Chemical Propulsion Engineer

Chemical Propulsion Engineer at ESA

This is a non-renewable post for a limited duration of four years.

Description

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 and development (R&D) on chemical propulsion.

Duties

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

• providing technical expertise 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 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;
• 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 knowledge of spacecraft and space transportation systems, including space logistics (Note: spacecraft systems cover all types of in-space and exploration propulsion systems. Space transportation systems cover access to space, transport in space and return from space.)
• General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position
• Understanding of related technologies, R&D trends and the industrial landscape
• 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 (statements of work, proposal evaluation, etc.)
• Experience in the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews
• Experience with space engineering standards, as well as 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

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

Additional requirements

• 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

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
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.

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 via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

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

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

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

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality and Languages
Please note that 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, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.

When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates.

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.