PostDoc Survivable DC Power Systems for Ships

How can we guarantee the availability of power and energy on board a ship with a DC electric power system? Join TU Delft to design fault-tolerant DC architectures that keep ships operational under extreme conditions, and help shape the sustainable, safe and resilient fleets of the future.

Job description 

Energy transition, smart manning and survivability are key challenges for the Navy and the rest of the maritime sector. Within the NWO-funded project Survivable DC Power Systems for Ships TU Delft collaborates with TU Eindhoven, the University of Twente and several industrial partners to develop next-generation DC system technologies that remain operational after faults caused by wear, flooding, fire or even missile impact.

This Postdoc position focuses on the design and control of fault-tolerant DC energy systems for ships, guaranteeing that power and energy remain available in all circumstances. You will study how to distribute energy sources and loads across the vessel to ensure safety, reliability, availability, and efficiency both during normal operation and in extreme events. You will also explore the implications of this DC system architecture that affects ship design, and how it can meet new high-power demands from technologies such as electromagnetic guns or laser weapons and the consequences of missile impacts, such as compartment flooding or fire.

Your research combines modelling, system design and control development for survivable, decentralised DC networks. You will validate your models and control strategies in collaboration with industrial partners who provide access to use cases and recorded data of state-of-the art ships. The zero-emission laboratory of MARIN offers unique opportunities to test your results with real components.

By improving the resilience and efficiency of electric power systems on ships, your work directly contributes to safer naval operations, cleaner maritime transport, and reduced environmental impact. The knowledge you generate will help design future zero-emission and smart ships, strengthening the Dutch maritime industry and advancing global sustainability goals.

Your work environment
You will be part of the Sustainable Drive & Energy Systems group within the Department of Maritime & Transport Technology at TU Delft. The group focuses on the maritime sector’s role in the global energy transition, developing sustainable propulsion technologies and advancing renewable energy generation at sea. You will work under the supervision and guidance of experts in electrical and marine engineering, Dr. Henk Polinder and Dr. Andrea Coraddu.

Our research covers two main areas: the design of new electric and hybrid drive systems powered by renewable fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels, and the development of offshore renewable energy technologies, including wind, wave and tidal power. The group collaborates closely with TU Delft’s Process & Energy and Electrical Engineering departments to integrate clean fuels, electrification and energy storage solutions. You will work in an open, collaborative environment with access to world-class research facilities, including the MT&T Towing Tanks and dedicated setups for testing advanced drive systems.

Job requirements 

We are looking for an outstanding and enthusiastic Postdoc researcher who enjoys working in a multidisciplinary environment and communicating effectively with both academic and industrial partners. You are creative, self-driven and able to work independently while contributing actively to team goals.’

Moreover, you need to have:

• A PhD in electrical power engineering, marine engineering, control engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong knowledge of electric power and propulsion systems and you’re motivated to apply it to the maritime domain.
• The ability to translate theoretical insights into practical, fault-tolerant system design
• Experience with modelling, simulation and control of complex energy systems.
• Good command of written and spoken English, enabling you to publish and present your work internationally.

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 

• Duration of contract is 30 maanden.
• A job of 32-40 hours per week. 

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. 

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 Dr. Henk Polinder, Associate Professor, email: H.Polinder@tudelft.nl.   

For information about the selection procedure, please contact the recruitment team, email: recruitment-ME@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 23 November 2025 via the application button and upload:

•  A cover letter stating your motivation (max. 2 pages)

•  Detailed curriculum vitae (including a list of publications).

•  Names and contact details (email) of up to three professional referees.

•  A summary of your doctoral thesis and other research experience, if applies (max. 2 pages.)

You can address your application to Henk Polinder.

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.