EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY
Electric 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
Description
The Electric Propulsion Engineer reports to the Electric Propulsion Section in 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 the performance of technical support activities for projects and the monitoring of ESA R&D contracts, with a particular emphasis on innovative technologies, currently envisaged for application on current and planned ESA missions, e.g. micro-propulsion for drag-free and flight formation, propulsion for constellations and GEO telecommunication missions and high thrust engines for interplanetary missions.
In addition, you will be in charge of coordinating functions and activities related to the testing of electric propulsion systems at the ESA Propulsion Laboratory, under the responsibility of the Electric Propulsion Section.
Duties
The specific duties of the post include:
• providing expert technical support and consultancy in electric propulsion to the Agency’s project teams responsible for the development of spacecraft, throughout all the 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 preparation of work plans in electric propulsion in the Agency’s technological programmes;
• 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, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• taking charge of key tasks for the testing of electric propulsion systems at the ESA Propulsion Laboratory;
• 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.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
A master’s or equivalent in aerospace, mechanical or electrical engineering, or physics with specialisation in spacecraft propulsion is required.
Additional requirements
Applicants should have some experience in key fields of design and technology development, as follows:
• At least some 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.
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 offerand 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.