Chemical Propulsion Engineer

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

The Chemical Propulsion Section provides support to ESA projects and leads chemical propulsion R&D activities with ESA’s industrial stakeholders in the area of chemical propulsion, including systems utilising liquid, solid, hybrid and gaseous propellants for spacecraft and space transportation vehicles, as well as advanced new propulsion systems such as air-breathing engines for advanced launch vehicles and nuclear propulsion for deep space missions. In addition, the Section supports technology harmonisation and leads the definition of technology development roadmaps for future activities.

Description

You will report to the Head of Section. In the above technical areas, 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 an emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• supporting chemical propulsion laboratory activities as required;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise;
• contributing to the dissemination of the results of activities performed and the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include performing other activities within your field of competence.

Technical competencies

• General background in one or more of the following technical domains: advanced propulsion concepts; storable and/or cryogenics propulsion systems; fluid and mechanical ground support equipment relating to chemical propulsion; in-space refilling systems; and air-breathing chemical propulsion systems
• Relevant experience in spacecraft and/or launcher propulsion systems
• Project support experience in chemical propulsion
• Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, such as technology roadmap definition, statements of work and 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

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

• Several years of experience in the design and development of classical storable chemical propulsion engines and their related components
• A comprehensive system-level background, including an appreciation of the state of the art in space propulsion for either space or launcher applications
• Experience in the definition and specification of space propulsion R&D activities
• Knowledge of and experience in the design, development and testing of storable bi-propellant liquid engines and their associated feed systems is desirable

Important Information and Disclaimer

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology and hardware subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations and be eligible to acquire the security clearance by their national security administrations.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

Nationality and Languages

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

According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the Member States.

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.