Careers at the von Karman Institute: Construct the future together !
Today, we are looking for a full-time Senior Research Engineer - Experimental Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics to join the Aeronautics and Aerospace team of our Project Office.
Your responsibilities
As part of a dedicated team focusing on aerothermodynamic research, you will support the growing portfolio of research projects and experimental activities on topics such as:
- High-speed aerothermodynamics
- Hypersonic boundary layer stability and transition characterization
- Implementation of advanced non-intrusive measurement techniques
- Development of enhanced wind tunnel capabilities
- Data analysis
The successful candidate is expected:
- to organize and conduct his research and to report his results and findings to colleagues and external research sponsors,
- to contribute actively to the dissemination of her/his research findings through conference participation and peer-reviewed articles,
- to lead grant proposal preparation,
- to mentor research master students and PhD candidates, and Post-Docs involved in the research projects.
Job requirements
You are a highly motivated and enthusiastic person with a passion for scientific research. You have a deep interest in fluid dynamics, aeronautics and aerospace. Pro-active, organized, you have a strong team spirit, and good leadership skills.
- Doctoral degree in aerospace engineering topic, with emphasis on supersonic/hypersonic flows
- At least 5 years of top-notch research and development experience
- A strong publication record in relevant peer-reviewed academic journals and conferences
- Strong scientific/research leadership skills
- First 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 with supersonic/hypersonic ground testing, i.e., with at least three of the following topics:
- Design, operation and characterization of supersonic/hypersonic wind tunnels
- High-speed flow characterization and related measurement techniques (intrusive/non-intrusive)
- Model design, manufacturing and instrumentation
- High-speed aerodynamic measurements (free-flight and/or internal balances)
- Hypersonic aerothermodynamic measurements
- Boundary layer laminar-to-turbulent transition characterization
- Non-intrusive measurement techniques (InfraRed and/or Thermal Sensitive Paints and/or Focused Laser Differential Interferometry, Particle Image Velocimetry)
- Flow visualization (Schlieren, BOS, ...) and advanced image analysis techniques (optical flow, POD)
- Data analysis (Uncertainty Quantification, Machine Learning)
- Good programming skills (Python / Matlab) with a basic knowledge of version control.
- Excellent written & oral communication skills in technical English. Knowledge of Dutch and/or French is a plus, but not strictly required.
We offer
- A permanent full-time contract
- An attractive salary package, including pension-, hospitalization- and dental insurances, as well as other fringe benefits
- A flexible working culture with opportunities for partial homeworking
- A stimulating and challenging job
- Work with enthusiastic people driven by passion
- An international environment with students, as a research and educational institution
- Becoming part of the VKI network with global access to industry experts and academics in the field of fluid dynamics, aerospace, propulsion, and energy conversion.
- Access to specialized seminars, to VKI Lecture Series, and to world-unique ground testing facilities.
Eligibility Criteria
As the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone who meets the eligibility criteria below is encouraged to apply for this position.
- meet the requirements for the duties concerned.
- be a citizen of one of the countries:
- EU member countries
- NATO member countries
How to apply?
- Please apply online, do NOT send your application by email.
- Applications must contain: a CV, motivation letter, publication list, and contact information of two referees. CV must clearly indicate the exact dates of (1) each position held in the past, and (2) countries of residence in the last 5 years.
- The review of applications will begin on March 1st, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
About the organisation
For 65 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)
NL
