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

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 41,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Delft University of Technology invites applications for a Postdoc in Radio Science & Orbit Determination to advance Tudat-based open science spaceflight dynamics tools. The role blends core Tudat development in C++ and Python with radio-science application work for planetary missions, data ingestion, and validation.

You will collaborate across TU Delft and partner institutes, publish results, and contribute to FAIR/open workflows, tutorials, and user support.

Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy or similar.
• Strong software engineering in C++ and Python; Git, CI, testing and code reviews.
• Background in astrodynamics/orbit determination and numerical methods.
• Experience with Tudat is highly preferred; knowledge of Tudat or similar tools required.
• Experience with radio-tracking data analysis or planetary mission dynamics is a plus.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary open-source environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Tudat’s C++ core and Python interfaces.
• Extend and validate radio-science estimation pipelines, including observation models and dynamical models.
• Extend background models in Tudat and interfaces for mission data ingestion.
• Lead the application of the framework to selected missions and datasets, coordinating with project partners.
• Contribute to publications describing the platform and the radio-science workflows.
• Build end-to-end FAIR/open-science workflows and maintain reproducible analyses.
• Write documentation, tutorials, and developer guides; support users via channels.
• Collaborate with platform developers and scientists across TU Delft and partners.

Skills

C++

Python

Git

CI/CD

Testing

Code review

Education

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Tudat

CI pipelines

Job description

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.

• FTE: 1

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

Job description

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)

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.

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 30 months. Temporary.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch €3706 - €5760
• 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.

Please note:

• 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.
• 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.