Researcher Optimisation for Industrial Designs

Researcher Optimisation for Industrial Designs

Using a model-based approach, you develop algorithms and optimisation models. You solve challenging problems for machine and vehicle designers in the industry.

Flanders Make researchers work on innovating design processes for the industry. You always start from a complex industrial problem. Examples include generating alternative designs for complex products (machines, vehicles, etc.) and assembly environments. Your models are used as basis for innovative engineering tools for industrial designers.

Job description

In a first phase, it is your task to define the problem in more concrete terms. Many design problems are essentially about mapping knowledge about imposed constraints and multiple objectives. In a next phase, you focus on solving the problem by creating a formal algorithm or optimisation model that correctly deals with these constraints and objectives.

As Researcher Optimisation for Industrial Designs, you will more in particular:

• Work together within a research team with expertise in model-based engineering, structural analysis and optimisation, continuous and discrete optimisation, functional safety, digital twins, embedded software and IoT;

• Create and solve (Pareto) optimisation issues using exact methods or heuristics (e.g. mixed-integer programming, genetic algorithms...);

• Program and implement these methods (Python, CAD software, Matlab, Simulink) and, subsequently, test and verify the performances;

• Cooperate with companies and PhD students, both for a concrete definition of the problem at hand and during the development works. You continuously keep in touch with all your stakeholders. You want to know more about their relevant context;

• Valorise your results. You will disseminate your knowledge and developments both internally and externally through conferences, papers and (internal) demos.

Experienced applicants will also coach young researchers and lead projects.

Profile

You have:

• A Master's or PhD degree in Engineering Sciences (Computer Sciences, Mathematics or Applied Mathematics, Statistics or another relevant discipline;

• Industrial and/or academic expertise in optimisation issues;

• A keen interest in applying theoretical concepts to practical case problems;

• Good social skills to deal with stakeholder management during your developments.

• Experience with applications on machines and/or vehicles or affinity with optimisation solvers and modelling software (e.g. Python, CAD software, Matlab, Simulink) are considered additional assets.

You are:

• Passionate about research and new production technologies;

• A good conceptual thinker;

• Result-oriented, responsible, self-managing and a real team player;

• A good communicator;

• Eager to learn.

Offer

Flanders Make offers you:

• The opportunity to develop yourself within a network of leading industrial companies, universities and research institutions;
• An open-minded, flexible and challenging work environment;
• A warm atmosphere and top colleagues;
• An attractive salary with additional fringe benefits.

Depending on where you live or what you prefer, you can work in our offices in Leuven, Lommel or Kortrijk (flexible workplace policy).

About Flanders Make

Towards a digitally transformed, sustainable and competitive industry

Flanders Make is a fast-growing research centre that performs research to support companies from various sectors in their sustainable innovation processes. From our establishments in Lommel, Leuven, Kortrijk and Sint-Truiden and labs within the 5 Flemish universities, we stimulate open innovation through excellent research.

Because of our unique position as a bridge between industry and research, our teams combine application and system proficiency with technological and scientific knowledge. Academic partners and more than 150 companies are part of the innovative circular ecosystem of Flanders Make.

Our strategy based on industrial needs and long-term trends ensures a close link with the industry and its challenges. With our programmed research, we create impact in companies.

Sustainability, climate and workability have a high priority in our research. We want to help companies in developing sustainable, green, smart and connected products and production systems, with a special focus on people and their interaction with machines.

How to apply?

To apply for this job opportunity, please go to http://jobs.flandersmake.be.

Complete the online application form and upload your motivation letter and CV.