PhD Opportunity - Sustainable Upper-Stage Mission Design (DC16)

Job Description:

Build the Future with Indra Group

Tech for the future.

At Indra Group, we work for something greater than ourselves: creating a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future through technology.

We are a global leader in Defense, Aerospace, and Advanced Digital Technologies, delivering solutions that anticipate tomorrow's challenges and improving the lives of millions worldwide.

We are now seeking a highly motivated researcher to join an international PhD program under the Horizon Europe MSCA SLICE Doctoral Network.

🚀 PhD Opportunity - Doctoral Candidate (DC16)

Missionisation of Re-entry and Recovery Architectures for Upper Stages

(Hosted by Deimos Engineering and Systems - part of Indra Group)

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the future of sustainable space transportation by developing mission engineering methodologies and tools for reusable upper-stage launch systems. The role is part of a highly competitive, fully funded international doctoral program.

🔍 What We Are Looking For (Profile & Requirements)

Academic Background

* A completed Master's degree (or equivalent) in:

* Aerospace Engineering

* Mechanical Engineering

* Space Engineering

* Physics

* Or a closely related field

Technical Skills & Interests

* Strong foundation in simulation, modelling, and/or numerical methods.

* Interest in space systems, re-entry, mission design, environmental impact or propulsion.

* Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar languages (a plus).

* Ability to conduct collaborative research within an international, interdisciplinary environment.

* English proficiency (written and spoken) is required for research, documentation, and collaboration.

MSCA Eligibility - Mobility Rule (Mandatory)

* Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.

🌍 Project Overview (DC16)

The selected candidate will work on developing environmentally sustainable re-entry and recovery architectures for future reusable launch systems. Key research activities include:

* Developing low-fidelity models to estimate emissions during atmospheric re-entry.

* Proposing mission engineering solutions that minimize environmental impact while meeting operational objectives.

* Conducting emissions quantification and trade-off analyses across different concepts of operation.

* Creating a full missionisation strategy, process, and software tool for sustainable upper-stage launcher design.

* Applying and validating these models and tools on representative case studies.

International Research Stays

As part of the MSCA training program, the candidate will complete two mandatory secondments:

* Politecnico di Torino (Italy) - approx. 5 months

* ONERA (France) - approx. 4 months

These stays provide deeper technical specialization and exposure to world-class research teams.

❤️ Why Join Indra Group & the SLICE Network?

* A fully funded 36-month PhD position under Horizon Europe MSCA.

* Competitive salary and allowances following MSCA guidelines.

* Training within a high-level European research consortium.

* Participation in conferences, summer schools, and scientific dissemination.

* Opportunity to contribute to sustainable space transportation with real future impact.

* Integration into Deimos Engineering and Systems, a recognized leader in European space missions and systems engineering.

🎯 Ready to Shape the Future of Space?

If you want to combine impactful research, advanced engineering, and international collaboration - we'd love to hear from you.

Indra Group - Tech for the Future