Researcher in Mechanical Engineering (EM-Mortar) M/W/X

Actiris; Brussel Hoofdstad; Hybride; EUR 60 000 - 90 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

End-of-year bonus

Free hospitalization insurance

Bike allowance

Digital allowance

Flexible hours

Résumé du poste

Royal Military Academy is seeking a full-time researcher for the EM-Mortar project under the EDF framework. The candidate will conduct university-level mechanical/ballistic research, develop modular pulsed power systems, and perform structural analyses.

Collaboration with an industrial partner requires discretion and security clearance. Master or PhD in Engineering is required, with English proficiency and strong writing ability.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Engineering (Applied Sciences, Engineering Sciences) in Mechanical/Ballistic Engineering or related discipline.
• 3+ years experience preferred, but new graduates encouraged.

Responsabilités

• Contribute to developing detailed use cases and tactical requirements for integration with existing mortar platforms.
• Assist in NATO standards compliance and operational use case definitions.
• Develop tactical deployment scenarios for EM mortars in close-combat and urban operations.
• Support high-voltage safety compliance and environmental impact studies.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and with industrial partner on IP handling.

Connaissances

English proficiency

Independent researcher

Excellent written communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Formation

Master's degree/PhD in Engineering

Outils

Julia

Python

MATLAB

Description du poste

Researcher in Mechanical Engineering (EM-Mortar) M/W/X

CONTEXT

TheRoyal Military Academy is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The RMA is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defense department or external sources.

In the framework of the study EM-Mortar, founded by theEuropean Defense Fund (EDF), we are looking for a full-time researcher with master's degree/PhD in Engineering (Applied Sciences, Engineering Sciences) in the field of Mechanical/Ballistic Engineering or a related discipline.

We value diversity and equal opportunities. Whether you are a man, a woman or X, or come from any background, we firmly believe that diversity enriches our community, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

PROJECT

You work within the department ofWeapon Systems and Ballistics of the Royal Military. You conduct scientific research at university level on a European Defense Fund (EDF) project entitled Electro Magnetic Modular Ordnance for Rapid Tactical Artillery Response (EM-MORTAR).

STUDY

The EM-Mortar is an electromagnetic mortar launcher capable of replacing traditional chemical propellants with pulsed electromagnetic acceleration. This innovative concept will deliver silent operation and adjustable muzzle velocity with extreme precision, two features that provide decisive tactical advantages in modern warfare¿

particularly in close-combat and urban environments where traditional mortars expose their positions through loud acoustic and visual signatures.

The mortar launcher also features a real-time adjustable muzzle velocity, which allows for precise control of a round's trajectory. This not only improves accuracy and reduces the risk of collateral damage but also optimizes performance for complex and varied environments. Furthermore, the EM-

Mortar is highly versatile due to its dual ammunition compatibility, capable of firing standard NATO mortar rounds (60-120 mm) using adapter sabots as well as specialized electromagnetic-optimized rounds for superior performance and range. The target muzzle velocity for the EM-Mortar is 350 m/s, accommodating a projectile weight range of 4 kg to 14 kg. The system leads to a reduction in explosive propellant logistics and the inherent safety risks involved. On a strategic level, this effort directly contributes to EU strategic autonomy by establishing a domestically sourced, next-generation capability in advanced artillery systems.

This project proposes a feasibility study culminating in a concept design for electromagnetic induction-based propulsion. The study's technical objectives are to assess the viability of induction-based acceleration for mortar projectiles. This includes developing a conceptual design for the required modular pulsed power systems, which will detail the architecture of power electronics and control system. A comprehensive structural analysis will also be conducted to examine coil housings, epoxy bonding, and composite reinforcement. Finally, the study will address the crucial aspect of operational integration by assessing battlefield energy logistics, ensuring field compliance, and evaluating safety protocols.

• Contribute in developing detailed use cases and tactical requirements that allow integration with existing mortar platforms.
• Contribute in creating tactical integration, NATO standards compliance, and operational use case definition. (MIL to write about operational methodology and compliance framework)
• Contribute in developing tactical deployment scenarios for EM mortars in close-combat and urban operations.
• Contribute to high-voltage safety compliance, risk mitigation, and environmental impact study.
• Contribute in roadmap development to operational transformation and doctrine impact.
• Contribute on NATO-standardization and Member State interoperability for EM-Mortars.
• Develop simulations for sabot dynamics after leaving the muzzle.
• Contribute to data analysis, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams.

Profil

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Degree(s) required: Master's degree/PhD in Engineering (Applied Sciences, Engineering Sciences) in the field of Mechanical/Ballistic Engineering or a related discipline.

This position is open for experienced profiles (ideally 3 years of experience minimum).However, young graduates are also encouraged to apply.

Technical skills

• The applicant shall have a Master's/Phd degree in Mechanical/ Ballistic Engineering, or a related discipline.
• The applicant shall have academic (study project and/or master thesis) or professional experience in the use and creation of simulation tools using Julia, Python, MATLAB (one or multiple)

Personal skills

• Ability to conduct scientific research at university level
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary research team
• Excellent written communication skills, both for scientific communications and for general public communications
• Good oral communication skills for scientific communications
• Honesty and loyalty towards the organization
• Solution-oriented
• You will be working very closely together with the industrial partner and will get insight in their proprietary intellectual property. Confidentiality is therefore an absolute must.

Other skills

• The applicant shall have good knowledge of English (oral / written).
• Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is an added value for collaboration with peers.
• Experience in scientific literature review and scientific writing is an added value.
• Knowledge on NATO standards, AEP's, AJP, NATO procurement is an added value.
• Knowledge on classic mortar systems is an added value.
• Knowledge on electromagnetic propulsion is an added value.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• The researcher will be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense.
• Only applicants with a nationality of a country that is both part of NATO and the EU will be eligible.
• Working for the RMA Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.

CONTRACT

• Probable date of recruitment: From1st December2026, in consultation with the applicant.

Status:Full-time employment based on a long-term contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant).

Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed for 2,5 years (30 months). However, the RMA Patrimony has a policy of keeping good elements on board and the research focus of this job offer fits within our core research activities, so it is possible that we will be able to offer you follow-up projects beyond that date if you decide to stay.

• Wage scale: class NA11 (holder of a Master's degree in Science or equivalent), class NA21 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master's in Engineering Sciences recognized as Ir in Belgium,doctor's degree in the same area of expertise). A salary simulation can be done here :simuateur de salaire . RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations.

Holiday pay.

EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS

• Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
• End-of-year bonus;
• Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
• Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
• Digital allowance (15€ / month)
• Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
• On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
• Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week;
• Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max);
• Holidays:
• 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years)
• 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New Year's Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays).
• Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers...);
• Entitlement to services offered by the `Office Central d'Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense' (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator...;
• Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability).

Please mention clearly the reference of the project: ¿EM-Mortar¿.

The interviews will take place at the Royal Military Academy, Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels. If needed, on-line interviews can be organized. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates.

WORKPLACE

Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, 1000 Brussels. Occasional travels abroad for scientific conferences, technical meetings, etc.

ERM RSWO