Electric Propulsion Engineer, Noordwijk-Binnen

Electric Propulsion Engineer Job Requisition ID: 20579

Closing Date: 8 June 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Type of Appointment: 4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate: Technology, Engineering and Quality

Workplace: Noordwijk, NL

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description As an Electric Propulsion Engineer, you will report to the Head of the Electric Propulsion Section under the Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics, and Flight Vehicles Engineering Division and provide technical support, lead R&D contracts and manage test activities at the ESA Propulsion Laboratory. You will contribute to the development of innovative electric propulsion technologies for planned ESA missions, including micro‑propulsion for drag‑free and flight‑formation missions, propulsion for LEO constellations, navigation, Earth observation, telecommunications and high‑power propulsion for interplanetary missions.

Responsibilities

Provide expert technical support and consultancy to Agency project teams throughout all project phases, including feasibility studies, project reviews, procurement proposal evaluation and resolution of development challenges.

Promote the use of relevant technical standards, best engineering practices, innovative methodologies and solutions in projects.

Contribute to the preparation of R&D plans, roadmaps, strategies and processes to address user and programme needs.

Identify opportunities for technology development within the technical domain, including technology trends in other industries and their adaptation to the space field.

Define, initiate and manage R&D activities covering experimental investigations and engineering developments in electric propulsion for both long‑ and short‑term needs.

Foster new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, emphasising innovative concepts and cutting‑edge technologies.

Manage test activities at the ESA Propulsion Laboratory, including test reviews, knowledge building and transfer, monitoring scientific and technological trends, disseminating results and mentoring junior professionals.

Perform other activities within your field of competence as required.

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 of the management and monitoring of industrial activities, including participation in reviews.

Knowledge of 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 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.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness ESA is an equal‑opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace.

Nationality and Languages Only nationals of the following states are considered: 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. The working languages of the Agency are English and French; a good knowledge of one of these is required.

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