Postdoc Radio Science & Orbit Determination Researcher/Developer (Tudat)

TU Delft, NL; Delft; À distance; EUR 45 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The Delft University of Technology invites applications for a Postdoc Radio Science & Orbit Determination Researcher/Developer (Tudat). You will combine core Tudat development with radio-science applications to enable high-fidelity orbit propagation and estimation from real tracking data for planetary missions.

You will work with Tudat, publish results, contribute to open science workflows, and collaborate with TU Delft researchers and partner institutes.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field required.
• Strong software engineering skills in C++ and Python with CI/testing.
• Experience in astrodynamics/orbit determination and numerical methods.

Responsabilités

• Develop and maintain Tudat's C++ core and Python interfaces.
• Extend radio-science estimation pipelines with observation and dynamical models.
• Improve background models and data ingestion interfaces for missions.
• Lead application of the framework to selected missions and datasets.
• Contribute to publications describing the platform and results.
• Build end-to-end FAIR and open science workflows with version-controlled setups.
• Write documentation, tutorials, and developer guides; support users.
• Collaborate with platform developers and scientists across TU Delft and partner institutes.

Connaissances

C++

Python

Git & CI & Testing

Astrodynamics

Open-source collaboration

Radio-tracking data analysis

Formation

PhD in Aerospace Engineering / Mechanical / Physics / Astronomy or similar

Outils

Tudat

Description du poste

Postdoc Radio Science & Orbit Determination Researcher/Developer (Tudat)

Contribute to developing an open science orbital dynamics platform based on the TU Delft Astrodynamics Toolbox (Tudat), focussing on applications to radio science for planetary missions.

We are seeking a researcher/developer to combine core development of the TU Delft Astrodynamics Toolbox (Tudat) with radio-science application development for the development of an open science spaceflight dynamics infrastructure. The goal is to enable high-fidelity orbit propagation and estimation from real tracking data (Doppler, range, VLBI, etc.) for planetary missions. Additional work packages in the same project will focus on space situational awareness and solar system dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Tudat's C++ core and Python interfaces, ensuring performance, robustness, and long-term maintainability.
• Implement and validate extensions and improvements to radio-science estimation pipelines, including observation models, dynamical models, and mission-specific configuration.
• Extend relevant background models in Tudat (gravity variations, radiation pressure, atmosphere, spacecraft dynamics) and interfaces for mission data ingestion.
• Lead the application of the framework to selected missions and representative datasets, including defining validation cases, producing reference results, and coordinating scientific priorities with project partners.
• Contribute to scientific publications describing the platform and demonstrating scientific results enabled by the radio-science workflows and open-source toolchain.
• Build end-to-end workflows supporting FAIR and open science, including version-controlled analysis setups and consistent outputs.
• Write documentation, tutorials, and developer guides; support users via issue tracking and community channels.
• Collaborate closely with platform developers and scientists across TU Delft and partner institutes.

Job requirements

• A Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy or similar
• Strong software engineering skills in C++ and Python, as well as git, CI, testing, code review, etc.
• Strong background and research experience in astrodynamics/orbit determination and numerical methods.
• Experience in the usage and development of Tudat is a strong plus. Experience in usage and development of Tudat or a similar tool is required.
• Experience with radio tracking data analysis or planetary mission spacecraft dynamics is a strong plus.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, open-source environment.

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.

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Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 30 months. 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 Dominic Dirkx, via [e-mail].

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

FTE: 1

Submission is possible until: 15 Nov 2026