Sequential spot ultrasonic welding is a very fast and flexible joining technique of great interest for both structural and non-structural assemblies within the thermoplastic composite fuselage of the future. As proven in the Eco Design (Clean Sky I) and TAPAS 2 projects, single-shot and sequential ultrasonic spot welding can be successfully used to connect short fibre-reinforced brackets or continuous fibre- reinforced brackets or clips to fuselage structures. Furthermore, parallel research has shown that the mechanical behaviour of multi-spot welded joints is akin to that of multi-fastener joints of comparable number and size. Based on that knowledge, the Composite Welding Laboratory is ready to take sequential ultrasonic spot welding one step closer to industrialization in collaboration with SAM|XL. This will be achieved by means of upscaling and adapting the technology to weld multiple parts (system and semi-structural brackets, stiffening elements, stringers) in a 8 metre-long thermoplastic composite fuselage shell built within the STUNNING project. STUNNING (Smart Multifunctional and Integrated Thermoplastic Composite Fuselage) is a Clean Sky 2 project with the main objective of developing a 180 degree full scale multi-functional integrated thermoplastic fuselage shell demonstrator including cabin and cargo floor structure and relevant main interior and system elements. The STUNNING partners are GKN-Fokker, DIEHL, NLR and TUDelft, working in close collaboration with Airbus.

In order to reinforce the capabilities of the current team, a system engineer is required who will lead the developments on industrialisation and upscaling of the current sequential spot welding techniques. The main activities in this job will be: development of a semi-industrial robotic spot welding setup (including jigs and fixtures), definition of welding strategy for each considered application (welding setup, spot or sequential welding, number and locationos of spots), definiton of processing window and assessment of mechanical performance of welded joints, development of in line quality control and process monitoring, coordination of the work with both internal and external stakeholders and project management and reporting. The writing of at least two scientific and/or conference papers will as well be strongly encouraged.

We are looking for an enthusiastic engineer and strong team player with a MSc degree on aerospace, mechanical or systems engineering. Hands on experience on working with an industrial robot system and afinity with composite materials (preferably thermoplastic composite materials and related processing methods) are prerequisites. Knowledge on MSOffice, CAD and basic simulation software are needed. Experience on programming in Pyhton and/or C++ as well as on ROS (Robot Operating System) are of great value.The candidate should have a very good command of the English language (both spoken and written). The candidate should be proactive and independent thinker, should be willing to learn new skills and have the ability to take ownership of the project.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. You will have 232 hours of paid leave each year and in addition to your salary, at TU Delft you will receive an annual holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% of your salary.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world's largest faculties devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. In the Netherlands it is the only research and education institute directly related to the aerospace engineering sector. It covers the whole spectrum of aerospace engineering subjects. In aeronautics, the faculty covers subjects ranging from aerodynamics and flight propulsion to structures and materials and from control and simulation to air transport and operations. In astronautics, topics include astrodynamics, space missions and space systems engineering. The faculty has around 2,700 BSc and MSc students, 225 PhD candidates and 27 professors supported by scientific staff.
The faculty's mission is to be the best Aerospace Engineering faculty in the world, inspiring and educating students through modern education techniques and enabling staff to perform ambitious research of the highest quality for the future of aerospace. The working atmosphere at the faculty is friendly, open-minded and dedicated.

The Department of Aerospace Materials and Structures is dedicated to research on and development of structures and materials. Multiple groups cover the range from fundamental material science to full-scale structural component testing.     

The Aerospace Manufacturing Technology group focusses on product and process innovation with advanced polymer composites. Its interdisciplinary research between materials science, engineering and manufacturing provides building blocks for novel industrial technologies

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ae/