Postdoc Optical Alignment Systems (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Postdoc Optical Alignment Systems (Aerospace): Developing and demonstrating innovative alignment methods for optical ground stations in laser satellite communications with an accent on mitigating vibrations and thermal fluctuations. Focus on building a laboratory setup to validate alignment techniques for high-capacity intersatellite data transmission.

Location: Must be based in or be able to relocate to Delft, Netherlands

Salary: €3,546–€5,538 gross per month

Company

Delft University of Technology is a leading international research university combining science, engineering, and design to address global challenges in energy, climate, and security.

What you will do

• Investigate and develop alignment systems for optical ground stations.
• Mitigate effects of vibrations and thermal fluctuations on laser beam divergence.
• Design and realize a laboratory setup for method validation.
• Collaborate with the Free Space Optical Communications group on space instrumentation.
• Contribute to research in high-capacity data transmission for intersatellite links.

Requirements

• PhD degree in Physics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Optical Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental research and optical system alignment.
• Experience in the field of optical communications.
• English proficiency: B2 minimum, C1/C2 preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Must be eligible for security screening and knowledge security regulations.

Culture & Benefits

• 4-year employment period with structured progress assessments.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Customizable compensation package and health insurance discounts.
• Support for international employees via the Coming to Delft Service.
• Dual Career Programme for accompanying partners.
• Access to the hirify.global Graduate School and Doctoral Education Programme.