Where will you work

At the Aviation research group of the Faculty of Technology, we perform applied research related to real-life cases and problems in the aviation sector, with the goal of improving and innovating professional practice. We perform all our research projects in close cooperation with industry, governmental agencies and scientific institutions or universities.

R&D Mobility fund research project “BrightSky”

The Aviation research group is a consortium member of the R&D Mobility Fund project "Bright Sky" in which a national partnership was formed between AUAS and other knowledge institutions, the industrial sector and national knowledge organizations. This ambitious 4-year project aims to actively contribute to smart and sustainable aviation by means of innovations in the fields of airport systems and MRO operations.

Within the Smart MRO work package, we are looking for a talented and motivated individual that will lead the activities on the development and application of a cold spray repair methodology for aircraft component repairs. Aircraft components deteriorate during their operation, up to the point that maintenance actions are needed. Scrapping aircraft parts of high value needs to be avoided for environmental and cost reasons, but in many cases such an action is unavoidable. However, with the introduction of repair methods such as Cold Spray, new repair capabilities can be developed. These methods have the potential to enable successful restoration of parts of high value with an efficient process. Nevertheless, the development and implementation of such methodologies need to be performed in a way that the manufacturing process parameters can be associated with an acceptable final result in terms of quality. Other partners in this activity are the Aerospace Structures and Materials Department of the Aerospace Engineering Faculty of Delft University of Technology, the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre, KLM Engineering & Maintenance and Epcor.

What you will do

One of the main research directions of our research group is the application of novel and efficient repair methodologies in aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Overall, the objective is the increased automation of efficient MRO processes and the reduced waste by minimizing the unnecessarily rejected, high-value aircraft parts. This way, aircraft maintenance can become more sustainable and cost-efficient. Under the scope of this research activity, we aim at the development of a cold spray repair methodology for aircraft component repairs. Within this project objectives, the successful candidate will conduct applied materials research in collaboration with the Delft University of Technology to contribute to the understanding of the failure mechanisms and the interdependencies between the process parameters, the material microstructure, and the targeted mechanical properties. In addition, you will support the development of a repair qualification plan in collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre. Next to your research tasks, you will (co)author scientific and professional publications and participate at (inter)national events. 

Main activities

• Development of a cold spray repair methodology and a qualification plan for aircraft component repairs.
• In-depth studying of the failure mechanisms observed during mechanical testing for qualification and the interdependencies between the process parameters, the material microstructure, and the targeted mechanical properties.
• Solid mechanics modelling and simulation (FEA), mechanical testing and failure analysis.
• Dissemination of the results.

As a successful applicant, you have: 

• Research background at postgraduate level in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong knowledge background in Solid Mechanics and Materials Engineering. Especially, previous experience in damage tolerance analysis, materials characterization, mechanical testing and use of FEA is necessary.
• Previous experience in additive manufacturing and preferably in cold spray focused projects is highly desirable.
• Excellent team player skills: you feel at ease in a multi-stakeholder team with industry partners and researchers from other institutes.
• Proven ability for technical writing: reports, publications, papers, other forms of dissemination of research outcomes. 
• Affinity to work with and supervise students. 
• Good English skills, spoken as well as written are a must. Dutch is the official language at the HvA, so it is preferable to be able to speak and write Dutch or willing to learn.

Fixed-term contract: 24 months.

Your activities will be part of the organizational function of researcher 4 and is remunerated at salary scale 10 (Collective Labor Agreement for Universities of Professional Education), with a maximum salary of €4.569,- fulltime gross per month, depending on your specific qualifications and experience. You will receive a temporary contract for 24 months.

AUAS also has an extensive package of secondary employment benefits, including an 8% vacation allowance, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and great sport facilities. Our AUAS Academy offers outstanding study and development opportunities, and we encourage our employees to work continuously on their professional development.

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS)

Talent as a basis, diversity as a strength

The AUAS wants to be an organization in which everyone feels welcome, appreciated and at home. As an employer, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better we can perform as a knowledge institution of and for the city. We therefore strive to see the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives that Amsterdam has to offer reflected in the workforce of our university.

More information about our Faculty of Technology is also available at www.hva.nl/faculteit/ft/over-techniek.