Chemical Propulsion Engineer

Job Requisition ID: 20600

Date Posted: 8 June 2026

Application Deadline: 29 June 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication: Internal & External

Type of Appointment : 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Grade Band : A2 - A4

Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description
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 (systems utilising liquid, solid, hybrid and gaseous propellants for spacecraft and space transportation vehicles), as well in 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 the technology development roadmaps for future activities.

Duties
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

For more information, please refer to the ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

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.

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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

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 Se e-mailadresse på jobbank.dk .

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, 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.