EngD position: Designing a framework for the digitalization of condition-based maintenance for Lock Complexes of RWS (Case of Hengelo)

Job description

The aim of this project is to design a framework for the SHM system of the Hengelo Lock Complex. You will investigate how the condition of the lock is currently assessed and identify triggers that allow for automated, continuous SHM with minimal human interventions.

Your research will cover:

• Analysis of structural and mechanical behaviour of lock components.
• Review of relevant national, regional, and organizational regulations and guidelines.
• Evaluation of current practices and feasible structural health monitoring technologies.
• Cost–benefit assessment of sensor deployment and measurement interpretation strategies.

This is a multifaceted project at the intersection of structural and mechanical engineering, asset management, and Civionics – sensor-based SHM of civil infrastructure.

Context and Supervision

The project is sponsored and hosted by Rijkswaterstaat, the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Rijkswaterstaat designs, constructs, manages, and maintains key infrastructure in the Netherlands.

You will be supervised by:

• Dr. Farid Vahdatikhaki (University of Twente)
• Dr. Roland Kromanis (University of Twente)
• Mr. Sukon Wu (Rijkswaterstaat)

You will work closely with Rijkswaterstaat to deliver a tailor-made design artifact with real-world impact. The project will start in January 2026 and is based in Enschede/Hengelo.

Your profile

We invite you to apply when fulfilling the following conditions. You are:

• One of the best M.Sc. graduates with a background in structural and mechanical engineering, structural health monitoring, monitoring systems, and asset management.
• You have the ambition and talent to accelerate in finding solutions / crafting designs for complex technological issues with a multidisciplinary character.
• Your professional English proficiency is high. A working command of Dutch is highly preferred.
• You like to spend time in a professional organisation like Rijkswaterstaat, and the academic environment of the University of Twente
• You work systematically and like designing innovative solutions.
• You can work independently.
• You have strong communication and social skills.
• You can collaborate in teams and take initiative to develop solutions.
• You must be willing to move to (the vicinity of) Enschede. Presence at the UT and Rijkswaterstaat branch in Hengelo is expected on a daily basis.

Our offer

• Two-year fulltime EngD position, where scientific and research domains are combined optimally with education and practical implementation of innovative design.
• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits
• Tailor-made educational/development program of at least 6 months (30 EC), including visits to conferences.
• A salary of €3.029,- gross per month.
• An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment.
• A work environment on a green and lively campus with sports and leisure facilities.
• Mentorship that supports your professional and personal growth.

On successfully completing the program, you will receive a certified and recognised degree. You will be entitled to use the academic title of Engineering Doctorate (EngD). You will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).

Information and application

Please send your application using the instructions below before November 15th.

Your submission is considered eligible if it includes (only and no less than) the following documents:

• Recent CV (including relevant academic, and (if any) professional experience)

•Motivation letter (max 1 page) specifically explaining your interest and relevant background knowledge for the project.

•Overview of M.Sc. degree: including thesis project title, thesis abstract, and grade list

Please contact the selection committee for more information about the project or your eligibility. You can reach them via email on [emailprotected] (Farid Vahdati) and [emailprotected] (Roland Kromanis).

Interviews will take place between 15 November and 30 November 2025.

Screening will be part of the procedure.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.