Postdoc Distributed Spaceborne Radar Systems

Delft University of Technology via AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral researcher position to advance spaceborne radar systems. The role is part of NL-RIA 2.0, funded by NL Space Agency, focusing on distributed SAR and interferometric imagers with emphasis on high-level requirements and system concepts.

You will work closely with NL-RIA partners, organize network activities, contribute to market surveys and technology inventories, and help coordinate international workshops.

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering (aerospace engineering, electronics or related fields).
• Proven experience in space mission design and space systems engineering, ideally in distributed space systems including formation flying or in-orbit assembly.
• Basic knowledge on Earth observation or radar technologies, ideally with experience in radar-based observation.
• Ideally, you have direct experience in project management involving multiple entities.

Responsibilities

• Define high-level user requirements for two radar instrument classes and evaluate fractionated space systems for radar instruments.
• Develop system requirements and system concepts and support NL-RIA 2.0 network activities, including market survey and technologies/applications inventory.
• Organize network support activities and coordinate internal/external meetings and international workshops.
• Work at TU Delft within the Section of Space Systems Engineering (SSE) to advance distributed and miniaturised space systems.

Skills

Space mission design

Space systems engineering

Earth observation radar

Project management

Education

PhD in engineering (aerospace engineering, electronics or related fields)

Job description

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Organisation/Company Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Research Field Engineering » Aerospace engineering Engineering » Systems engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 15 Oct 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Join us at TU Delft to reshape the future of spaceborne radar systems in the Netherlands!

Job description

Spaceborne radar systems has proven to be effective tools for broader applications from high-resolution imaging to altimetry. In TU Delft, we are opening a 2-year postdoctoral researcher position to advance this promising field. The position is part of NL-RIA 2.0, the Dutch network on small spaceborne radar instruments and application, after the successful NL-RIA 1.0 project. Funded by the Netherlands Space Agency (NLSA), NL-RIA 2.0 will maintain the existing focus of NL-RIA on breakthrough technologies to implement miniaturized radar missions with the recent technology advancement and trends in low-cost distributed space systems.

The position will require you to work closely with NL-RIA partners, to derive high-level user requirements of two classes of radar instruments, i.e. distributed SAR and near-nadir looking interferometric imager, to evaluate various fractionated space systems on their suitability as radar instruments, and to develop system requirements and the system concepts. You will also play a key role in supporting the NL-RIA 2.0 network by contributing to the organisation of network support activities, including the market survey and technolgies/ applications inventory, proposal preparation, internal/external coordination meetings, and international workshops. You will work at TU Delft premise, primarily within the Section of Space Systems Engineering (SSE). SSE is dedicated to the broad range of end-to-end spacecraft engineering, with focuses on distributed and miniaturised space systems.

Job requirements

We look forward to dynamic candidates that want to get their hands onto a real mission and bring a contribution to society. You also have:

• A PhD in engineering (aerospace engineering, electronics or related fields)
• You have proven experience in space mission design and space systems engineering, ideally in distributed space systems including formation flying or in-orbit assembly.
• You have basic knowledge on Earth observation or radar technologies, ideally with experience in the field of radar-based observation.
• Ideally, you have direct experience in project management involving multiple entities.

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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years. Temporary.
• A job of 36-40 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.
• 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. Jian Guo, via [e-mail].

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.