Tirtha Kaloor completed his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in India and earned his master's degree in automotive technology from TU Eindhoven, specializing in model-based systems engineering - in November 2023. ‘However, the roles I was interested in within these industries required experience in software development and hardware integration, besides other competencies. An EngD was a very good opportunity to fill in this gap,’ says Tirtha.
Michelle Calahorrano is from Ecuador. She obtained her bachelor’s in mechatronics engineering and worked for five years as a design engineer in the automotive industry at Nissan Mexico. She subsequently decided she wanted to learn more about the earlier phases in the automotive industry and started to study again. In Esslingen, Germany, she did her master’s in automotive systems, with a minor in vehicle dynamics. ‘After completing my master’s degree, I still felt a strong desire to keep learning. I realized it was the right moment to continue my academic journey and pursue a doctorate-level degree. That’s why I started my EngD here in Eindhoven,’ comments Michelle.
The program
Both Michelle and Tirtha started in November 2024. In their first year, they each did three projects in cooperation with external companies. In the second year, the focus is on one individual project for an external client. Tirtha: ‘In the first year, you can also do technical courses, as well as courses for soft skills like academic writing, project management and scrum methodologies. Additionally, you benefit from feedback from your peers and teachers. And you can learn a lot from your fellow students.’
Tirtha is doing his second-year project at Rijkswaterstaat, the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. As a systems engineer, he is supporting preparations for the upcoming renovation of locks and bridges. ‘I’m working on a toolchain that can make a faster, more reliable and standardized design.’
Michelle: ‘Not all projects are based in the automotive industry, but that’s not a bad thing; the systems engineering process in the same in different industries. It helps to open your mind and be more creative. Besides that, in your two-year program you are able to shape your program in line with your own EngD goal.
Benefits of and EngD
Tirtha: ‘The program creates a pathway to fill the gaps in your skills and experience. I was able to comfortably learn, apply skills and work on industrial problems while being a trainee in a learning atmosphere. I enjoyed fulfilling different roles – product owner, project manager and systems architect. It was also interesting to participate in Dutch work culture during industrial projects. Besides that, the soft skills, the teamwork and working in the Netherlands give you a lot of beneficial experience. This program is designed specifically for automotive systems design and mechatronic systems design. Other programs may have a different setup.’
Michelle: ‘For me, it is practical experience and learning at the same time. It’s like a playground; it’s okay to make mistakes. I get feedback from other students, and we encourage each other, which works very well because it helps you grow. Plus these programs allow you to build your own path.’ Tirtha: ‘Additionally, you learn so much thanks to working in multidisciplinary teams – in other words, in mixed teams of people with various backgrounds.’
And after this?
Tirtha: ‘I would like to continue in one of my dream roles: first in system engineering, and later in project management, either in the automotive or the high-tech industry in the Netherlands.’
Michelle: ‘I will go back to the industry, as a systems designer or possibly in a supervisory role.’
Reasons to apply
Does the Engineering Doctorate traineeship appeal to you and are you interested in becoming a technological designer? At 4TU.SAI we are always on the lookout for talented engineers with a master of science degree in a technical subject and who are keen to further develop their design skills. We currently have various openings in Delft, Eindhoven, Twente, Wageningen and Groningen. For a complete overview of the opportunities, take a look at our website. Link to website.
about sai
The 4TU.School for Technological Design, Stan Ackermans Institute offers 19 educational programs related to technological design at the universities of technology in Delft, Eindhoven, Twente and Wageningen, and the University of Groningen. Each program leads to an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) qualification. Whereas the more familiar PhD entails spending four years doing research, a two-year EngD is focused on the direct application of knowledge. During the program, trainees not only study various subjects but also receive payment for their work on a real-life design project. This project can be focused on, for example, process optimization or product design.
An EngD bridges the gap between academia and industry. It gives you the opportunity to gain experience, meet new people in your field and exchange knowledge, which expands your professional network. It’s a great way to strengthen your position in your chosen field, plus to apply your scientific knowledge in practice while you continue learning.
4TU Career Special 2026
This article appeared in the 4TU Career Special 2026, a shared publication by the news editors of Cursor TU Eindhoven (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven University of Technology), TU Delta (TU Delft University of Technology), Resource Wageningen UR (Wageningen University & Research) and U-Today (University of Twente).
The magazine came into being in collaboration with industry and is explicitly aimed towards students who are either in the final phase of their studies, or have just graduated.
