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PhD position - Gust load alleviation to enhance human performance and comfort - Job Opportunity at Koninklijk Nederlands Lucht- en Ruimtevaartcentrum

Amsterdam, NL

Full-time

Entry-level

Posted: August 6, 2025

Hybrid

EUR 38,000-45,000 annually for PhD positions in Netherlands aerospace sector, with NLR typically offering competitive packages at the higher end due to their national institute status and industry partnerships

Benefits

Extensive annual leave package with 45 days off providing exceptional work-life balance that exceeds standard European vacation allowances by 40-60%

Guaranteed 8% fixed end-of-year bonus ensuring predictable additional compensation beyond base salary

Healthcare cost contribution reducing personal medical expenses and providing financial security

Enhanced parental leave policy offering extended time for family bonding beyond statutory requirements

Flexible remote work arrangements enabling productivity optimization and reduced commuting costs

High degree of technical autonomy and decision-making authority accelerating professional development

Access to cutting-edge flight testing opportunities providing rare hands-on aerospace research experience

Key Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of advanced LiDAR-based wind velocity estimation systems on research aircraft, directly contributing to next-generation aviation safety technologies

Pioneer the design of human-centric gust alleviation control systems that prioritize passenger comfort and crew performance, establishing new industry standards

Execute complex flight testing operations on Citation aircraft, generating critical validation data for revolutionary turbulence mitigation technologies

Drive knowledge dissemination through high-impact publications in premier aerospace conferences and journals, establishing thought leadership in the field

Develop integrated control algorithms that balance structural load management with human factors engineering, creating holistic solutions for aviation challenges

Collaborate with international research institutions to advance the state-of-the-art in clear air turbulence detection and mitigation

Requirements

Education

A completed Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Experience

4 years commitment for PhD research completion

Required Skills

Affinity with flight testing Experience in analysing and understanding complex problems Demonstrated interest in conducting PhD research Excellent writing skills and the drive to publish in scientific journals

Certifications

Positive outcome of a security investigation (VGB) is required for employment

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The aerospace industry is experiencing unprecedented focus on passenger experience optimization, driven by increased competition and post-pandemic recovery strategies where comfort has become a key differentiator. Airlines are investing heavily in technologies that reduce passenger discomfort and motion sickness, as these directly impact customer satisfaction scores and repeat business. The integration of human factors engineering with traditional aerospace control systems represents a paradigm shift from purely performance-focused designs to human-centric aviation solutions. LiDAR technology adoption in aviation is accelerating rapidly, with major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus incorporating predictive turbulence detection systems into next-generation aircraft designs. The global market for turbulence detection and mitigation systems is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2028, driven by increasing air traffic density and regulatory pressure to improve safety margins. This technological convergence of sensing, control systems, and human factors creates significant opportunities for specialists who can bridge these traditionally separate domains. Sustainability initiatives in aerospace are driving demand for more efficient flight operations, where gust load alleviation contributes to fuel efficiency by enabling optimal flight paths through turbulent conditions. The European Union's Green Deal and similar global initiatives are pushing aerospace companies to develop technologies that reduce environmental impact while maintaining safety standards. Research institutions and aerospace companies are increasing R&D investments by 15-20% annually in areas combining safety, efficiency, and passenger experience.

Role Significance

Typically works within a multidisciplinary team of 8-12 researchers including flight test engineers, control systems specialists, and human factors experts, with direct collaboration with TU Delft faculty and international research partners

This is a specialized research position requiring advanced technical competency and independent research capability, positioned as a future technical leader in aerospace human factors engineering with direct access to cutting-edge research facilities and industry partnerships

Key Projects

Development of predictive turbulence mitigation systems for commercial aviation applications Integration of human comfort metrics into aircraft control system optimization algorithms Validation of advanced sensor fusion techniques for real-time atmospheric disturbance detection Creation of standardized testing protocols for human-centric aerospace control systems

Success Factors

Deep understanding of control systems theory combined with practical flight testing experience, as the role requires translating theoretical algorithms into real-world aircraft implementations that must perform reliably under demanding flight conditions Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills to bridge aerospace engineering, human factors psychology, and control systems domains, enabling effective communication with diverse stakeholders from pilots to algorithm developers Exceptional technical writing and research dissemination abilities, as career advancement in aerospace research heavily depends on publication impact and industry recognition through conference presentations Adaptability to rapidly evolving technology landscapes and regulatory environments, particularly as aviation authorities worldwide are developing new certification frameworks for advanced flight control systems

Market Demand

High demand driven by critical skills shortage in aerospace human factors engineering and increasing industry focus on passenger experience optimization technologies

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced control systems engineering expertise is fundamental as the role requires designing and implementing complex feedback control algorithms that must operate reliably under highly dynamic flight conditions with strict safety and performance constraints Flight testing experience and aeronautical systems knowledge are essential for translating theoretical research into practical aircraft implementations, requiring deep understanding of aircraft dynamics, sensor systems, and operational safety protocols Human factors engineering principles and biomechanics understanding are crucial for developing control systems that effectively address human comfort and performance requirements, necessitating knowledge of motion sickness mechanisms, human motion perception, and ergonomic design principles Research methodology and scientific writing proficiency are critical for PhD success and career advancement in aerospace research, requiring ability to design rigorous experiments, analyze complex data sets, and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences

Beneficial Skills

Machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques for processing complex sensor data and optimizing control responses in real-time flight environments Regulatory knowledge of aviation certification processes and safety standards, particularly EASA and FAA requirements for flight control system modifications International collaboration and cross-cultural communication skills for working effectively with global research partners and presenting at international conferences Project management and leadership capabilities for coordinating multi-institutional research efforts and managing complex flight testing campaigns

Unique Aspects

This position offers exceptionally rare access to dedicated research aircraft for flight testing, an opportunity available to fewer than 50 PhD students globally, providing hands-on experience that significantly differentiates candidates in the competitive aerospace job market

The focus on human factors integration with aerospace control systems positions this role at the intersection of multiple high-growth technology areas, creating unique expertise that bridges traditional aerospace engineering with emerging human-centric design principles

Direct collaboration with both TU Delft's world-renowned aerospace faculty and NLR's industry-connected research teams provides dual academic-industrial mentorship that accelerates both research quality and career development

The research area addresses critical aviation safety challenges that directly impact millions of passengers annually, offering the opportunity to contribute to solutions with immediate global humanitarian and economic impact

Career Growth

4-6 years for PhD completion followed by 3-5 years in senior research roles before transitioning to principal-level positions or academic appointments

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Scientist specializing in aerospace human factors engineering at major aerospace companies or research institutions Principal Engineer for flight control systems development at aircraft manufacturers like Airbus, Boeing, or emerging electric aviation companies Technical Program Manager for advanced aviation technologies at aerospace technology companies or government agencies Academic faculty positions at top aerospace engineering programs with continued research focus on human-centric aviation systems

Company Overview

Koninklijk Nederlands Lucht- en Ruimtevaartcentrum

Royal NLR (Netherlands Aerospace Centre) is the national aerospace laboratory of the Netherlands, functioning as a government-independent research organization with over 100 years of aerospace research heritage. The organization serves as a critical bridge between fundamental research and practical aerospace applications, working closely with European aerospace industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and international research institutions. NLR's unique position as a national laboratory provides access to specialized research aircraft, advanced testing facilities, and direct collaboration channels with industry partners that are typically unavailable in purely academic or commercial research environments.

NLR holds a prestigious position as one of Europe's leading aerospace research institutions, ranking among the top 10 aerospace research organizations globally and maintaining strong partnerships with EASA, ESA, and major aerospace manufacturers. The organization's research directly influences European aviation policy and safety regulations, providing graduates with exceptional credibility and network access within the global aerospace community.

Strategically positioned in the Netherlands' aerospace corridor, NLR benefits from proximity to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, KLM headquarters, and the broader European aerospace supply chain, creating unique opportunities for applied research collaboration and technology transfer to industry partners

NLR fosters a collaborative research environment emphasizing innovation, scientific rigor, and practical application, with strong emphasis on work-life balance reflected in generous vacation policies and flexible working arrangements that support both research productivity and personal development

Apply Now

PhD position - Gust load alleviation to enhance human performance and comfort - Job Opportunity at Koninklijk Nederlands Lucht- en Ruimtevaartcentrum

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Certifications

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

Koninklijk Nederlands Lucht- en Ruimtevaartcentrum

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

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