Chemical Propulsion Engineer

Location: Noordwijk

Chemical Propulsion Engineer
Job

Requisition

Date Posted: 8 June 2026

Closing Date: 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

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…