Research Engineer Aerial Manipulation for Construction

Research Engineer Aerial Manipulation for Construction Job Details | TU Delft

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Research Engineer Aerial Manipulation for Construction

Would you be interested in exploring how multi-agent aerial manipulation can contribute to construction, in particular by assembling a pavilion?

Advancement of aerial robotics are reshaping the future of construction.  In the HARPA project funded by the EIC Pathfinder Challenge, you will explore how heterogeneous aerial robotics teams can collaboratively and autonomously assemble a pavilion. Together with other team members and collaborators from TUM and ETH, at the end of the project will perform a real-world demonstration of the autonomous assembly of a pre-fabricated pavilion using a team of aerial robots.

We are looking for a highly motivated and dedicated research engineer for the HARPA project.

You will be responsible for the development, integration, testing, and maintenance of the hardware and software systems for the UAV platforms in the lab, including cable-suspended aerial multi-lifting systems and aerial robotic manipulators. This will include UAV hardware integration, embedded software development, sensor fusion, CAD design, prototyping, and system-level testing.

You will work closely with MSc students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers to support experimental validation, field deployments, and system demonstrations. You will also collaborate with other lab engineers on hardware prototyping, mechanical design, system integration, testing, and troubleshooting.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands-on development, experimental robotics, and working in a collaborative research environment. You will contribute to the development of advanced aerial robotic systems and support research activities at the intersection of UAVs, robotics, control, perception, and autonomous systems.

The position is expected to start from October 1, 2026 (flexible). The research engineer will join the Autonomous Multi-Robots Lab at the Cognitive Robotics Department and will be supervised by Dr. Sihao Sun and Prof. Javier Alonso-Mora. You will also have the chance to collaborate with our partners from ETH Zurich and TU Munich.

More information about our research group can be found at: https://autonomousrobots.nl/

The contract is initially for one year, with the possibility of a multi-year extension depending on performance.

• A relevant degree at MSc or HBO level in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven hands-on experience with (aerial) robot development, and testing.
• Experience with hardware integration, embedded systems, sensor fusion, CAD design, is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, ROS, and/or ROS2.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted coding tools is welcome, together with a careful and critical mindset toward software reliability and safety.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• A collaborative, supportive, and open mindset when working with researchers, engineers, and students.
• Interest in technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and the development of real-world robotic systems is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

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.

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click  here  to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These  videos  will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

A salary based on Scale 09 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €3708 - €5057 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

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.

Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. J. Alonso-Mora at [staat bij de werkgever] , and Dr. S.Sun at  [staat bij de werkgever] .

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

A motivation letter explaining your motivation and ambitions related to the position and your relevant skils and experience.

Your CV including a complete list of your previous projects and roles.

If applicants are selected for an interview, they will be asked to provide the name, position and contact details of at least two references that we may contact with their consent.

You can address your application to Prof. J. Alonso-Mora and/or Dr. S.Sun.

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 proces