Development of agentic CAE based mechanical design methods

Karlstad University; Louvain; Sur place; EUR 45 000 - 70 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious European university in Leuven is looking for a research engineer to develop innovative agentic design methods for mechanical systems. The role requires a master's degree in a relevant field, proficiency in numerical modeling and programming languages such as MATLAB or Python. This position provides an opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment and contribute to significant design methodologies, enhancing the capability to support effective mechanical design processes.

Qualifications

• Above average performance in comparison to peers.
• Experience with multibody and finite-element simulation.
• Ability to work independently and report results effectively.

Responsabilités

• Research agentic design methods for mechanical systems.
• Develop computational design frameworks and demonstration cases.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors on research goals.

Connaissances

Numerical modelling methods

Optimization methods

Programming in MATLAB

Programming in Python

Proficient in English

Team collaboration

Formation

Master's degree in engineering, physics or mathematics

Description du poste

Development of agentic CAE based mechanical design methods

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

The research is hosted by the KU Leuven Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics division (LMSD), which currently counts >100 researchers. This research track is supervised by prof. Frank Naets (https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/en/person/00055809). The research group has a long track record of combining excellent fundamental academic research with industrially relevant applications, leading to dissemination in both highly ranked academic journals as well as on industrial fora. More information on the research group can be found on the website: https://www.mech.kuleuven.be/en/research/mod/about and our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lmsd-kuleuven.

Project

The KU Leuven Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics division (LMSD) is searching for a research engineer to join its team to work in the field of agentic design methods for mechanical systems.

This Ph.D. is part of a research project aiming to develop novel approaches for the computational design of mechanical systems, moving away from strict optimization methods into an agentic framework. On the one hand computational design optimization methods (topology optimization, genetic algorithms for component selection, ...) can offer a powerful framework to select the best design, but often struggle in practical applicability due to the required knowledge from designers on optimization. On the other hand, AI methods like GPTs allow to come up with conceptual designs, but lack accuracy to come up with real implementable designs.

In this research track you will explore novel agentic methods combined with computer aided engineering (CAE) and computational design optimization to achieve effective design support for detailed mechanical design. This will require researching state‑of‑the‑art design optimization methods and AI based approaches to steer and augment these optimization schemes, to ensure that the obtained designs are consistent with concrete design requirements (strength, eigenfrequencies, …). Besides the methodological research, the development of relevant demonstration cases will play a key role in this work. This will ultimately lead to an improved design framework to assist mechanical engineers in coming up with the best possible designs more rapidly.

Profile

• I have a master degree in engineering, physics or mathematics and performed above average in comparison to my peers.
• I am proficient in written and spoken English.
• During my courses or prior professional activities, I have gathered some basic experience with numerical modelling methods and optimization methods.
• I have notions about multibody and finite‑element simulation.
• I am proficient in programming basic methods in MATLAB and/or Python.
• As a Ph.D. researcher of the KU Leuven Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics Group I perform research in a structured and scientifically sound manner. I read technical papers, understand the nuances between different theories and implement and improve methodologies myself.
• Based on interactions and discussions with my supervisors and the colleagues in my team, I set up and update a plan of approach for the upcoming 1 to 3 months to work towards my research goals. I work with a sufficient degree of independence to follow my plan and achieve the goals. I indicate timely when deviations of the plan are required, if goals cannot be met or if I want to discuss intermediate results or issues.
• In frequent reporting I show the results that I have obtained and I give a well‑founded interpretation of those results. I iterate on my work and my approach based on the feedback of my supervisors which steer the direction of my research.
• I feel comfortable to work as a team member and I am eager to share my results to inspire and being inspired by my colleagues.
• I value being part of a large research group which is well connected to the machine and transportation industry and I am eager to learn how academic research can be linked to industrial innovation roadmaps.
• During my Ph.D. I want to grow towards following up the project that I am involved in and representing the research group on project meetings or conferences. I see these events as an occasion to disseminate my work to an audience of international experts and research colleagues, and to learn about the larger context of my research and the research project.

Interested?

To apply for this position, please follow the application tool and enclose:

1. full CV – mandatory
2. full list of credits and grades of both BSc and MSc degrees (as well as their transcription to English if possible) – mandatory (when you haven’t finished your degree yet, just provide us with the partial list of already available credits and grades)
3. proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, …) - if available
4. two reference letters - if available
5. an English version of MSc or PhD thesis, or of a recent publication or assignment - if available

For more information please contact prof. Frank Naets ([e-mail]) by mail and mention [GENIMA Vacancy] in the title.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Job details

Title: Development of agentic CAE based mechanical design methods

Closing on: 2026-02-15 (Europe/Brussels)

2026-01-30 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2026-01-30 23:59 (CET)