Lead Engineer Structures

Lead Engineer Structures — 40 hours per week, Leiden area, Aerospace & Space Industry, Structural Engineering.

Start date: January 2027 (de gestructureerde gegevens vermelden looptijd 01.12.2026 - 30.11.2027).

Duration: 1 year (deta-vast). 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 an experienced Lead Engineer Structures to join the engineering department at Airbus Netherlands.

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 responsibilities include: providing technical and operational leadership, coordinating engineering activities, supporting and coaching team members, overseeing structural engineering activities, collaborating closely with FEM analysts, AIT, other engineers, Procurement and Quality, analysing technical incidents, coordinating investigation and resolution of engineering problems, ensuring effective communication, contributing to continuous improvement, maintaining focus on technical integrity, and responsible for estimating, executing and monitoring financial budgets.

Your profile: a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering or comparable; at least 5 years of relevant experience in structural engineering, preferably with demonstrable technical leadership; experience with metallic structures is essential; background in aerospace, space, aviation, offshore, automotive or wind turbines; experience with Factor of Safety calculations; proven experience leading engineers; proactive hands-on approach; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; knowledge of structural analysis methods; strong communication and stakeholder management skills; genuine interest in aerospace technology; experience in Agile is an advantage; knowledge of Nastran is an advantage; good command of English; residency in the Netherlands.

We offer the opportunity to work on challenging projects, a leading engineering role, collaboration with experienced professionals, a full-time assignment of 40 hours per week, an initial contract of one year with intention to transition to permanent through a deta-vast arrangement, and a dynamic high-tech environment.