Mechanical or Mechatronic engineer for research Job in Leuven, Belgium

FMTC is a division of the young Strategic Research Centre Manufacturing with an international team of 35 researchers. Our mission is to strenghten the long-term international competitiveness of the Flemish manufacturing industry by performing industry-driven, pre-competitive, excellent research. In direct collaboration with companies, universities and experts FMTC performs research in the field of mechatronics, where mechanics, electronics and software meet. FMTC is proud of its world premiere: the first badminton robot.

The FMTC research activities are organized in programs: energy efficient electromechanical actuators, smart sensors, self-optimization and model based design.

Mechanical or Mechatronic engineer for research Job Description

Program energy efficient electromechanical drive trains

Increasing energy prices and more strict regulations on energy efficiency of machines force the machine construction industry to put more focus on reducing the energy consumption of their machines.

In the last few years several improvements towards energy efficiency of electrical drivetrain components have been made (e.g. energy efficient motors, use of  energy storage in super capacitors). However, it is still unclear how these solutions should be optimally designed and used to improve the energy efficiency of machines.

Besides, efficiency of drivetrains can also be improved by focusing on specific mechanical and thermal aspects. For instance, lubrication parameters (such as the amount of oil in a bearing) have a significant influence on bearing losses. Besides, energy required for a cooling system (to remove waste energy from the machine) can be significant and is therefore to be minimized. Adequate combination of all these innovations will enable the drive trains of the future.
For its further growth FMTC is looking for an enthusiastic Mechatronic engineer: energy efficiency in machines.

Function

• Model-based design and control to reduce the overall energy consumption of electrical-mechanical drive trains. Special focus will go to mechanical aspects (such as losses in bearing friction) and thermal aspects (such as cooling, energy removed by and consumed by the cooling system);
• Validate the results on machines from companies;
• Present the results of the research to the companies and on seminars and conferences;
• You will work in a team and report to the project leader.

Mechanical or Mechatronic engineer for research Job Requirements

Profile

• Master's degree or PhD in Engineering (Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electro,..);
• Track record of 5 years of research; experience with prospection of research projects (EU, IWT) is a plus
• A good understanding of the behavior of typical components in electromechanical drivetrains (e.g. bearings) and related auxiliary functions such as lubrication and cooling;
• You have experience with system modeling (Matlab, Simulink) and model optimization techniques;
• Physical insight to understand and improve the functionality of machines, based on a good understanding of the basic laws of physics;
• Think out of the box;
• Solve problems with sustainable solutions.

• Passionate by research and new technologies
• Result oriented, responsible and proactive
• a good communicator an d a team player
• eager to learn

Mechanical or Mechatronic engineer for research Application Information

Offer

FMTC offers a function in the Flemish research institute in Mechatronics:

• challenging high tech projects in a young, multidisciplinary and international team;
• direct cooperation with the leading Flemish companies, universities and experts;
• projects with applications on machines of the companies;
• big ownership of the content of the projects;
• the opportunity to develop your personal competences and expertise;
• good work-life balance with flexible hours and telework;
• a competitive salary package with extra legal advantages.

Mechanical or Mechatronic engineer for research Summary

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