Delft University of Technology
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PhD Position in Design and Fabrication of Modular Actuator-Sensor Units for Over-Actuation Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
Doctoral employment for 4 years in principle, split into an initial 1.5-year contract and a subsequent 2.5-year contract subject to a go/no-go assessment and performance requirements. Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month based on full-time employment (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Includes Graduate School enrollment, a customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and a monthly work costs contribution.
Deadline
Oct 4, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology

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About this position
PhD opportunity at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, focused on design and fabrication of modular actuator-sensor units for over-actuation. The project sits at the intersection of mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, materials science, and applied physics, with strong relevance to piezoelectric actuators and sensors, precision manufacturing, embedded circuits, and control-oriented system design.
The research motivation is to address unwanted vibrations in high-speed chip manufacturing systems. The ETCH approach uses over-actuation by placing many tiny sensors and actuators inside machine parts to control vibrations locally and precisely. The PhD will develop methods for the design and fabrication of modular actuator-sensor units, including transducer shaping, interfacing to the target system, embedding drive and sensing solutions, and connecting units into communication topologies for control.
Applicants should hold an MSc or equivalent in an engineering or natural sciences discipline such as Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or a related field. The post asks for strong motivation and curiosity in piezoelectric systems, precision manufacturing, mechanical interfacing, and embedded electronics. Experience with piezoelectric-enabled sensing/actuation, micromachining or other precision manufacturing, adhesion and interfacing of dissimilar materials, power/sense amplifiers, embedded systems, additive/subtractive manufacturing, mechatronic setups, control engineering, dynamics analysis, or numerical modelling is advantageous. Excellent spoken and written English is required.
The position is a 4-year PhD employment in principle, with an initial 1.5-year contract and a second 2.5-year contract after a go/no-go assessment. Salary is €3204–€4051 gross per month depending on year, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. TU Delft also offers Graduate School training, a customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and a monthly work costs contribution.
Application deadline: 4 October 2026. Apply online through the job portal and upload a motivation letter, CV, transcripts for BSc and MSc (or equivalent), and a copy or draft of your MSc thesis report; key papers and an optional portfolio may also be included. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed.
Funding details
Doctoral employment for 4 years in principle, split into an initial 1.5-year contract and a subsequent 2.5-year contract subject to a go/no-go assessment and performance requirements. Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month based on full-time employment (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Includes Graduate School enrollment, a customizable compensation package, health insurance discounts, and a monthly work costs contribution.
What's required
Applicants should have an MSc or equivalent degree in an engineering or natural sciences discipline such as Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or similar. Strong interest in piezoelectric actuators and sensors, precision manufacturing processes, mechanical interfacing of structures, and system design/embedded circuits is required. Experience in one or more of piezoelectric-enabled sensing/actuation systems, micromachining or other precision manufacturing methods, adhesion and interfacing of dissimilar materials/composites, or electronic circuit design is preferred. Additional advantages include additive/subtractive manufacturing, mechatronic system building, control engineering and dynamics analysis, numerical modelling of piezoelectrics or compliant mechanisms, publication history, and excellent spoken and written English.
How to apply
Apply online via the application button no later than 4 October 2026. Upload a motivation letter, CV, transcripts for BSc and MSc (or equivalent), and a copy or draft of your MSc thesis report; include key scientific papers if applicable and optional portfolio materials. Address the application to Andres Hunt and do not send applications by email or post.
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