Postdoc Digital Twin Validation for Space Mission Engineering

Join the Space Systems Engineering group at TU Delft and contribute to a critical space mission in The Netherlands!

Job description

TU Delft is opening a 2 year Postdoctoral researcher position in collaboration with the Dutch high-tech industry to advance full lifecycle digital mission engineering, actively contribute to critical space missions, and advance future space instrumentation.

The position will require you to closely work with Axient Systems B.V. and contribute to the validation of an innovative hybrid satellite digital twin, the Titan Forge, which includes hardware and software components emulating the behaviour of the complete mission. This can speed-up the development of new components for SmallSat missions, facilitate the integration of complex hardware and test the complete mission in all development phases.

You will have a key role in the validation and verification campaign for Titan Forge, a facility where satellite hardware components are mixed with emulated systems, radically changing the way space missions are tested. You will develop a methodology for validating hybrid digital twins where end-to-end simulations feed real hardware and allow to put future satellite operators to the test to ensure the mission is meeting all its targets.

You will be involved in the final pre-launch validation phases of a key Dutch space mission. In the continuation of the project you will also be involved in the early integration phases for three new scientific instruments developed at TU Delft, which can detect life signs in outer space, enable autonomous navigation and space traffic management, and monitor in real-time space weather. These instruments provide challenging requirements to platform integration, demonstrating Titan Forge is a paradigm-shift in mission development for both early and late development and validation phases.

You will work on premises, both at TU Delft and at Axient Systems, and will be deeply integrated in both teams with a first year predominantly spent at Axient Systems and the second period mostly at TU Delft premises, both located in Delft.

Job requirements

We look forward to dynamic candidates that want to get their hands onto a real mission and bring a contribution to society. You also have:

• A PhD in engineering (computer science, aerospace engineering, electronics or related fields)
• An aerospace background, prior sector experience, and familiarity with space systems design and validation
• An affinity with hardware (for example instruments control)
• Proven experience in Python development
• Experience in software development and validation, especially complex simulation software
• Ideally, direct space mission experience and familiarity with space standards (such as ECSS)

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology 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.

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.