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

• • Vacancies • EngD in Designing a framework for the digitalization of condition-based maintenance for Lock Complexes of RWS (Case of Hengelo)To vacancy overviewApply now • • • • • ETEngDEngD in Designing a framework for the digitalization of condition-based maintenance for Lock Complexes of RWS (Case of Hengelo)Are you eager to help shape the future of smart infrastructure in the Netherlands? Join us in developing an innovative framework for digital Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) at the Hengelo Lock Complex.Apply now • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Christopher Balfe • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Floriana Anselmucci • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Mark Vlutters • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Peter Chemweno • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Suzanne Hulscher • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Tjerkje Dijkstra • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Mina Shahi • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Anouk Bomers • • • • • • • • Key takeaways • Hours 40 hr. • Salary indicationSalary gross/monthly based on full-time € 3,173 • Deadline 14 Nov 2026 The Project The transition to digital CBM is vital for asset owners as they face challenges such as labour shortages and aging infrastructure. Traditional CBM still relies heavily on information coming from manual inspections, analysis, and planning. While generic digital tools exist, they often fail to deliver efficiency gains for complex and specialized assets like navigation locks. Navigation locks are made up of many structural and mechanical components, each with unique degradation mechanisms. These can be detected and structural condition indicators drawn when changes in certain parameters are detected/triggered. Understanding these “triggers” is essential for building a digital CBM ecosystem that truly works. By identifying and clustering triggers, and deploying sensors optimally, we can create a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system that offers reliable, real-time insights into the condition of a lock complex. Challenge 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 is based in Enschede/Hengelo. 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). Your profileWe 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 €3.173,- 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. 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 f.vahdatikhaki@utwente.nl (Farid Vahdati) and r.kromanis@utwente.nl (Roland Kromanis). Apply nowShare this vacancy • • • • About the organisation At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources. We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture. In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society. Want to know moreVahdatikhaki, F. (Farid) Associate ProfessorVahdatikhaki, F. (Farid) Associate ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Farid for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.ContactPhone:+31534892242Email:f.vahdatikhaki@utwente.nl How to applyStep 1Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.Apply nowStep 2Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.Step 31st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.Step 42nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.Step 5The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening. Your Colleagues • Kromanis, R. (Roland)Personal page • Vahdatikhaki, F. (Farid)Personal page • Doree, A.G. (Andre)Personal page About The Faculty ETCurious about what the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) stands for? Check out the ET website for more information.Go to the ET websiteA job that mattersCreate new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!Stories from UT'ers • • • Our mission Human TouchAt the University of Twente, technology is all about people. We call this High Tech, Human Touch. This same belief is reflected in the way the Human Resources department operates. We believe that a strong organization starts with people who are given the space to grow, take initiative, and make a difference. That is why we are building a working environment in which everyone can thrive. • Our mission We are a university of technologyOur university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world. • Our mission We help to strengthen societyWe help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life. • Our mission We are sustainableWe want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.” Browse all jobs