Description

As Electric Propulsion Engineer, you will report to the Head of 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 provide technical expertise to projects and monitor ESA R&D contracts with a particular emphasis on innovative technologies envisaged for application on current and planned ESA missions, such as 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

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• providing technical expertise and consultancy in electric propulsion to the Agency’s project teams responsible for the development of spacecraft, 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;
• providing technical expertise in 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 an emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures;
• testing of electric propulsion systems at the ESA Propulsion Laboratory;
• monitoring applicable scientific and technological trends and maintaining state-of-the-art expertise in the relevant domain;
• disseminating the results of activities performed and actively contributing to the transfer of knowledge across the Agency.

Your duties may also include performing 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 is required in aerospace, mechanical or electrical engineering, or in physics with a specialisation in spacecraft propulsion.

Additional requirements

You should have the following experience in key fields of design and technology development:
•    Several years of experience in the supervision of development and AIV of electric propulsion systems, thrusters and components for spacecraft applications.
•    Practical experience 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, would be considered an advantage.