellite and aerospace programs. You’ll be working with top engineers and assurance teams to ensure materials, parts, and processes meet strict European Space Agency (ESA) and ECSS requirements.

What You’ll Be Doing

Materials and Mechanical Parts Review

• Evaluate materials and mechanical parts for space use — considering outgassing, corrosion, thermal and radiation constraints.
• Support creation and maintenance of DML, DPL, and DMPL using ESA tools or custom frameworks.

Critical PMP Qualification

• Define and support testing and documentation for Parts, Materials, and Processes (PMP) classified as critical.
• Ensure full traceability and compliance with ECSS-Q-ST standards.

PMP Approval & Coordination

• Represent materials and processes in MPCB (Materials and Processes Control Board) meetings.
• Manage RFAs and coordinate with suppliers and customer quality chains to secure timely approvals.

Process Development and Harmonization

• Align new manufacturing and assembly methods with internal qualification processes and ECSS regulations.

Risk & Quality Management

• Proactively assess technical risks and support the PA & Risk Managers in defining mitigation strategies.
• Support root cause analysis and resolution of material-related non-conformances.

Participation in Project Reviews

• Attend technical reviews (PDR, CDR) and act as a materials subject-matter expert.
• Provide technical input during internal and supplier audits.

What You Bring

• Degree in Materials Science, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering (or related).
• At least 5 years of experience working with space-grade materials and processes.
• Strong knowledge of space qualification, fabrication, testing, and hardware lifecycle.
• Solid understanding of ECSS standards and ESA’s DMPL tool or equivalent systems.
• Experience with cleanliness, contamination control, and material selection for space environments.
• Excellent English communication skills; Italian is a plus.

Bonus Skills (Preferred)

• Knowledge of environmental and reliability testing for space components.
• Familiarity with EEE soldering standards (ECSS-Q-ST-70-08/-28).
• Background in non-conformance investigation, failure analysis, and materials testing.

Contract Details

• Contract Type: Independent Consulting (freelancer or company-to-company)
• Duration: 6 months (with potential for extension)
• Work Mode: Flexible hybrid (remote with site visits as needed)
• Start Date: ASAP or negotiable

Why Join Us?

• Work on cutting-edge aerospace missions with a multidisciplinary team.
• Influence the future of spacecraft reliability and safety.
• Flexible consulting setup tailored to your availability and expertise.

If you're ready to contribute your expertise to real missions and bring your materials science know-how into orbit, we want to hear from you.

Apply now or contact us directly to discuss your availability and technical fit.