Propulsion Engineering Manager

HALL EFFECT THRUSTER EXPERT OHB Sweden is expanding its propulsion capabilities and is looking for an experienced Hall Effect Thruster (HET) Expert to strengthen our team. You will play a key role in ensuring that our electric propulsion systems continue to meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and technical excellence. This position is ideal for someone who has hands‑on experience with Hall Effect Thrusters, whether through development, testing, evaluation, manufacturing, integration, or extensive procurement and supplier interaction, and who thrives in a collaborative environment supporting cutting‑edge space missions. ABOUT THE ROLE As a Hall Effect Thruster Expert, you will serve as one of OHB Sweden’s in‑house specialists and technical point of contacts for topics related to Hall Effect Thrusters and their associated subsystems. You will work closely with propulsion engineers, system engineers, and project teams across the company to ensure high‑quality propulsion solutions for our satellites. Your work will primarily involve supplier-facing technical leadership, internal expertise, and system-level integration support, including: KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Lead the technical aspects of procurement of Hall Effect Thrusters and related subsystems. * Evaluate supplier proposals, specifications, test plans, and qualification approaches. * Perform technical reviews of documentation, verification data, acceptance criteria, and interface definitions. * Conduct internal assessments of thruster performance, lifetime considerations, and compatibility with satellite system requirements. * Support trade-offs, architecture evaluations, and propulsion system configuration choices where HETs are involved. * Participate in design reviews with external suppliers and internal engineering teams. * Provide expert guidance on operational constraints, integration considerations, and flight heritage aspects. * Support anomaly investigations and provide technical feedback on propulsion‑related findings. * Contribute to internal knowledge-building, best practices, and technical standards for electric propulsion. YOUR PROFILE We are looking for a hands‑on expert with solid experience in Hall Effect Thrusters, ideally supported by a background in spacecraft propulsion, plasma physics, or electric propulsion technology. REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE * Direct experience working with Hall Effect Thrusters — development, testing, manufacturing, analysis, qualification, or procurement. * Strong understanding of plasma propulsion principles and thruster operational modes. * Familiarity with spacecraft system engineering, propulsion interfaces, and environmental requirements. * Experience interacting with suppliers, reviewing documentation, and handling technical discussions. * Ability to assess performance data, test results, and qualification evidence. * Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines. MERITING QUALIFICATIONS * Experience with electric propulsion system integration on spacecraft. * Hands-on experience with plasma diagnostics or electric propulsion test facilities. * Previous participation in space mission development or satellite delivery. * Familiarity with European and international standards for space hardware. WHY JOIN OHB SWEDEN? At OHB Sweden, you will be part of a highly skilled propulsion team with a wide range of specialties across electric and chemical propulsion, system analysis, integration, and testing. You will contribute to innovative space missions and work in a flexible, collaborative, and technically rich environment where your expertise truly matters. You will have the opportunity to: * Influence propulsion decisions across multiple missions. * Act as a subject-matter expert in a strategically important area. * Work with advanced electric propulsion technologies and world‑leading suppliers. * Grow within a company that values technical depth, creativity, and teamwork. LOCATION The position is based in Kista, Stockholm. In accordance with U.S. Export Control regulations, this position is restricted to citizens of countries that are part of the European Union or NATO. Applications from other nationalities cannot be considered.

OHB Sweden is a leading Swedish supplier of space systems. We develop, build, test and commission satellites and subsystems for space missions in, for example, communication, earth observation and space research for institutional and commercial customers within and outside Europe. We are now looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Propulsion Engineer for supporting our projects and development activities. Tasks included in this role are mainly, but not limited to, procurement of equipment, sales support, supplier & customer negotiations, requirement handling, testing of propulsion systems and analysis support to technical lead/architect. The Propulsion Engineer will work in the Propulsion department and report to the Head of Department. The Engineer is expected to * Plan and organize the daily work to be both structured and efficient * Respect constraints of the project, the customers and the suppliers * Complete project deliverables on time, within budget and in accordance with our quality standards. * Provide clear and coherent reporting * Take part in the continuous improvement process * Be a team player with good communication skills and a willingness to solve technical issues together with other engineers * Work autonomously when needed Please address the above points where applicable in your cover letter, with direct reference to experience, projects, design and/or background. Required qualifications * University degree (MSc, PhD or equivalent) in engineering physics, electrical engineering, vehicle design or similar * Specialization within aerospace engineering is an advantage * Work experience within the field is an advantage * Fluent in English. Swedish is an advantage * Ability to work in a precise way on multiple tasks and against tight deadlines * Strong problem-solving skills and initiative, with the ability to work pragmatically and focus on delivering the right level of quality on time * Travel may be required (up to five trips per year, mostly within Europe). What we offer * Possibility to work on propulsion systems for exciting missions - Many of our projects are scientific or climate research missions such as Solar Orbiter, Euclid, PLATO, ARIEL, Biomass, CHIME, ROSE-L, Comet-Interceptor etc. * Possibilities to work with both monopropellant, bi-propellant, cold gas and electric propulsion systems * A dynamic work environment - our propulsion engineers are working with many different tasks involving many different disciplines such as mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemistry etc. In accordance with U.S. Export Control regulations, this position is restricted to citizens of countries that are part of the European Union or NATO. Applications from other nationalities cannot be considered.