We are looking for an energetic, motivated, result-driven, practical and team player to be our team member at DCSC. The coordinator for smart optics and opto-mechatronics is an exciting and challenging position where you will actively participate in development and problem-solving of optical systems. DCSC has two optics labs which focusses on the development of super resolution set-ups, equipped with several high power laser and adaptive optics.

Besides our labs we also participate in the 3mE Bio-optomechatronics lab, in which our role is the development the bio-optic lab, where we develop and work with the latest high end (commercial) microscopes to image bio samples.

The DCSC lab is part of the Delft Center for Systems and Control, which encompasses approximately 100 scientists working on different aspects of signal processing and control projects. The coordinator will be spending 70% of his/her time in the optic labs actively working on these systems and he/she is part of the DCSC technician to assist in general team operations for the other 30%

More specifically this person will be responsible for:

• Supporting the scientific staff with the ongoing development of the smart optics and opto-mechatronics;
• Developing the hardware and software for optical instrumentation;
• Assisting in the optical courses and practicals;
• Managing the continuity of hardware and software for the operation of the optical systems;
• Managing the maintenance and daily operations in the optical labs;
• The supervision of the safety procedures in the optical labs;
• Assisting the DCSC technician team with general team operations.

The department Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) of the faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, coordinates the education and research activities in systems and control at Delft University of Technology. The Centers' research mission is to conduct fundamental research in systems dynamics and control, involving dynamic modelling, advanced control theory, optimisation and signal analysis. The research is motivated by advanced technology development in physical imaging systems, renewable energy, robotics and transportation systems.

The technician team of DCSC are highly skilled and offer challenging specialized technical support to the research groups in the design, development, manufacture, maintenance and installation of scientific instruments and research laboratory equipment. Typical duties include managing of equipment and assisting scientific staff (PhD, Postdoc and professors) in their plans of realizing state-of-the-art development of scientific instruments and experimental setups. This includes supporting staff with 3D component design, electronic prototyping, and programming. The ability to thrive and actively participate in a fast developing collaborative research environment is key. Examples of ongoing projects in the DCSC lab; cooperative quadrotor formation control, multi-agent robotic manipulation and swarms; fast autonomous vehicles with on-board optimization and control; inertial sensor-based, minimalistic multi-robot SLAM; real-time systems for embedded simulation and fleet testing. 

We seek applicants with the following qualifications:

• A passion for working and tinkering in and around the optical labs;
• Experience with developing microscopy or other optical instruments, specifically prototyping on optical breadboards;
• Experience with alignment procedures for optical systems;
• Capacity to conceptually understanding the instrumentation that requires hardware and software development;
• A background in software engineering, physics or other exact science. Applications are welcomed from applicants with a MSc/PhD degree;
• Knowledge of Python and C++;
• Experience with laser safety officer function, or willing to obtain required certification.

In addition, the following qualifications would be beneficial:

• Knowledge on microcontrollers, e.g. Arduino, which are frequently used for real-time triggering of optical systems.
• Experience with 3D design and prototyping.
• Good communication skills in English
• Experience of two years working in optical labs is an advantage.
• Dutch is an advantage, willingness to learn Dutch as it is the working language of the internal organization.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

• A salary according to the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities, plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers.
• Flexible working week.
• 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.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

The position has a fixed-term contract of 1 year, with the possibility of extension.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.