Assistant Professor in Multi-Satellite Systems

Help shape the next generation of multi-satellite systems. Conduct pioneering research, teach future space engineers, and develop concepts and technologies that enable more capable, autonomous and impactful satellite missions.

Job description

Multi-satellite systems (MSS) are rapidly becoming essential in applications such as Earth Observation, communication, navigation and space situational awareness. By coordinating multiple spacecraft, these systems unlock higher temporal and spatial resolution, enable innovative virtual payload concepts and increase robustness of operations. TU Delft aims to push this frontier even further through world-class research and education.

As Assistant Professor in Multi-Satellite Systems, you will develop your own research line focused on advancing the concepts, architectures, technologies and operations of MSS. Depending on your expertise, this may include areas such as Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), distributed autonomy, satellite coordination algorithms, space systems engineering, or the design and integration of miniaturised payloads. You will conduct fundamental and applied research, publish in leading journals, and collaborate with international partners in academia and industry.

A key part of your role is to attract funding from organisations such as the European Space Agency, the European Commission, the Dutch Research Council and industrial partners. You will supervise PhD candidates, build your research team and contribute to developing a strong portfolio of 2nd and 3rd funding stream projects.

Teaching and mentoring BSc and MSc students is an important part of the role, including contributing to courses in space systems engineering and supervising thesis projects. This commitment to high-quality education helps nurture the next generation of engineers.

As a member of the Space Systems Engineering section, you join an internationally diverse, inclusive and collaborative team of over 20 academic staff and PhD researchers. Advanced facilities such as the Space Lab, Laser Communication Lab and Guidance, Navigation and Control Lab are available to support your work. These facilities are used in research and education for end-to-end space systems engineering. The section provides a supportive environment that encourages academic growth, offers coaching and fosters meaningful collaboration across the faculty and beyond.

Job requirements

• You hold a PhD in aerospace engineering, space systems engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field.
• You have strong research expertise in areas relevant to multi-satellite systems, such as GNC, distributed autonomy or virtual payloads.
• You have a promising research portfolio with clear potential for attracting external funding.
• You enjoy working in interdisciplinary teams and bring a systems-engineering mindset to complex space missions.
• You have experience in, or affinity with, hardware-related research, experiments or technology development.
• You are committed to excellent and inclusive education and enjoy teaching and supervising students.
• You communicate effectively in English and thrive in an international academic environment.
• You are motivated to contribute to a collaborative, supportive and ambitious research culture.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Conditions of employment

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, we expect you to grow towards an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years, for which a position will be available. With other Academic Career Track colleagues, you will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, where you are offered ample opportunities to develop yourself in the areas of Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development plan and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track. 

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme as part of the Academic Career Track Development programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged and you can work partly from home.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service addresses the needs of new international employees and those of their partners and families. The Coming to Delft Service offers personalised assistance during the preparation of the relocation, finding housing and schools for children (if applicable). In addition, a Dual Career Programme for partners is offered. The Coming to Delft Service will do their best to help you settle in the Netherlands.

Additional information

For information about the application procedure, please contact Dr. Alessandra Menucucci,  - email: a.menicucci@tudelft.nl or by phone:  (+)31-15-27-87401. 

Application procedure

Are you our new Assistant Professor in Multi-Satellite Systems? Please apply no later than 20 January 2026. Click the application button and upload your application material, including:

• A cover letter (please clearly indicate how your interest/experience is linked with and complement the aforementioned research areas and teaching activities),
• A detailed CV (including publication list, contributions to education and valorisation achievements),
• Research statement,
• Education statement,
• Two reference letters, and
• Other information that might be relevant to your application.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services