Chemical Propulsion Engineer

Aurora Technology BV; Noordwijk; On-site; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm is seeking a Chemical Propulsion Engineer to provide technical support for ESA projects related to space transportation and exploration vehicles. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and at least 4 years of relevant experience, with strong emphasis on chemical propulsion. This role is located at the European Space Technology and Research Centre in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The company offers generous benefits including relocation support and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Good remuneration in line with ESA Job Class

12 public holidays and 30 days of annual leave

Training and development opportunities

Relocation support and financial assistance

Company pension scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience in aerospace or mechanical engineering with emphasis in chemical and/or advanced propulsion.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); knowledge of another European language is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support in chemical propulsion to ESA project teams.
• Support studies, simulations, and engineering developments in chemical propulsion.
• Contribute to the definition and execution of ESA technology programmes.
• Assess and develop advanced propulsion concepts.
• Configure and design chemical propulsion systems.
• Undertake basic experimental research and qualification testing.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Mechanical engineering

Chemical propulsion

Project management

Fluent English

Education

University degree (MSc.) in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Join to apply for the Chemical Propulsion Engineer role at Aurora Technology BV.

Overview

Aurora is an established supplier of skilled manpower to ESA, with a strong focus on aerothermodynamics and propulsion engineering. This position involves expert technical support in chemical propulsion for ESA projects, from feasibility studies to final vehicle integration.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support in chemical propulsion to ESA project teams for the development of space transportation and exploration vehicles (launchers, orbital transfer vehicles, landers, reentry vehicles, and spacecraft) throughout all project phases.
• Support studies, simulations, experimental investigations, and engineering developments in chemical propulsion (components, equipment, sub-systems, systems).
• Contribute to the definition and execution of ESA technology programmes and to the oversight activities of the Technical and Quality Management Directorate.
• Harmonize with other ESA and national developments and monitor applicable development trends.
• Assess and develop advanced propulsion concepts, including nuclear and airbreathing technologies, MEMS propulsion, green propulsion, and advanced manufacturing.
• Configure and design chemical propulsion systems, initiating critical technology developments and establishing design and engineering standards in the area.
• Undertake basic experimental research and qualification testing in the ESA Propulsion Laboratory at ESTEC.

Qualifications

• University degree (MSc.) in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with emphasis in space propulsion.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience in aerospace or mechanical engineering with emphasis in chemical and/or advanced propulsion.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); knowledge of another European language is an asset.

Legal and Security Requirements

• Applicants must be legally allowed to work in The Netherlands.
• Applicants must provide a copy of their passport and degree certificate; Aurora will validate the degree with the issuing university and provide evidence to ESA.
• Prior to issuing a letter of employment, the applicant shall provide an official document declaring good conduct from the country where they are currently resident.

Location

The work will be performed at the European Space Technology and Research Centre (ESTEC) at Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Contract

• Good remuneration in line with ESA Job Class.
• Registered for both social security and tax in the Netherlands.
• Standard working hours are 40 per week; 12 public holidays and an additional 30 days of annual leave.
• Training and development opportunities included.
• Aurora assists with relocation support and financial assistance.
• Aurora contributes to a company pension scheme.

Application Deadline

Prior to 03 November 2025 please apply via our Job Application form. Aurora will agree conditional employment terms and conditions with the selected candidates before presenting them to ESA by 06 November 2025, 13.00 hours.

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