Test Engineer | 40 hours | Leiden area | Space industry | Testing | Start date: ASAP | Duration: 1 year (detached from employer) | Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands

Start date: As soon as possible
Hours: 40 hours per week (at least 32 hours on-site)
Location: Leiden
Duration: 1-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of a permanent position thereafter
Reason: More capacity needed

Company description
At Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands, we work at the cutting edge of technology in one of the most challenging and rapidly changing industries in the world: space. Our products and services—including solar arrays, launcher structures, instruments, and optical communication—are among the best in the world. They enable missions that are of great importance to our daily lives on Earth, such as satellite navigation, communications, climate research, and air quality monitoring.
At our state-of-the-art facilities, a team of over 200 dedicated professionals works on the design, development, assembly, testing, and delivery of space products and services.

About the role
Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands is looking for a Test Engineer for the AIT (Assembly, Integration & Test) department.
In this role, you will assist with the testing of solar array subsystems and components used in satellite missions. You will be responsible for preparing, conducting, and documenting tests to verify that products meet the required quality and performance standards before delivery.
Working closely with AIT managers, team leaders, and fellow engineers, you will contribute to the successful execution of large international space programs.

Your role and responsibilities
As a Test Engineer, you will:

• Prepare and conduct functional and qualification tests on solar array components and subsystems;
• Support the verification and validation of products throughout the development process;
• Analyze test results and report findings;
• Prepare test documentation and technical reports;
• Work closely with engineering teams to resolve technical issues;
• Contribute to continuous improvements in the testing process;
• Support multiple space projects at the same time.

Your profile
You are an analytical engineer who enjoys solving technical challenges and working in a structured, high-tech environment.
You bring:

• Bachelor's degree (HBO) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field;
• Approximately 2–5 years of relevant experience;
• Experience in a technical or high-tech manufacturing environment;
• Experience with CAD software;
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word;
• Strong communication skills in English;
• A proactive and quality-driven mindset.
• Experience in the aerospace or space industry is considered a plus.

What we offer

• A unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge space technology;
• A challenging role within an international aerospace organization;
• Collaboration with highly skilled engineering teams;
• Exposure to complex satellite development programs;
• A one-year fixed-term assignment with the possibility of permanent employment.

For questions: robert.vandenouwelant@headfirst.nl