Chemical Propulsion Engineer

Vacancy in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

This post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale .

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands  

Chemical Propulsion Engineer in the Chemical Propulsion Section, Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Division, Mechanical Engineering Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

The Chemical Propulsion Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) on chemical propulsion.

You will report to the Head of Section and your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

•    providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the area of chemical propulsion throughout all project phases;
•    participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and the evaluation of procurement proposals;
•    identifying critical development problems and assisting in their resolution;
•    contributing to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency’s technology programmes;
•    defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs;
•    fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, with the emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
•    laboratory activities as required;
•    monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
•    contributing to dissemination of the results of activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include supporting other activities within your area of competence.

General spacecraft and space transportation systems knowledge, including space logistics knowledge

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and familiarity with the industrial landscape

Relevant experience in spacecraft and/or launcher propulsion systems

Project support experience in a chemical propulsion

Experience in preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal evaluation)

Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews

Experience with Space Engineering Standards and their preparation and implementation

Experience in the manufacturing and testing of spacecraft and/or launcher propulsion systems and components

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

A master’s in aerospace or mechanical engineering, with an emphasis on subjects relating to space propulsion, is required.

•    Several years of experience in the design and development of chemical propulsion systems and components for spacecraft applications.
•    A comprehensive system-level background, including an appreciation of the state of the art in space propulsion, in either space or launcher applications
•    Experience in the definition and specification of space propulsion R&D activities.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework .

For further information please visit: Professionals ,What we offer  and FAQ    

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.     

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities.  Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace.  The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us email contact.human.resources@esa.int .

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Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented or balanced Member States *.  

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service. 

Recruitment will normally be at the first grade in the band (A2); however, if the candidate selected has little or no experience, the position may be filled at A1 level.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.