Senior UAV Design and Testing Engineer

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.

You Will Work On

• 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 DelFly, Delftacopter, and Nederdrone, and is internationally recognized for leadership in autonomous drone racing. Learn more here.

Job Requirements

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.

You Also Have

• 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!

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.

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!

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.

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 promote cultural exchange and integration.

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

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years Temporary
• A job of 34-40 hours per week.
• A salary based on Scale 10 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €3546 - €5538 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• 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.
  
  

Interested in relocating to Netherlands? Check out our comprehensive Relocation Jobs in Netherlands page with detailed relocation packages and benefits.

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

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. ir. Ewoud Smeur, via e.j.j.smeur@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are You Interested In This Vacancy? Please Apply No Later Than 23 March 2026 Via The Application Button And Upload The Following Documents

• CV
• Motivational letter
  
  

You can address your application to Dr. ir. Ewoud Smeur.

Please Note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• 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. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.