Engineer Scaled Flight Test

Does rapid prototyping, model aircraft design and flight testing appeal to you? Than this position might be something for you! Job description

In this project, you will validate a novel fixed wing unmanned air vehicle (UAV) concept through scaled flight testing. This includes validating blown wing effects during both conventional and vertical take off and landing (VTOL), as well as validating control laws through flight experiments.

Working in a team, you will use CAD tools to design a scaled UAV based on a provided planform. You will select and test components—such as servos, motors, propellers, and mechanisms—using engineering budgets and verification experiments. Multiple UAV prototypes will be built and tested using various prototyping techniques.

• CAD design.
• Structural design.
• Testing of components.
• System integration.
• Flight testing.

You will join the MAVLab at the Control & Simulation department of the Aerospace Engineering faculty at TU Delft. The MAVLab is a dynamic group of enthusiastic researchers with expertise in control, MAV design, and autonomous flight. The lab has a long tradition of developing innovative MAV concepts, including the Del Fly, Delftacopter, and Nederdrone, and is internationally recognized for leadership in autonomous drone racing.

Learn more here.

This position is perfect for you if you possess knowledge of aerodynamics, flight performance and/or aircraft design, and when you have experience with drones or other types of hardware. You have autodidactic skills and can independently solve problems and develop complex assemblies. You have a strong research-oriented attitude, good communication skills and are able to work effectively in a team.

• An MSc in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field.
• Experience with CAD (Fusion 360).
• Excellent command of the English language.

Does this position spark excitement in you? If you cannot tick all the boxes but enthusiastic about drones and aerospace, we’d like to get to know you!

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!

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…