Electric Propulsion Engineer

As Electric Propulsion Engineer, you will report to the Head of the Electric Propulsion Section, under the Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics, and Flight Vehicles Engineering Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.

Your role will encompass technology research and development (R&D) and project support in the field of electric propulsion. You will be expected to undertake technical support activities for ESA projects and to lead ESA R&D contracts, with a particular emphasis on innovative technologies currently envisaged for application on planned ESA missions, such as micro-propulsion for drag-free and flight formation, propulsion for LEO constellations, navigation, Earth observation and telecommunications missions, and high-power propulsion for interplanetary missions.

In addition, you will be in charge of managing test activities at the ESA Propulsion Laboratory, reporting to the Head of the Electric Propulsion Section and Laboratory Manager.

The Electric Propulsion Section is responsible for architecture, engineering, research and development, and testing of electric propulsion systems for all space vehicles dedicated to Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, science and exploration missions and space safety, together with related IOD/IOV mission space vehicles. The Section is also responsible for conveying its technical domain contribution to system engineering, operations engineering and multidisciplinary technological developments.

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, and in the above technical areas, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

Provision of expert technical support to projects

• Providing expert technical support and consultancy in electric propulsion to Agency project teams responsible for the development of spacecraft 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;
• Promoting the use of relevant technical standards and best engineering practices, innovative methodologies and solutions in projects.

Definition, initiation and management of R&D activities

• Contributing to the preparation of R&D plans, roadmaps, strategies and processes to address user and programme needs;
• Identifying opportunities for technology development within the technical domain, including technology trends in other industries and their adaptation to the space field;
• Defining, initiating and managing R&D activities covering experimental investigations and engineering developments in electric propulsion for both long- and short-term needs;
• Fostering new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, with the emphasis on innovative concepts and cutting-edge technologies.

Test management

• Managing test activities at the ESA Propulsion Laboratory, including Test Reviews (TRR, TRB);
• Knowledge building and transfer;
• 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;
• Mentoring Junior Professionals, EGTs and interns.

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

Technical competencies

• General spacecraft and space transportation systems knowledge, including space logistics knowledge
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• Knowledge of procurement processes for technology development and innovation (statements of work, proposal evaluation, etc.)
• Knowledge about the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews
• Knowledge about space engineering standards and their preparation and implementation

Behavioural competencies

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

Education and professional experience

Master’s in a relevant domain, either aerospace or mechanical engineering or physics, together with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.

Additional requirements

• A minimum of several years of experience in the supervision of development and AIV of electric propulsion systems, thrusters and components for spacecraft applications
• Practical experience is also required in the operation and use of propulsion test facilities for low-thrust applications
• A comprehensive system background, including an appreciation of the state of the art in innovative space propulsion, will be considered an advantage for the position.

Important information

Applicants must be eligible to access information, technology, and hardware which is subject to European or US export control and sanctions regulations and 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 one 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 and 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.