Mechanical Lead Engineer
Can you lead the mechanical design of our cutting edge high tech satellite communication products in an energetic young startup? Do you want to be the bridge from mechanical design perspective between customers, suppliers and our high tech factory to help us realize cost competitive products? Do you want to help built a start-up company? Then, read on and find out more about the position of Mechanical Lead Engineer at FSO Instruments!
About Demcon
FSO Instruments is at the forefront of developing advanced laser satellite communication technology. Together with our partners and shareholders we are committed to strengthening the Dutch space industry and pushing the boundaries of communication systems to enable faster, more reliable, and secure connections between satellites, airplanes, drones and ground stations. By pushing the boundaries of what is achievable, we are shaping the future of space communication, both locally and globally.
FSO Instruments is a Joint Venture between Demcon and VDL that develops and manufactures optical-communication components, sub-systems, and terminals. FSO Instruments combines the strengths of Demcon and VDL ETG, inspired by TNO technologies, to let laser satellite communication take the step towards industrialization. We have strong heritage in Semiconductor and Aerospace, and bring this to optical communications:
• Developing and engineering of laser communication terminals
• Modular and Standardized functional (sub-)systems for laser communication
• High tech contract manufacturing expertise for cost-effective high-volume production.
At FSO Instruments we work closely with dedicated partners for development and supply, as well as with our parent companies to ensure we achieve the most competitive products for the market for optical communications in space.
What are you going to do?
• Lead the mechanical design of our products by balancing technical performance and product costs in volume manufacturing.
• Manage subcontractors and suppliers from mechanical point of view.
• Iterate and transfer the mechanical designs to the factory (VDL ETG) for series production
• Since FSO Instruments is a young and growing company you are expected to be able to work both on concepts/architectures as well as performing detailed CAD work.
• Provide support for the mechanical design aspects in writing offers to customers, ESA tenders and subsidy projects.
• Take initiative in a young and growing company to help out wherever you can add value and help shape the company
• Help out in setting up the CAD and PLM infrastructure.
• Provide support in setting up the factory and production facilities
• Work in close collaboration in a multidisciplinary (multi-company) team of optical, control, systems, electrical and software engineers.
What do you bring to the table?
• You have a degree at the level of higher professional education (HBO or WO), preferably in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• You have a minimum of 8 years’ experience in a comparable mechanical engineering positionin the space or high-tech industries.
• You have knowledge of 3D CAD (including Siemens Teamcenter/NX), knowledge of fine mechanical construction principles, design for stability of precision opto-mechanical instruments and DFX
• You are able to lead discussions with suppliers in the development of our products from mechanical perspective
• You have a good understanding of mechanical design choices and the impact on cost for volume manufacturing
• You are entrepreneurial and creative, recognize and translate technical problems or new technical developments into working (mechanical) solutions
• You are enthusiastic, flexible and show initiative and perseverance
• You are pragmatic, can work with a large degree of independence and show initiative in building the company
• You have good command of the English language in word and writing. Good command of the Dutch language is preferred but not a requirement.
• You are ambitious, solution-oriented and a team player.
What do we offer you?
FSO Instruments is a dynamic, young, growing and innovative company. We place great value in a pleasant workplace and provide you with the necessary means to achieve that. Being a young and growing entity, the job comes with a significant amount of adventure, freedom, diversity and room to shape your own role and contribution to the company.
• A good, competitive salary;
• 31 days off and 8% holiday allowance;
• A good pension scheme at Zwitserleven;
• Follow training or courses at the Demcon Academy to further develop your skills;
• A laptop and telephone;
• Active staff association (monthly activities such as drinks and an annual Demcon weekend) and annual sporting events.
Do you have any questions about this position?
For more information, you can contact Hessel Edelijn (Corporate Recruiter) via hessel.edelijn@demcon.com


application procedure.
Does this vacancy appeal to you and are you curious about the application process? This goes as follows:
1. Apply
You have applied! We will discuss it internally and respond as soon as possible.
2. Phone call
We got acquainted briefly and want to get to know each other better.
3. First call
See if there is a match from both sides and if the expectations are correct.
4. Second call
We investigate a possible collaboration more closely.
5. Offer
We both see the match! Let’s make you a suitable proposal.
6. Contract
Your response to the offer is positive. We are going to finalize the collaboration!
