(Senior) Research Engineer

Careers at the von Karman Institute: Construct the future together

Today, we are looking for a full-time Senior Research Engineer, to join the Aeronautics and Aerospace Department. However, outstanding candidates at the grade of Research Engineer (minimum 3 years of recognized professional experience after PhD) will be considered.

Your Responsibilities

As part of a dedicated team focusing on aerothermodynamic research, you will support the growing portfolio of research projects on topics such as:

• High-speed aerothermodynamics
• Hypersonic boundary layer stability and transition predictions
• Hypersonic vehicle geometry design and optimization
• Hypersonic maneuverability and controllability

The successful candidate is expected to organize and conduct his research and to report his results and findings to colleagues and external research sponsors. The candidate is expected to contribute actively to the dissemination of her/his research findings through conference participation and peer-reviewed articles.

You will also lead grant proposal preparation and mentor research master students, PhD candidates, and Post-docs involved in the research projects.

Your Profile

You are a highly motivated and enthusiastic person with a passion for scientific research. You can work well independently as well as part of a team. You are strongly interested in fluid dynamics, aeronautics and aerospace.

You have:

• A PhD in a subject related to hypersonic flows, with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed academic journals and conferences. Post-doctoral experience is a plus.
• At least 5 years of top-notch research and development experience after PhD
• Strong scientific/research leadership skills
• Experience in generating and negotiating valuable research opportunities through the lead generation phase up to contract award, in particular at National and/or European level (European Space Agency, Funding Programs from the European Commission)
• Familiar with project management & proposal management good practices
• Proven experience in numerical simulations for hypersonic flows, i.e., in at least three of the following topics:
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools and analysis, applied to hypersonic flows (Reynolds-averaged and/or large-eddy simulation and/or direct numerical simulation)
  • Numerical meshing (CFD)
  • Development of numerical solvers (knowledge of high order schemes is a plus)
  • Modeling and analysis of Fluid-Structure-Thermal coupling interactions
  • Hypersonic boundary layer stability and transition prediction (linear, PSE, Bi-Global)
  • Design and optimization of high-speed vehicles (i.e., air intake, control surfaces…)
• Strong programming skills (Python / C++ / Matlab).
• Excellent written & oral communication skills in technical English. Knowledge of Dutch and/or French is a plus, but not strictly required.
• A strong sense of self-motivation and organizational skills.

Furthermore, experience in any of the following is a strong advantage:

• Experience with high-performance computing infrastructure
• Experience with hypersonic wind tunnels and associated measurement techniques

We offer

• A permanent full-time contract
• An attractive salary package, including pension-, hospitalization- and dental insurances, as well as other fringe benefits
• A stimulating and motivating job within a team of passionate aerothermodynamic researchers led by Prof. Olivier Chazot, Prof. Guillaume Grossir and Prof. Pierre Schrooyen
• Global access to industry experts and academics. Opportunities to collaborate with students in a leading research institute.
• Flexible working culture with partial homeworking options
• Access to specialized seminars, to VKI Lecture Series, and to world-unique ground testing facilities.

Eligibility Criteria

1. meet the requirements for the duties concerned. 
2. be a citizen of one of the countries:
   
   1. EU member countries
   2. NATO member countries

How to apply? Please apply online, do NOT send your application by email. Please upload both CV and motivation letter for your application.

About the organisation

For 75 years as an international centre of excellence in fluid dynamics, the von Karman Institute (VKI) brings together young engineers and scientists from all over the world to study, improve their skills and perform their research.

“A scientist studies what is, whereas an engineer creates what never was “ Théodore von Kármán

Besides its mission of education, the von Karman Institute gathers the top-level scientists and engineers to work on very challenging projects as the next generation of engines, new propulsion concepts, the new green energy, the safety of industry, solutions for a cleaner space, the Mission to Mars and many other fields of research which can make the difference for the humankind. Those scientists have access to more than 50 wind tunnels and test rigs, some of them unique in the world to help them in their projects.

VKI is a team of people looking in the same direction, for a better future, not only scientists and engineers but also students, PhD candidates, PostDocs, IT, Human Resources, accountants, librarians, designers, and technicians and more....

Location: Close to Brussels @ Rhode-Saint-Genèse (Flemish-Brabant)