PhD Position Vibration-Based Quality Monitoring for Metal 3D Printed Samples

Ready to shake things up in aerospace manufacturing? Join us in developing next-gen quality assurance methods for 3D-printed metal parts using vibrations, AI and physics-informed models, and help make additive manufacturing safer, smarter, and more reliable.

Job Description

Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is redefining how we design and produce components – especially in high-tech sectors like aerospace, energy, and mobility. However, ensuring the mechanical reliability and structural integrity of printed metal parts remains a major obstacle for broader industrial adoption. Tiny internal defects, process variability, and complex geometries can make quality assurance slow, expensive, or even impossible with traditional inspection methods.

This PhD project, part of a Dutch Research Council (NWO) Open Technology programme, is a collaboration between TU Delft, the University of Groningen, and Queen Mary University of London. At TU Delft, you will lead the development of a vibrational Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) approach that leverages AI to assess metal parts after the printing process.

In this PhD position you will combine mechanics, data science, AI, and experimental testing. You’ll design and run experiments, write and train algorithms, and contribute to open-source tools that may one day become industry standards. This project offers the freedom to explore fundamental questions, while also building technologies that could transform quality assurance in aerospace-grade 3D printing.

At TU Delft, you will be embedded in a supportive, interdisciplinary team with access to state of the art lab facilities and collaborations across faculties. You will engage regularly with our project partners in Groningen and London, and with industrial stakeholders interested in deploying the methods you develop. Working on campus in Delft, you will make full use of our advanced experimental and lab environment, as this hands-on setting means the position cannot be performed remotely.

Job Requirements

• A Master’s degree in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a related field
• Experience and a deep understanding of one or more of the following: vibration measurement and analysis, AI/machine learning or signal processing
• Programming experience (e.g. Python, MATLAB, or similar)
• A creative and analytical mindset with an eagerness to pioneer new methods
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)
• An interest in working in a multidisciplinary, international research environment.

About TU Delft

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.

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.

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.

Conditions of Employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to €3881 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Vahid Yaghoubi, via v.yaghoubi@tudelft.nl.