Electric Propulsion Engineer

Location: Noordwijk

Electric Propulsion Engineer
Job

Requisition

Date Posted: 18 May 2026

Closing Date: 8 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
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 the 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, e.g. 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 Electric Propulsion Section (TEC‑MPE) is responsible for conveying its technical domain contribution to system engineering, operations engineering and multi‑disciplinary technological developments.

In addition, the Section supports technology harmonisation and leads the definition of the technology development roadmaps for future activities.

Duties
Provision of expert technical support to projects

Providing expert technical support and consultancy in electric propulsion to the Agency 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;

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…