Chemical Propulsion Engineer - European Space Agency (Noordwijk)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Space Agency on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Provide expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in chemical propulsion throughout all project phases, with particular emphasis on design, development and testing of MON/M…
• Participate in feasibility studies, project reviews and evaluation of procurement proposals
• Identify critical development problems and assist in their resolution
• Contribute to the definition of technology development requirements and work plans for the Agency's technology programmes
• Define, initiate and manage R&D activities covering both long- and short-term needs
• Foster new application areas for multidisciplinary activities, with emphasis on innovative concepts, cutting-edge technologies and system architectures
• Support chemical propulsion laboratory activities as required
• Monitor applicable scientific and technological trends and maintain state-of-the-art expertise

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Master's degree in a relevant domain
• Experience: At least 10 years of relevant professional experience
• Key skills: Advanced propulsion concepts, Storable and/or cryogenics propulsion systems, Fluid and mechanical ground support equipment relating to chemical propulsion, In-space refilling systems, Air-breathing chemical propulsion systems, MON/MMH or hydrazine engine design, development and testing, Project support in chemical propulsion, Preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, Management and monitoring of industrial activities, Space Engineering Standards preparation and implementation

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 4 years, extendable to indefinite.

Working arrangements: ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands.

Hiring unit: Chemical Propulsion Section, Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Engineering Division, Mechanical Depart….

Position details

Reference

1389099433

Last Verified

6 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Chemical Propulsion Engineer at ESA based in Noordwijk (Other). The vacancy reference is 1389099433.

Job Requisition ID:20427

Date Posted:4 November 2026

Closing Date:25 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method:Internal & External

Type of Appointment (learn more):4 years, extendable to indefinite

Directorate:Technology, Engineering and Quality

Location ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands

Description

Chemical Propulsion Engineer, 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 areas 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 the harmonisation of technologies and leads the definition of the technology development roadmaps for future activities.

Duties

You will report to the Head of Section, and in the above technical areas, your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

- providing expert technical support and consultancy to ESA projects, programmes and general studies in the area of chemical propulsion throughout all project phases, with particular emphasis on the design, development and testing of MON/MMH or hydrazine engines; - participating in feasibility studies, project reviews and 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 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 MON/MMH or hydrazine engine design, development and testing

Project support experience in chemical propulsion

Experience in the preparation of procurement activities for technology development and innovation, such as 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 systems and components

Behavioural competencies

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant domain is required for this post together with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 5 November 2026, 2 days ago.

The application deadline is 25 November 2026, 16 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 6 November 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at ESA see the ESA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Noordwijk see our Noordwijk location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.