Join the Autonomous Multi-Robots Lab and the Reliable Robot Control Lab at TU Delft to design the next generation of mobile manipulators

Job description

Ready to bridge the gap between cutting-edge theory and real-world application? Mobile manipulators are revolutionizing everything from complex warehouse logistics to hazardous site inspections. We are looking for a driven Research Engineer for a fast-paced, 5.5-month project to seamlessly integrate our state-of-the-art planning algorithms onto a brand-new prototype mobile manipulator.

In this hands-on, collaborative role, you won’t be starting from scratch. As a key integrator, your goal is to take advanced code developed by our research team and deploy it onto our physical prototype. You will spend your time in our state-of-the-art Mobile Robotics Lab—an advanced testing arena—where you will rapidly prototype, test, and ultimately deliver a fully functional, real-world demonstrator.

This is a unique opportunity to collaborate directly with other robotics researchers. You will be a core contributor in the following labs:

• The Autonomous Multi-Robots Lab, led by Prof. dr. J. Alonso-Mora
• The Reliable Robot Control Lab, led by dr. L. Ferranti

You will actively participate in R&D discussions, integrate deeply with our team members, and leave your mark on our next generation of autonomous systems. If you want to build something highly visible in a short amount of time, this is the project for you.

Job requirements

Who You Are You are an enthusiastic problem-solver who enjoys working at the intersection of software and hardware. You are eager to see complex algorithms step out of the simulation and run on physical machines. Whether you have industry experience or are a highly motivated recent graduate ready to make a tangible impact, you are excited to engage directly with real-world robotic systems and collaborate with a dedicated team.

What You Bring to the Team

• Educational Background: An MSc degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field.
• The Tech Stack: Excellent programming skills in Python and/or C++, alongside experience with modern software development practices.
• Robotics Expertise: Proven, hands-on experience with robotics middleware (e.g., ROS/ROS2). Experience with real-world robot deployment or advanced simulation frameworks is also required.
• Cross-Domain Curiosity: A strong interest in tying together motion planning, control systems, and embedded hardware.
• Collaborative Mindset: Excellent communication skills and a readiness to brainstorm, troubleshoot, and build alongside our research teams.

Important Note on Eligibility: Due to knowledge security regulations associated with this specific project, EU citizenship is strictly required for this position.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

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 Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 5,5 Months Temporary
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• A salary based on Scale 08 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €3382 - €4484 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.

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

For more information about this vacancy, please contact L. Ferranti at l.ferranti@tudelft.nl mentioning the vacancy name in the subject of your email.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 20 April 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter, highlighting your past experience working with robotics software and hardware

You can address your application to L. Ferranti.

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.