Technician Specialising in Cryogenic Miniature Robotics for Planetary Research

Robotics Technician – Ice climbing & cryogenic systems (Enceladus climber Project)

Job description
Enceladus, one of Saturn’s icy moons, harbors a subsurface ocean rich in salts and complex organic molecules — one of the most promising environments for extraterrestrial life in our solar system. Access to this ocean is possible only through fractures in kilometers-thick ice where cryogenic geysers erupt.

To enable future exploration of this extreme environment, we are developing a bio-inspired ice-climbing robot that adheres to ice using Peltier-driven local melting and refreezing, forming strong bonds with the ice to allow locomotion. This technology also has powerful Earth-based applications in polar exploration, search-and-rescue, and infrastructure inspection in icy environments.

We are seeking a hands-on Robotics Technician to help bring this system from laboratory prototypes to mission-ready hardware.

You will play a central role in building, testing, and refining a novel cryogenic climbing robot designed to operate on vertical and overhanging ice. Working closely with scientists and engineers, you will assemble mechanical and thermal systems, integrate electronics, and conduct adhesion and climbing tests in cold environments.

This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of planetary exploration, robotics, and cryogenic physics.

Job requirements
The ideal candidate has strong hands-on skills in robotics and mechatronic assembly, experience with thermal systems such as Peltier elements, and the ability to work with ice adhesion and cryogenic test setups. They are comfortable with electronics and high-current power systems, mechanical prototyping, and experimental troubleshooting, and can reliably collect and interpret test data while working in cold and extreme environments.

TU Delft
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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering
The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 4 years Temporary
• A job of 32 hours per week.
• A salary based on Scale 10 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €3546 - €5538 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), 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 on supplemental packages.
• 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.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Stéphanie Cazaux, via S.M.Cazaux@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 5 February 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Stéphanie Cazaux.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.