PhD position in Fault Detection and Isolation (m/f/d)

PhD position in Fault Detection and Isolation (m/f/d)

24.04.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

At the Chair of Space Mobility and Propulsion at TU Munich, we focus on innovations in propulsion hardware and software to advance sustainable and autonomous mobility solutions. To demonstrate these innovations, we develop and operate our own test infrastructure, including ASCENT, our vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) hopper with a bi-liquid propulsion system, currently in development.

The Chair of Space Mobility and Propulsion is offering a

PhD position in Fault Detection and Isolation (m/f/d)

About us and the position
At the Chair of Space Mobility and Propulsion at TU Munich, we focus on innovations in propulsion hardware and software to advance sustainable and autonomous mobility solutions. To demonstrate these innovations, we develop and operate our own test infrastructure, including ASCENT, our vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) hopper with a bi-liquid propulsion system, currently in development.
One of our research branches focuses on intelligent algorithms for real-time propulsion system fault detection and recovery, keeping missions operational when hardware fails. In this context, we are looking for a PhD researcher to join the REACT project (REentry Capsule FAult Detection, Isolation and Fault Tolerant Guidance and ConTrol). REACT is a 3-year collaborative effort to develop autonomous fault management solutions for reentry capsule propulsion systems, funded by a Horizon-Europe grant. You will work alongside a fellow PhD at our chair and two industry partners. Your focus will be on the design and validation of Fault Detection and Isolation (FDI) algorithms for on-board, runtime engine fault detection, with experimental validation on the ASCENT bi-liquid propulsion system. Our partner Orbital Paradigm contributes online trajectory reconfiguration upon fault detection, and Klepsydra Technologies handles algorithm deployment and acceleration on embedded hardware.

Key Responsibilities
• Analysis of failure modes for rocket propulsion systems
• Contribution to defining specifications and requirements for the FDI system
• Development and evaluation of model-based and machine learning-based FDI algorithms, in close exchange with relevant stakeholders
• Close interaction with functional engineers from Klepsydra Technologies and Orbital Paradigm
• Collaborative contribution to project management together with the other team members
• Contribution to technical, administrative, and financial reporting throughout the project duration
• Contribution to the ASCENT project by the design, commissioning and operation of the system
• Leading hardware-in-the-loop test campaigns to validate FDI system performance on the ASCENT propulsion test bench

What we would love to see from you

• At the time of appointment holding a Master of Science/Engineering degree with excellent results in disciplines like Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering or a comparable field of study
• Strong fundamentals in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics
• Experience in Coding, in particular Python
• Strong understanding of modelling and simulation based on ODEs
• Experience in conducting experiments is an asset
• Experience in control engineering is an asset
• Experience in machine learning is an asset

Soft Skills

• Highly motivated and self-independent working attitude to carry out a research project and push the frontiers in space mobility
• Strong ability to work in close collaboration with others
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills
• Strong research skills and ability to infer useful information from partial or even contradictory sources
• Proficiency in organization and prioritizing tasks

Why you should join us
• Full position (100% / 40h, pay grade E13, TV-L) with a 3-year contract and the goal to obtain a PhD (Dr.-Ing.)
• Flexible solutions for home office and 30 days of paid holidays
• An amazing team and the possibility of getting involved in something big
• Possibility to publish in top-tier journals and international conferences
• Ability to grow, learn and contribute to the ASCENT project

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. We are dedicated to offering an inclusive research environment and encourage applicants of all backgrounds to ap-ply, including individuals with disabilities. The position is suitable for disabled persons.

Application
Interested candidates should send their application (incl. CV, motivation letter (max. 1 page), current and past transcript of records, as well as any supporting documents) via E-Mail at: rfa-jobs.rfa@ed.tum.de (preferably in a single PDF). We look forward to your application.
• The vacancy will be open until filled
• The position shall start in July 2026

Data Protection Information:

Technische Universität München
TUM School of Engineering and Design
Chair of Space Mobility and Propulsion
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Chiara Manfletti

www.asg.ed.tum.de/spm

Kontakt: rfa-jobs.rfa@ed.tum.de