Research Engineer Aerial Manipulation for Construction

Would you be interested in exploring how multi-agent aerial manipulation can contribute to construction, in particular by assembling a pavilion?

Job description

In the HARPA project funded by the EIC Pathfinder Challenge, you will explore how heterogeneous aerial robotics teams can collaboratively and autonomously assemble a pavilion. Together with other team members and collaborators from TUM and ETH, at the end of the project you will perform a real-world demonstration of the autonomous assembly of a pre-fabricated pavilion using a team of aerial robots.

We are looking for a highly motivated and dedicated research engineer for the HARPA project.

You will be responsible for the development, integration, testing, and maintenance of the hardware and software systems for the UAV platforms in the lab, including cable-suspended aerial multi-lifting systems and aerial robotic manipulators. This will include UAV hardware integration, embedded software development, sensor fusion, CAD design, prototyping, and system-level testing.

You will work closely with MSc students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers to support experimental validation, field deployments, and system demonstrations. You will also collaborate with other lab engineers on hardware prototyping, mechanical design, system integration, testing, and troubleshooting.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands-on development, experimental robotics, and working in a collaborative research environment. You will contribute to the development of advanced aerial robotic systems and support research activities at the intersection of UAVs, robotics, control, perception, and autonomous systems.

The position is expected to start from October 1, 2026 (flexible). The research engineer will join the Autonomous Multi-Robots Lab at the Cognitive Robotics Department and will be supervised by Dr. Sihao Sun and Prof. Javier Alonso-Mora. You will also have the chance to collaborate with partners from ETH Zurich and TU Munich.

The contract is initially for one year, with the possibility of a multi-year extension depending on performance.

Job requirements

• A relevant degree at MSc or HBO level in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven hands-on experience with (aerial) robot development and testing.
• Experience with hardware integration, embedded systems, sensor fusion, and CAD design is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, ROS, and/or ROS2.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted coding tools is welcome, together with a careful and critical mindset toward software reliability and safety.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• A collaborative, supportive, and open mindset when working with researchers, engineers, and students.
• Interest in technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and the development of real-world robotic systems is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide 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.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so unique connections can often be made by combining different disciplines.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year temporary.
• 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.