Are you an experienced Mechanical Technician looking for an opportunity in the European space industry? ATG Europe is currently recruiting a skilled Mechanical Technician to support the ElectroMechanical Workshop at the European Space Agency (ESA) ESTEC site in Noordwijk, Netherlands.
This is an excellent opportunity for professionals with experience in CNC machining, conventional machining, mechanical assembly, precision manufacturing, technical drawings, GD&T, and dimensional inspection who want to contribute to advanced engineering and space-related projects.
The position is fully on-site and requires candidates to work five days per week at the ESTEC facility. The current vacancy has an application deadline of September 16, 2026.
Mechanical Technician Job Overview
| Job Title | Mechanical Technician |
| Employer | ATG Europe |
| Client / Location | ESA / ESTEC |
| Location | Noordwijk, South Holland, Netherlands |
| Work Model | On-site, 5 days per week |
| Industry | Space, engineering and high technology |
| Experience Required | At least 5 years of relevant experience |
| Education | Technical diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Machining or equivalent |
| Language | Fluent written and spoken English |
| Work Authorization | Eligibility to live and work in the European Union |
| Application Deadline | September 16, 2026 |
About the Mechanical Technician Position
The successful candidate will join the ESA/ESTEC ElectroMechanical Workshop, providing manufacturing, prototyping and technical support to engineering teams, laboratories and test facilities.
The role involves working with mechanical components used in advanced engineering and space-related activities. The technician will be responsible for precision machining, manufacturing, assembly, inspection and handling of components while following strict safety, cleanliness and quality procedures.
This makes the vacancy particularly attractive to experienced mechanical technicians, CNC machinists, precision machinists and mechanical manufacturing specialists interested in building a career within the European space and high-tech industry.
What Will a Mechanical Technician Do?
The Mechanical Technician will perform a wide range of practical engineering and workshop activities. Key responsibilities include:
- Performing precision machining using CNC and conventional machine tools.
- Manufacturing prototypes and mechanical components according to engineering drawings and specifications.
- Carrying out mechanical assembly, fitting, adjustment and finishing work.
- Performing dimensional inspections using professional metrology and measurement equipment.
- Reading and interpreting technical drawings and manufacturing specifications.
- Working closely with engineers to identify manufacturing and manufacturability issues.
- Maintaining accurate documentation and component traceability.
- Following ESA and ATG requirements for workshop safety, cleanliness and quality.
- Supporting the maintenance of workshop machinery and technical equipment.
- Contributing ideas and improvements to workshop manufacturing processes.
Mechanical Technician Requirements
Applicants should have a strong practical background in mechanical engineering or machining. ATG Europe emphasizes that candidates should clearly demonstrate in their CV how they meet the mandatory requirements.
Education and Experience
- A technical diploma such as MBO, MTS or an equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering or Machining.
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
- Hands-on experience with conventional and/or CNC machining.
- Experience working with mechanical manufacturing and precision components.
Technical Skills
- Ability to read and understand technical engineering drawings.
- Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience using measurement and inspection instruments.
- Understanding of workshop safety procedures.
- Strong attention to detail and precision.
- Ability to identify potential manufacturing problems before production.
Additional Skills That Can Strengthen Your Application
The following experience is considered an advantage for this Mechanical Technician job in the Netherlands:
- Experience manufacturing or working with space hardware.
- Knowledge of CAM software.
- Experience with 3D printing or additive manufacturing.
- Welding experience.
- Certified crane or hoist operation training.
- Certified forklift operation training.
English Language Requirements
Candidates must have fluency in English, both written and spoken. The application must also be submitted in English. Applications submitted in other languages will not be considered according to the vacancy requirements.
Can International Candidates Apply?
This vacancy is particularly relevant to candidates already eligible to work in the European Union. Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the EU.
The selected candidate will be employed by ATG Europe or one of its subsidiaries, rather than directly by ESA. A general security screening conducted by an external provider will also be required as part of the selection process.
Is Relocation Assistance Available?
ATG Europe states that it provides relocation assistance for eligible employees relocating from abroad. This can include temporary accommodation and a relocation budget, subject to applicable eligibility conditions.
This can make the opportunity particularly interesting for qualified engineering professionals considering a move to the Netherlands for a career in the space and high-tech industries.
Why Work at ESA ESTEC?
ESTEC, located in Noordwijk, is an important European space engineering environment. Working in a workshop supporting ESA engineering teams can provide technicians with exposure to highly specialized manufacturing, testing and engineering activities.
For an experienced mechanical technician, this type of environment can offer valuable professional experience in precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, mechanical assembly and space hardware.
ATG Europe also highlights professional development opportunities, including personal development planning, regular assessments, training and education support.
How to Apply for the Mechanical Technician Job
Qualified candidates should prepare a detailed CV that clearly demonstrates their experience in mechanical machining, CNC operation, technical drawings, GD&T, inspection and mechanical assembly.
Because the employer specifically warns that applications may be rejected if the CV does not demonstrate the essential criteria, applicants should tailor their CV to the requirements of the position rather than submitting a generic resume.
Applications must be submitted in English through the official ATG Europe application page.
Application deadline: September 16, 2026. Early applications are encouraged by the employer.
👉 Apply for the Mechanical Technician Job at ESA ESTEC
Frequently Asked Questions About Mechanical Technician Jobs in the Netherlands
What qualifications do you need to become a Mechanical Technician in the Netherlands?
For this particular vacancy, candidates need a technical diploma such as MBO, MTS or an equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering or Machining. At least five years of relevant experience is also required.
How much experience is required for this Mechanical Technician job?
The ESA ESTEC Mechanical Technician position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, particularly in mechanical manufacturing, machining or related technical work.
Do Mechanical Technicians need CNC machining experience?
CNC machining experience is highly relevant to this position. ATG Europe requires experience with conventional and/or CNC machining, making CNC operation and precision machining important skills for applicants.
Do I need to know GD&T for a Mechanical Technician job?
For this vacancy, yes. Candidates must be able to read and interpret technical drawings, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). This skill is important when manufacturing precision mechanical components to exact specifications.
Can I apply without experience in the space industry?
Yes, previous space hardware manufacturing experience is listed as an asset rather than a mandatory requirement. Strong experience in mechanical machining, manufacturing, inspection and assembly can still be highly relevant, provided the mandatory requirements are met.
Is this Mechanical Technician job remote?
No. This is a fully on-site Mechanical Technician position in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The successful candidate must be willing and able to work on-site five days per week.
Do I need to speak Dutch to apply?
The vacancy specifically requires fluency in English, both written and spoken, and applications must be submitted in English. Dutch is not listed as a mandatory requirement in the published vacancy.
Can candidates from outside the European Union apply?
The vacancy states that candidates must be eligible to live and work in the EU. Therefore, applicants should verify their EU work authorization before applying.
Who employs the successful candidate?
The successful applicant will be employed by ATG Europe or one of its subsidiaries. The position supports activities at the European Space Agency's ESTEC site in Noordwijk.
Mechanical Technician Career Opportunities in Europe
Experienced technicians with skills in CNC machining, precision manufacturing, mechanical assembly, metrology and technical drawing interpretation can find opportunities across Europe's aerospace, automotive, manufacturing and high-tech sectors.
Specialized experience in advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, CAM programming, GD&T and precision inspection can also help mechanical technicians compete for higher-level technical positions in the European engineering market.
Final Thoughts
This Mechanical Technician job at ESA ESTEC in Noordwijk offers experienced mechanical manufacturing professionals an opportunity to work in a highly technical European space environment. The position is especially suited to candidates with strong hands-on machining skills, CNC or conventional machine experience, knowledge of GD&T and a commitment to precision and quality.
If you meet the essential qualifications and are eligible to work in the EU, consider submitting your English-language application before the September 16, 2026 deadline.