PhD Position AI-enhanced Computational Design for Mechanical Integration of Motion System

Job description

Motion systems are used throughout the semiconductor and high-tech industry for fast and extremely precise positioning in e.g. microscopes and chip production process. Motion system design unites structural mechanics and dynamics, electromagnetic actuation, sensing and control. To achieve optimal performance of these mechatronic systems, the AIDEAL project aims to develop a holistic AI-based design framework capable of considering all these aspects in an integrated manner. A key part of this is the mechanical integration, i.e. the design of the structure that holds everything together and provides the necessary structural stiffness and dynamic behavior. With the availability of additive manufacturing, tremendous design freedom has been unlocked, which allows for radically new high-performance structural designs. Additionally, advancements in computer vision and language modeling allow for designs from different domains and scales to transform the creativity of AI-driven generative design models. The endless possibilities and high complexity of the design task exceed the capabilities of experienced human designers. For this reason, we have already successfully developed specific computational design methods based on topology optimization to generate superior mechanical designs. This project aims to develop a new generation of these computational design tools by enhancing them with AI concepts, with the aim to accelerate the design process even further and increase the diversity and optimality of the obtained designs. This PhD project will closely interact with two other PhD researchers that focus on the electromagnetic actuation system and the control design, as well as with a consortium of high tech companies supporting the AIDEAL project. The project plan includes the joint realization of full-scale functional hardware demonstrator, for which this PhD project is responsible for the mechanical design methodology.

The intended starting date of this PhD position is October 1st, 2025.

Job requirements

•  You are intellectually curious, enjoy analyzing and solving problems, can deal with abstract concepts and are good at turning ideas into code that works.
• You have a drive for excellence, and enjoy working on fundamental solutions for industry-relevant technological challenges, within an academic environment.
• You have recently obtained an MSc degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent), or will obtain this within the next 2 months.
• You have strong academic credentials relevant to this PhD project, evidenced e.g. by performance in courses on mechanics, numerical modeling, optimization, mechatronic system design, control theory and related subjects.
• Any experience related to AI is seen as a bonus, please describe your specific expertise.
• You have significant experience with finite element modeling, and preferably also with (topology) optimization.
• You have strong analytic and programming skills. Considerable experience with Python and/or C++ is required.
• This PhD project involves high performance computing. Experience with parallel programming is an asset, but a training programme is available as well.
• Good English speaking and writing skills are required.

Please include evidence of your competences regarding these requirements in your application through your motivation letter, CV or additional documents.

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 Mechanical Engineering 

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems. 

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work. 

Conditions of employment 

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Matthijs Langelaar, m.langelaar@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 11 May 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter

You can address your application to Matthijs Langelaar.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.