Technical University of Munich
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3 days ago
PhD Position in Electric Space Propulsion and Water-Based Electric Thrusters Technical University of Munich in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
Full funding available
Country
Germany
University
Technical University of Munich
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About this position
PhD position in Electric Space Propulsion at the Technical University of Munich (TUM)
This PhD opening focuses on electric space propulsion and the development of water-based electric propulsion technologies for future spacecraft. The project will investigate how water can be stored, transported, and controlled within compact electric thrusters, contributing to an integrated Water Electrolysis Propulsion system at the Chair of Space Mobility and Propulsion at TUM.
The research combines aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, plasma generation, propellant management, vacuum experimentation, modelling, and performance analysis. The successful candidate will design and manufacture propulsion prototypes, run experimental tests and diagnostics, develop propellant-control concepts, and work with other projects in the chair to contribute the electric propulsion branch of a complete water-based propulsion system.
Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a master’s degree with excellent results in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a comparable field. The post also asks for strong problem-solving ability, teamwork and independent working skills, mechanical design experience, analysis of structural and fluid dynamic engineering problems, fluent English, and willingness to attend international conferences and publish internationally. Helpful extras include prior knowledge of space propulsion, especially electric propulsion, CAD skills such as SolidWorks, Matlab and/or Python, strong motivation for research, interest in economically sustainable space mobility, and German at B1 level or higher.
Funding and conditions: this is a full-time salaried research position (100% / 40h) paid at E13 TV-L. The post includes flexible home office options and 30 days of paid holidays. No stipend amount is given.
How to apply: send your application by email to rfa-jobs.rfa@ed.tum.de, preferably as a single PDF. Include a CV, a motivation letter (max. 1 page), current and past transcripts of records, and any supporting documents.
Institution: Technical University of Munich, Germany.
Start date: October 2026.
Funding details
Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.
How to apply
Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.
More information can be found here
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