Postdoc Modular Design of Experimental Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles

Job description

We are seeking a thoughtful, creative, and collaborative researcher excited to help shape an innovative flying testbed concept from its earliest stages.

In this role, you will take the lead in developing a complete modular UAV flying testbed design framework, spanning conceptual thinking, systematic design exploration, structural innovation, and detailed CAD work. You will also work closely with a group of MSc thesis students who will support the project with dedicated sub-tasks. The position offers an opportunity to combine independent scientific development with mentoring, teamwork, and design leadership.

The job consists of the following activities:

• Design Process Development: Creating a clear, well-structured, and transparent design workflow suited to modular flying testbed architectures.
• Wing Parameter Space Exploration: Investigating aerodynamic and structural parameters to identify promising wing geometries and modular interfaces.
• Modular Structural Concepts: Conceiving elegant and practical structural solutions that support easy assembly, adaptability, and manufacturability while maintaining strength and performance.
• CAD-based Design Development: Building a coherent, manufacturable flying testbed design in CAD software, integrating structure, aerodynamics, and modular components into a unified concept.
• Collaboration & Mentorship: Working with MSc graduating students, offering guidance, constructive feedback, and fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment.

Job requirements

We require the following competences for the job:

• A PhD degree in the aera of aerospace engineering is a must.
• Strong affinity with aircraft structures. Experience with (scaled) aircraft structures manufacturing is a pre.
• Excellent engineering insight given the design requirements of the position.
• Demonstratable capabilities to work in multidisciplinary and multinational teams.

TU Delft

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 

• Duration of contract is 18 months Temporary
• A job of 36-40 hours per week. 
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP. 
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year. 
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages. 
• Flexible working week. 
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget. 
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses. 
• Partially paid parental leave 
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program. 

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
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Roeland de Breuker, via r.debreuker@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 December 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Roeland de Breuker.

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.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.