Vibration Test Specialist in Neuss

As a Vibration Test Specialist, you will own mechanical and environmental test readiness for ICEYE’s satellite platform, with a focus on vibration, shock, mass properties, and fastened/mechanism interfaces.

Working closely with structural and mechanisms designers, you will derive test levels and provide design-for-test input while personally setting up, operating, and troubleshooting vibration campaigns end-to-end - from procedures and fixtures through execution, data analysis, and reporting.

You will also maintain test systems and control software, resolve technical issues on the test floor, and feed lessons learned into design and production readiness.

The Role

• Own test readiness for vibration, shock, mass properties / centre-of-gravity verification, and fastener torque and thread-locking integrity.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot electrodynamic shaker systems, including slip table and head expander configurations, and their control software.
• Execute random vibration, sine burst/sweep, sine-on-random/random-on-random, resonance search and dwell, and shock testing.
• Derive and verify test levels against applicable standards and assess the testability of design changes.
• Design or evaluate test fixtures and instrumentation plans to ensure reliable, repeatable data.
• Support equipment and facility readiness, including calibration checks and preventive maintenance.
• Investigate test anomalies and non-conformances, including resonance/mode shifts, fastener loosening, and unexpected damping behaviour.
• Analyse test data using MATLAB, Python, or equivalent tools and communicate findings to engineering teams.
• Author clear, version-controlled test procedures and reports that can be executed on the floor without ambiguity.
• Feed test results and lessons learned into engineering, design-for-test, and production readiness processes.

• Intellectual Firepower & Growth Mindset - Quickly understands complex systems, synthesises information, learns fast, and adapts.
• Passion & Work Ethic - Sustained drive, resilience, and high personal standards under pressure.
• Ownership & Action - Acts decisively, takes full accountability, and unblocks progress without waiting for permission.
• Team Player - Operates with humility, cross-functional collaboration, and shared mission focus.
• Adaptability & Resilience - Thrives in ambiguity, adjusts rapidly to change, and maintains performance under stress., Required:
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline with 3+ years’ relevant experience, or apprenticeship with 5+ years’ experience.
• 3-5 years of hands-on vibration, shock, or environmental test engineering in aerospace, defence, automotive, or similar hardware-intensive environments.
• Direct experience operating electrodynamic shaker systems and vibration control software across sine, random, shock, and sine burst/sweep testing.
• Solid understanding of structural dynamics and environmental test methods, with working knowledge of relevant standards.
• Working knowledge of fastener torque and thread-locking procedures.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills across engineering and production teams.
• Hands-on, proactive approach to troubleshooting and resolving test issues.
• Ability to maintain technical rigour in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Preferred:

• Experience with Vibration Research (VR) / VibrationVIEW or equivalent.
• Spacecraft, aerospace, defence, or other high-reliability test experience.
• Familiarity with satellite qualification and acceptance test campaigns.
• Experience with ESD-controlled or cleanroom environments.
• Jira or equivalent engineering / non-conformance management tools.
• Exposure to PRR, PDR, CDR, or equivalent engineering gates.
• Experience with HALT/HASS, FAT, equipment commissioning, modal analysis, or FEA-informed test planning.
• Safety or cleanroom certification.

• The opportunity to help shape a national sovereign space capability.
• A role that directly impacts Europe’s security and defense architecture.
• Competitive compensation with strong development and learning opportunities.
• A supportive, diverse, and mission-oriented environment.
• Relocation assistance
• An annual professional development budget and access to training, conferences, and certification programs.
• Modern offices with areas for collaboration and focused work.

We are pioneering the future of satellite intelligence and defense. Backed by Rheinmetall’s proven defense expertise and ICEYE’s radar satellite innovation, our joint venture has the ambition of delivering one of the world’s largest earth observation satellite constellations to defend Germany.

Our mission? Empower Europe’s security and defense with sovereign, persistent, and accurate space-based intelligence under any condition.

Join us to shape one of Europe’s most significant high-tech projects and make a real impact on defense and security for tomorrow., At RISS, we believe that diversity fosters innovation and strengthens us as an organization. We create a work environment where different perspectives and talents are not only welcome but valued.