PhD vacatures

Develop flight control laws for a hybrid UAV that combines hover, transition and forward flight, and help validate them through simulation and flight testing. At TU Delft, your work contributes directly to innovative drone concepts at the forefront of aerospace research.

• Develop flight control laws and a MATLAB/Simulink model supporting control law design, simulation testing, and evaluation across all flight phases of the hybrid UAV.
• Validate the developed control laws through scaled flight testing, building prototypes and collecting flight‑test data.
• Implement control laws on an autopilot and analyze system performance based on flight‑test data to assess effectiveness and refine strategies.
• Collaborate closely with the project team within MAVLab to connect simulation and experimental work.
• Maintain a clear research‑oriented approach while ensuring practical hardware validation.

• PhD in Aerospace Control Systems or a related field.
• Expertise in control systems and flight dynamics.
• Experience with drones or other hardware systems.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink; experience with C/C++ is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and solve problems proactively.
• Strong research‑oriented attitude and good communication skills within a team.
• Excellent command of English.

• Duration of contract: 2 years (temporary).
• Work hours: 34–40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch workers.
• Excellent pension scheme via ABP.
• Ability to tailor an individual employment package each year.
• Discounts with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Annual leave: 232 hours (at 38 hours); options to sell or buy additional leave hours.
• Opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Program for healthy and energetic working life.

• Send CV and motivational letter via the application button by 31 May 2026.
• All applications must be made online.