PhD Position in Foil Drone

Pioneering the future of maritime surveillance? Join as a PHD to research and advance autonomous, wind-powered drones, featuring tethered hydrofoils for indefinite ocean monitoring.

Job description

Are you ready to shape the future of autonomous maritime security? We are looking for a highly motivated and talented PhD Candidate to spearhead advanced research on the FoilDrone system-an innovative, future-proof maritime surveillance concept.

Project Context & Mission

Maritime domain awareness is a critical global priority. Traditional surveillance options face major trade-offs: airborne drones offer high speed but suffer from critically low endurance (6 to 22 hours), while unmanned surface vessels (like the Saildrone) boast long endurance but travel at very low speeds (3 to 5 knots) and cannot see over the horizon.

The FoilDrone system bridges this market gap by combining an aerial Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) rotating-wing sailplane with a submerged, tethered hydrofoil. completely eliminating propulsion power consumption during operations.

Key Responsibilities & Research Focus

As a PhD candidate, you will take ownership of the next phase of FoilDrone research. You will take the design from conceptual idea towards physical implementation through independent research, simulation and experimentation. Your core duties will include:

• Advanced Multi-Body Dynamics & Control: Deepen and expand simulation models linking the aerial vehicle to the submerged hydrofoil via a flexible tether. Refine independent controllers to ensure stability during critical transitions (transit, deployment, sailing, and recovery).
• Aerodynamic & Hydrodynamic Optimization: Investigate the complex interactions of fixed wing drone, cabels, and hydrofoils. Optimize aerodynamic and hydrodynamic efficiencies across varying sea states and wind disturbances.
• Experimental Validation: Translate theoretical models into physical hardware. Collaborate with technical staff and student teams to design wind-tunnel experiments, tow-tank tests, and open-water flight trials to validate structural integrity, deployment mechanisms, and control strategies.
• Academic Contribution: Publish high-impact scientific papers in leading international journals, present findings at global aerospace and marine conferences, and assist in supervising Master's and Bachelor's student thesis projects.

What We Offer

• A fully funded, multi-year PhD position within a world-leading aerospace research environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art simulation tools, testing facilities, and prototyping equipment.
• Opportunities to collaborate closely with pioneers in UAV technology, maritime sensors, and renewable energy systems.
• A vibrant, international, and inspiring workplace dedicated to creating innovative drone solutions that work in the real world.

If you are eager to push the boundaries of aerial-marine robotics and make a tangible impact on global maritime safety, we invite you to submit your application

Job requirements

• Educational Background: Hold a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Control Systems, or a closely related discipline.
• Technical Expertise: Strong background in flight dynamics, multi-body system modeling, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).
• Simulation Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in numerical simulation environments (such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python) for aerial or underwater systems.
• Research Drive: Passion for academic research, experimental verification, and autonomous systems, with a proven ability to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent English written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative mindset to work alongside interdisciplinary academic and industrial partners.
• Practical Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience in building, assembling, or maintaining (fixed-wing) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and/or marine hydrofoil systems, including composite manufacturing and mechanical integration.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

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 join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

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

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 €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

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.

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 Bart Remes, via [email protected].

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 2 November 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• Drone license (if applicable)

You can address your application to Bart Remes.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

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