Postdoc MENTOR: Multi-fidelity ENgine inTegration Optimization for Next Generation AiRcraft

Postdoc MENTOR: Multi-fidelity ENgine inTegration Optimization for Next Generation AiRcraft
Help shape the next generation of aircraft. At TU Delft, you will develop advanced simulation and optimization tools to improve engine-airframe integration, aerodynamic efficiency and noise performance.

• Salary range: €3706 - €5760
• Hours per week: 36-40
• FTE: 1,0

Job description

The next generation of aircraft calls for innovative propulsion technologies, more efficient airframes and improved noise performance. But how can we accurately predict the complex interactions between engines and airframes? As a postdoctoral researcher at TU Delft, you will develop a multi-fidelity computational framework to optimize aircraft engine integration, aerodynamic performance and aeroacoustics. Your research will contribute to the design and assessment of future aircraft.

You will work on MENTOR (Multi-fidelity Engine Integration Optimization for Next Generation Aircraft), a research project bringing together experts from TU Delft and the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR). Your challenge is to develop an integrated toolbox combining high-fidelity simulations, fast aerodynamic prediction methods and aeroacoustic models.

Your research will focus on three interconnected areas:

• High-fidelity aerodynamic optimization: Develop a design tool combining adjoint-based optimization with unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations to integrate different propulsion systems with low-drag airframes.
• Fast performance prediction: Combine blade element momentum (BEM) theory and vortex lattice methods to efficiently predict propulsive efficiency and engine-airframe drag.
• Aeroacoustic prediction: Develop models compatible with NLR tools, using flow distortion theory to predict tonal noise and stochastic optimization approaches for broadband noise components.

MENTOR is part of the Dutch Aviation Systems Analysis Lab (DASAL), a flagship collaboration between TU Delft and NLR, funded through the Dutch National Growth Fund's Luchtvaart in Transitie programme. DASAL develops integrated models and simulations to support innovation in the Dutch aviation sector and inform public policy.

You will join the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft, the Department of Flow Physics and Technology. Here, you will work in an interdisciplinary environment alongside PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and academic staff. Collaborating closely with NLR experts and researchers across the faculty, you will connect advanced computational methods with real-world aircraft design challenges and contribute to the development of more efficient and quieter aircraft.

Job requirements

• You hold a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• You have a strong foundation in aerodynamics, aeroacoustics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• You have experience with numerical simulations and computational methods for aerodynamic analysis.
• You are familiar with CAD modelling software and its application to aerodynamic design.
• You have an interest in multidisciplinary optimization, propulsion integration and the development of computational prediction tools.
• You take initiative, approach complex research challenges analytically and develop practical solutions.
• You communicate effectively in English and enjoy collaborating with researchers from different disciplines and organizations.
• Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage, but not a requirement.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

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 joining an international community of professionals and students.

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.

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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 3 years. Temporary.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch
• 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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

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.