PhD Opportunity - Sustainable Upper-Stage Mission Design

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