Research Engineer in Virtual Reality and Robotics
Join an interdisciplinary team to develop a scalable, open-source VR laboratory for robotics training.
Job description
The candidate will contribute to the further development of HANDZONe, TU Delft's open-source VR-based virtual laboratory developed for robotics education in AEC. It provides a virtual learning environment, integrates Rhino/Grasshopper workflows, and connects physical and simulated robots. The platform currently supports Universal Robots UR5 and will be extended with support for the Franka Research 3 (FR3). This expansion will support its use by a more diverse group of users and across different disciplines and educational contexts.
The main task is to integrate the FR3 into the existing platform. This includes developing a Franka robot interface, connecting it to the existing HANDZONe server and Grasshopper workflow, adding the FR3 and its interaction environment to Unity, and providing a simulated FR3 environment for development and testing without access to the physical robot. Because the FR3 requires real-time control, the architecture will separate the local real-time robot controller from the higher-level HANDZONe communication.
A second objective is to make HANDZONe more modular and easier to extend with other robot platforms. The candidate will develop a common robot interface while keeping robot-specific control in separate drivers.
The work should result in a robust FR3 integration and a working demonstrator in which a student can use VR to interact with a physical FR3 in the laboratory. The candidate will also document the resulting architecture, installation procedure, and development workflow for future open-source development.
The candidate will be hosted at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment and will collaborate with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the TU Delft New Media Centre. The work will therefore take place in an interdisciplinary setting across different fields of expertise.
Job requirements
- A MSc degree in robotics, computer science, engineering, architecture, interaction technology, or a related field.
- Experience with real-time control of robotic or other hardware systems on Linux.
- Experience with Unity and C#, preferably for VR, simulation, digital twins, or interactive applications.
- Experience with robotic systems and robot programming. Experience with UR or Franka robots, ROS/ROS2, TypeScript/Node.js, Python, or networked robotic systems is an advantage.
- Knowledge of web-based systems, server communication, and data exchange between software and hardware.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating in an interdisciplinary team across different faculties and fields of expertise.
- Good communication and documentation skills in English, with an interest in open-source development and educational applications of robotics.
- Willingness to work closely with students and teaching staff in interdisciplinary educational settings.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
Faculty Architecture & the Built Environment
The Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment has a leading role in education and research worldwide. The driving force behind the faculty’s success is its robust research profile combined with the energy and creativity of its student body and academic community. It is buzzing with energy, with four thousand people enthusiastically studying, working, designing, conducting research and acquiring and disseminating knowledge. Our faculty has a strong focus on 'design-oriented research’, which has given it a top position in world rankings.
Staff and students are working to improve the built environment with the help of a broad set of disciplines, including architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, process management, and geo-information science. The faculty works closely with other faculties, universities, private parties, and the public sector, and has an extensive network in the Netherlands as well as internationally.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is temporary external finance for 6 to12 months.
- A job of 24-32 hours per week.
- A salary based on Scale 10 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €3706 - €5760 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
- 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.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. S. (Serdar) Așut, via e-mail: S.Asut@tudelft.nl.
For more information about the application procedure, please contact Paulien Stastra, HR advisor, via e-mail: recruitment-bk@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 20 September 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- A one-page cover letter.
- A CV.
- A portfolio or examples of relevant technical projects, particularly related to robotics, VR, Unity, real-time control, or interactive systems.
- Links to relevant software repositories or open-source contributions (e.g. GitHub), if available.
- Copies of relevant degree certificates and/or transcripts.
The interviews are planned for October 15th and 16th of 2026.
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.