EngD Position: Design and Manufacturing Process of Smart Damping Components for Aerospace Applications

Job title:

EngD Position: Design and Manufacturing Process of Smart Damping Components for Aerospace Applications

Company:

Universiteit Twente

Job description

Hours40 hr.Salary indicationSalary gross/monthly
based on full-time€ 2,872Deadline8 Jun 2025About the ProjectShock absorbers play a critical role in aerospace systems by protecting structural integrity during launch, flight, and landing. They do this by mitigating extreme forces acting on key components, such as launcher brackets and sensitive payloads. The “SMART DAMPER” project, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to develop an intelligent damping system by combining the geometric versatility of additive manufacturing (AM) with the adaptive properties of NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs).Superelastic NiTi SMAs possess unique characteristics, including the ability to recover their original shape after deformation. This allows them to be reused across multiple loading and unloading cycles. Additive manufacturing, particularly Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), enables the direct integration of energy-dissipating features, making it possible to design customizable structures with mechanical properties tailored to specific payload requirements and varying operational conditions.The project focuses on the design and fabrication of a structural prototype, such as a payload support or structural bracket, that incorporates NiTi SMA lattice structures. This prototype will serve to demonstrate the practical benefits and technological advancements made possible through the integration of AM and SMAs.Your RoleWe are seeking a highly motivated Engineering Doctorate (EngD) candidate to contribute to the development of a systematic framework for the design and manufacturing of a smart damping component. The focus of your research will be on investigating the relationship between damper design, microstructural quality, and the functional performance of 3D-printed dampers for aerospace applications.The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) is a post-master’s program offered by the university. Approximately 50% of the two-year program will be dedicated to this specific assignment, while the remaining time will involve a tailored educational program. This educational component consists of post-master courses and workshops designed to prepare you for the management and execution of this and future design projects. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded the academic title of EngD and registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register maintained by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).You will collaborate closely with interdisciplinary experts from various institutions, gaining practical experience in applied research, design methodologies, advanced material characterization, and project management. In addition, you will be expected to contribute to scientific publications and support the dissemination of project outcomes.Your profile

• A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience with metal 3D printing, preferably the L-PBF process.
• Familiarity with material characterization methods, including microstructural and mechanical property evaluation.
• Background in modeling and simulation tools, particularly in the design of architected structures for the intended application.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage an international research audience.
• A proactive mindset, capable of managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• A collaborative and creative approach to research challenges.

Our offer

• Full-time 2-year EngD position with a tailor-made post-master design program that has an educational component (50%) as well as a design project (50%).
• Access to a dynamic, high-quality, and collaborative research environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities at the forefront of additive manufacturing research.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth within the interdisciplinary field of additive manufacturing and smart materials.
• Excellent working conditions in an exciting scientific environment, set in a green and lively campus.
• Dedicated mentorship and access to top-notch facilities.
• Inclusion in a professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente.
• A salary of €2.872,- gross per month
• Holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year for full-time employment.
• Full employee status at the University of Twente, including pension and healthcare benefits.

Information and applicationPlease submit your application before June 9th, 2025, using the “Apply now” button, and include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae, including contact details of two academic or professional references.
• Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts.
• Title and abstract of your Master’s thesis/project.
• Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL).
• A 1-minute video explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this position.

Incomplete applications, those missing any of the required documents or the video, will not be considered. For additional information about this position, you can contact Dr. Mehrshad Mehrpouya at m.mehrpouya@utwente.nl.Preferred Start Date: July-August 2025Share this vacancyAbout the organisationThe Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first’ university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor’s and Master’s students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.Want to know moreMehrpouya, M. (Mehrshad)
Assistant ProfessorMehrpouya, M. (Mehrshad)
Assistant ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Mehrshad for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Expected salary

€2872 per month

Location

Enschede, Overijssel

Job date

Thu, 29 May 2025 05:17:53 GMT

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