Entry-Level Research Scientist/​Developer - Open Science Orbital Dynamics Platform

About the Role

We are excited to announce an opportunity for an Entry-Level Research Scientist/Developer to join our team at TU Delft, focusing on the development of an open science orbital dynamics platform. This position is ideal for recent graduates or individuals looking to start their careers in aerospace research and development. As a Research Scientist/Developer, you will contribute to the TU Delft Astrodynamics Toolbox (Tudat), enhancing applications for radio science in planetary missions.

What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain the C++ core and Python interfaces of Tudat, ensuring high performance and long-term maintainability.
• Implement and validate extensions to radio-science estimation pipelines, including observation and dynamical models.
• Extend background models in Tudat, focusing on gravity variations, radiation pressure, and spacecraft dynamics.
• Lead the application of the framework to selected missions, producing reference results and coordinating with project partners.
• Contribute to scientific publications that describe the platform and demonstrate results achieved through radio-science workflows.
• Build workflows that support FAIR and open science principles, including version-controlled analysis setups.
• Write documentation and tutorials, and support users via community channels.
• Collaborate with platform developers and scientists across TU Delft and partner institutes.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and Python, along with experience in git, CI, and testing.
• Research experience in astrodynamics/orbit determination and numerical methods.
• Familiarity with Tudat or similar tools is a strong plus.
• Experience with radio tracking data analysis or planetary mission dynamics is advantageous.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, open-source environment.

Nice to Have

• Experience in scientific publication writing.
• Knowledge of space situational awareness.
• Familiarity with open science practices.

What We Offer

• Salary based on Scale 10 of the CAO for Dutch Universities (€3546 - €5538 gross per month).
• 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• Excellent pension scheme and flexible working hours.
• 232 leave hours per year with options to buy or sell additional leave hours.
• Opportunities for education, training, and courses.
• Relocation support for international candidates.
• Access to a vitality program promoting healthy work-life balance.
• Discounts with health insurers and partially paid parental leave.

Join TU Delft and become part of a diverse and innovative community dedicated to addressing global challenges in aerospace engineering. Your contributions will help shape the future of space exploration and research.