PhD Position Advanced Adaptive Optics for Laser Satellite Communications

Help shape the future of laser satellite communications by joining our team. You will design and develop advanced adaptive optics systems that enhance the reliability and performance of high-speed data transmission through space.

Job description

Laser satellite communication is an emerging technology with strong potential for high-capacity data transmission, particularly for intersatellite links. However, achieving reliable optical communication between ground stations and satellites remains challenging due to atmospheric turbulence.

This PhD position is part of the STARS: Smart 3D Tomographic Adaptive Optics for Turbulence-Resilient Optical Communication Systems project. The research focuses on optical communication links with geostationary satellites.

Geostationary satellites are widely used for communication applications, such as television and radio broadcasting, due to their fixed position relative to the Earth. At the same time, their large distance introduces significant challenges in terms of signal strength and robustness.

The project investigates a novel approach in which multiple laser beams are combined to achieve constructive interference at the satellite. This increases the optical intensity at the receiver and improves communication performance over long distances.

Within this PhD project, you will focus on the development and experimental validation of the advanced adaptive optics system required to enable this concept. The work includes the development of estimation and control algorithms and their validation in a laboratory environment. A key aspect of the research is the estimation of the required wavefront compensation to maximize the transferred optical energy.

The position is embedded in a collaborative environment with academic and industrial partners. Supervision will be provided by TU Delft and Airbus Netherlands. The project is part of a broader consortium including TU Eindhoven, FSO Instruments, Celestia STS, IMEC Leuven, Flexible Optical, TNO, and SES.

Job requirements

• MSc degree (or equivalent) recognized in the Netherlands
• Background in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience with advanced estimation algorithms (e.g. Kalman filtering, gradient-based methods)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in English (minimum B2, preferably C1/C2)
• Good written and verbal communication skills
•  Ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment
• A security screening may be part of the selection procedure due to knowledge protection regulations

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 €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  

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 Carlas Smith c.s.smith@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 August 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Motivation letter

• Copy of MSc diploma (or equivalent) 

• If the applicants are selected for an interview, they will be asked to provide contact details of referees and two letters of recommendation with their consent 

• List of courses and grades 

• Documentation of experimental experience (e.g. thesis or projects) 

• Relevant publications (if applicable)  

You can address your application to Carlas Smith.

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. 
• 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