Postdoc in Accurate Automated Fibre Placement Using Pulsed Light Heating

Work on the latest heating method in automated fibre placement

Job description

Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) is one of the methods currently used to produce composite structures in an automated fashion. When using thermoplastic materials, in-situ consolidation can be achieved when using a laser as a heating source. However, lasers are a big investment and come with safety concerns. An alternative heating method, using pulsed light, has been developed and implemented recently, showing promising results. 

The goal of this project is to further investigate and optimise AFP using pulsed light as a heat source to achieve in-situ consolidation for thermoplastic composite material. The experimental work will be conducted at SAM XL: the HUMM3 has been integrated on their AFP system already, but the optimal operation and manufacturing parameters definition is to be investigated within this project.

The technology evaluation may also include a comparison with laser heating (which is done by another partner in the project). Further evaluation can include microstructural characterisation, structural characterisation and determining bounds on the manufacturing parameters used during automated fibre placement (i.e., manufacturing envelope). 

This position is part of the NXTGEN project and will be jointly supervised by Daniël Peeters – Aerospace Structures and Materials, and a representative of SAM XL.

Job requirements

• We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher with excellent qualifications with a PhD degree (or equivalent) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related subject.
• Affinity with experimental work relating to composite manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Experience with research on thermoplastic composites is a big plus.
• You should have a very good command of English language, in direct communication as well as writing skills and should enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• You are expected to publish scientific articles and participate in international conferences.

For this position a knowledge embargo will be necessary, the candidate should be able to obtain one before the contract can be officially signed if necessary. 

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 one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond. 

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

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 36-40 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
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Daniël Peeters, via d.m.j.peeters@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 22 June 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• Contact details of two references (no letters required at this stage), all compiled into a single pdf file named: lastname_firstname_yearofbirth.pdf.

You can address your application to Daniël Peeters. Applications not complying will not be taken into consideration.

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.
• 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.