Develop flight control laws for a hybrid UAV that combines hover, transition and forward flight, and help validate them through simulation and flight testing. At TU Delft, your work contributes directly to innovative drone concepts at the forefront of aerospace research.

Job description

In this project, you will develop flight control laws for a novel hybrid unmanned air vehicle (UAV) concept that combines hover, transition and forward flight. A central part of your work is developing a MATLAB/Simulink model that supports control law design, simulation testing and evaluation across the different flight phases of the vehicle.

Working closely with the project team, you will validate the developed control laws through scaled flight testing. Prototypes will be built to validate both the UAV design and the flight control laws, creating a direct connection between simulation and experimental work. You will contribute to implementing the control laws on an autopilot and use flight-test data to analyse system performance and further assess the effectiveness of the developed control strategies.

Your work will focus on simulation development in MATLAB/Simulink, flight control law design, and flight testing and data analysis. This combination makes the role strongly research-oriented while maintaining a clear link to practical hardware validation.

You will join the MAVLab within the Control & Simulation section of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft. 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 DelFly, Delftacopter and Nederdrone, and is internationally recognised for its leadership in autonomous drone racing.

Job requirements

• You hold a PhD in (Aerospace) Control Systems or a related field.
• You have expertise in control systems and flight dynamics.
• You have experience with drones or other hardware systems.
• You have experience with MATLAB/Simulink; experience with C/C++ is a plus.
• You work independently and solve problems proactively.
• You have a strong research-oriented attitude and communicate well in a team.
• You have an excellent command of English.

Even if your experience does not match every requirement, we encourage you to apply if you are excited about contributing to innovative drone research.

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.
• 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
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 31 May 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.