University:
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Country:
Netherlands
Deadline:
2025-08-04
Fields:
Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Systems EngineeringAre you passionate about engineering solutions that can shape the future of sustainable manufacturing? Do you want to contribute to the transformation of industrial energy systems and make a tangible impact on global sustainability goals? If your academic ambition is to be at the forefront of energy-aware manufacturing, this PhD opportunity at TU Delft could be your next step.
About The University Or Research Institute
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) stands as one of the world’s premier technical universities, renowned for its pioneering research and innovative educational programs. Located in Delft, the Netherlands, TU Delft has a longstanding tradition of excellence, from engineering the iconic Dutch waterworks to leading advancements in biotechnology. The university is committed to solving pressing global challenges in energy, climate, mobility, health, and digital society. TU Delft fosters a vibrant, diverse academic community and provides state-of-the-art facilities, international collaborations, and a supportive environment for both personal and professional growth. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, where this position is hosted, is recognized for its multidisciplinary research, cutting-edge laboratories, and strong links to industry.
Research Topic and Significance
The industrial sector is a major consumer of energy, accounting for roughly 25% of final energy use in the European Union. With rising electricity prices and stringent EU regulations on sustainability, emissions, and climate compliance, manufacturing industries face increasing pressure to modernize their infrastructure and optimize energy consumption. This PhD project is focused on developing a digital twin framework and integrated decision-support systems for sustainable and resilient energy use in manufacturing. By leveraging systems engineering methodologies, the research aims to help manufacturers navigate regulatory requirements, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate the transition to greener energy sources. The significance of this work lies in its potential to drive cost savings, enhance sustainability, and ensure operational resilience in critical industrial infrastructures—key factors for competitive and compliant manufacturing in Europe and beyond.
Project Details
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment at TU Delft’s Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The core objective of the PhD project is to develop and apply systems engineering tools to create an integrated decision-support system for energy-aware and regulation-compliant manufacturing, grounded in real industrial use cases. Key responsibilities include:– Selecting and defining industrial use cases, including the identification of relevant sustainability requirements and regulations.– Developing reconfiguration strategies and defining key performance indicators (KPIs) at strategic, tactical, and operational levels.– Modeling and analyzing system variables such as regulatory drivers, cost, technology, and sources of uncertainty using systems engineering tools.– Designing a data infrastructure that integrates internal factory data with external regulatory and environmental sources.– Creating a decision-support framework for real-time and scenario-based energy management, as well as strategic and operational planning for energy usage and infrastructure adaptation.Teaching activities are also part of the PhD trajectory, such as supervising student workgroups, assisting in courses, or mentoring BSc and MSc students. These teaching responsibilities will not exceed 20% of the total appointment and are designed to support the candidate’s academic and professional development.Employment conditions include a four-year contract (with an initial 1.5-year contract and a progress assessment after 15 months, followed by a 2.5-year extension upon satisfactory performance). The salary ranges from €2,901 per month in the first year to €3,707 in the fourth year, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. TU Delft provides a customizable benefits package, flexible work arrangements, and extensive support for international relocation, including assistance for partners through the Dual Career Programme.
Candidate Profile
TU Delft welcomes applications from candidates with a Master’s degree in one or more of the following fields:– Mechanical Engineering– Energy Engineering– Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering– Systems Engineering or related disciplines
Ideal Candidates Should Possess
– Solid analytical and systems thinking skills– Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools– A keen interest in sustainable manufacturing and energy systems– A proactive, curious, and collaborative mindset– Willingness to engage with industrial partners and participate in international research networks
Application Process
If You Are Interested In This Vacancy, Please Apply No Later Than 4 August 2025 Via The Official Application Portal. You Will Need To Upload The Following Documents– CV– Motivational letterApply through the following link: https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-PhD-Position-Systems-Engineering-for-Sustainable-and-Resilient-Energy-Use-in-Manufacturing-2628-CD/825544002/
Conclusion
This PhD position at TU Delft offers a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research at the intersection of systems engineering, sustainability, and industrial innovation. If you are driven to help shape the future of energy use in manufacturing and aspire to advance your academic and professional career in a world-class environment, we strongly encourage you to apply. Stay tuned for more opportunities in related fields and institutions below.Get the latest openings in your field and preferred country—straight to your email inbox. Sign up now for 14 days free: https://phdfinder.com/position-alert-service/We’re an independent team helping students find opportunities.Found this opportunity helpful? Support us with a coffee!
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