Fully Funded PhD: Autonomous FoilDrone for Maritime Surveillance

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft); Netherlands; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position to advance the FoilDrone system—an autonomous, wind‑powered drone with a tethered hydrofoil designed for indefinite ocean monitoring and exceptional endurance in challenging sea states.

As PhD candidate you will drive design from concept to physical implementation through independent research, simulations and experiments, publish high‑impact papers, and supervise Master’s and Bachelor’s theses within a

Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Control Systems, or closely related discipline.
• Strong background in flight dynamics, multi-body system modeling, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).
• Proficiency in numerical simulation environments (MATLAB/Simulink, Python) for aerial or underwater systems.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative mindset to work with interdisciplinary partners.
• Hands-on experience building, assembling, or maintaining fixed-wing UAVs and/or marine hydrofoil systems.

Responsibilities

• Advanced Multi-Body Dynamics & Control: deepen and expand simulation models linking the aerial vehicle to the submerged hydrofoil via a flexible tether and refine controllers.
• Aerodynamic & Hydrodynamic Optimization: investigate interactions and optimize efficiencies across sea states and wind disturbances.
• Experimental Validation: design wind-tunnel experiments, tow-tank tests, and open-water flight trials to validate structural integrity and control strategies.
• Academic Contribution: publish high-impact papers, present findings at conferences, and supervise Master’s and Bachelor’s theses.

Skills

Flight dynamics

GNC

Simulation

English proficiency

Collaboration

Experimentation

Education

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or Control Systems

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

Job description

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position to advance the FoilDrone system—an autonomous, wind‑powered drone with a tethered hydrofoil designed for indefinite ocean monitoring and exceptional endurance in challenging sea states.

As PhD candidate you will drive design from concept to physical implementation through independent research, simulations and experiments, publish high‑impact papers, and supervise Master’s and Bachelor’s theses within a