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Overview
Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%). It is a global space manufacturer delivering high‑tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. The company supports a diverse range of customers including governments, institutions, and space agencies.
We are looking for a Fracture Control Engineer to define project solutions for manned pressurized structures and unmanned aerospace missions, including re-entry vehicles. These solutions must ensure the component can withstand launch, mission loads, possible re-entry and impact loads.
For manned missions and reusable spacecraft, structural integrity and life verification are performed to reduce the risk of crack initiation and propagation due to cyclic loads during the mission life.
The activity breadth includes primary and secondary structures, pressure vessels, pressurized structures, composite and non‑metallic materials, glass and ceramic components.
Responsibilities
* Prepare a Fracture Control Plan at the beginning of the program.
* Identify Fracture Critical Items during the design phase.
* Define the verification approach (safe life, fail safe, low risk).
* Define loads exceedance for fatigue load spectrum preparation.
* Conduct detailed fatigue and fracture mechanics analyses.
* Define material characterization tests (fracture toughness, crack growth and environmental effects).
* Define defect acceptability criteria for welds and composite materials.
* Support Fracture Control Board discussions or alternative approaches.
The activity aims to develop competences in fatigue and fracture mechanics analysis, support of structural tests, NDI solutions, and management of Waivers and NCRs. Knowledge of ESA and NASA standards for human spaceflight is essential.
Qualifications and Skills
* Master degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering; master or courses in Mechanical Design is desirable.
* At least 5 years of experience in the requested discipline is preferred.
* Experience in Structural or Mechanical Engineering or Industrial contexts related to structures and mechanical systems.
* Strong proficiency with Windows Office; knowledge of NASGRO/ESACRACK codes, Nastran/Patran, ANSYS, HyperWorks, Femap.
* Familiarity with damage tolerance standards in aerospace (NASA, ESA and other agencies).
* Knowledge of Space Station System standards for human flight missions.
* Experience with CAD/CAM concepts, manufacturing drawings, and related processes.
* Good problem‑solving, analysis and synthesis skills; English fluency is required; Italian is a plus.
* Willingness to travel and work in shifts if required by the program; strong teaming and multi‑disciplinary collaboration.
* Ability to negotiate with space agencies and subcontractors.
Employment Type
* Full-time
Location and Travel
Turin, Piedmont, Italy. Occasional travel and colocations abroad may be required.
At Thales Alenia Space we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With about 8,900 employees across 10 countries, our mobility policy enables employees to develop their careers at home and abroad. #SpaceForLife.
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