HRS2026/464-380 PhD Position in AI-Driven Topology Optimization for Aerospace Structures

UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID; España; Vor Ort; EUR 29.000 - 42.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Access to state-of-the-art labs

Competitive funding

Scholarships

Mentorship from leading researchers

Zusammenfassung

UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID is inviting applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) in the Aeronautical Engineering department. The role focuses on computational mechanics, metamaterials design, and AI-driven topology optimization for aerospace structures.

The successful candidate will work on validating numerical models with experiments, and will collaborate with leading researchers in a multidisciplinary setting at the Madrid campus.

Qualifikationen

• Strong background in solid/computational mechanics, FEM and structural analysis.
• Experience or interest in metamaterials, fracture mechanics, or advanced material behavior.
• Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, Julia) with numerical methods or scientific computing.

Aufgaben

• Develop and simulate numerical models of damage and failure in aerospace structures.
• Perform FEM analyses and metamaterial investigations for durability.
• Design and optimize materials, including microstructural analysis and testing.
• Collaborate on validation, experiments, and refinement of models based on results.

Kenntnisse

Solid mechanics

Computational mechanics

Finite element method (FEM)

Metamaterials

Fracture mechanics

Python

MATLAB

Julia

Machine learning

Communication skills

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical or Structural Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C++

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID Department HRS4R Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Bachelor Positions Application Deadline 19 Nov 2026 - 23:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 5 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

• Computational Mechanics & Modeling: Develop and simulate numerical models of damage and failure in aerospace structures, including FEA for metamaterials.
• Materials Design & Characterization: Study and optimize metamaterials and composites for enhanced durability, performing microstructural analysis and mechanical testing.
• Topology Optimization & AI Integration: Use AI and machine learning to guide structural and topology optimization, creating predictive models for failure control.
• Validation & Experimental Collaboration: Compare simulations with experiments, collaborate on proof-of-concept testing, and refine models based on results.

Requirements

Research Field Engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Strong background in solid/computational mechanics, including FEM and structural analysis. Experience or interest in metamaterials, fracture mechanics, or advanced material behavior.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Julia,..), ideally with experience in numerical methods or scientific computing. Familiarity with machine learning techniques applied to engineering problems is a plus.
• Good communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Specific Requirements

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical and/or Structural Engineering, or a closely related field. Solid knowledge of solid mechanics, computational mechanics, or structural analysis.
• Demonstrated programming ability (Python, MATLAB, or C++).
• Good command of English (written and spoken) for research and publication activities.
• Motivation for research in metamaterials, fracture mechanics, and AI-driven structural design.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages SPANISH Level Good

Research Field Other

Additional Information

• Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge computational mechanics, AI-driven design, and fracture mechanics. Work on high-impact aerospace and space applications with mentorship from leading researchers.
• Access to state-of-the-art labs, software, and experimental facilities.
• Build a strong foundation for careers in academia, aerospace industry, and research institutions.
• Opportunities to publish in top journals, attend international conferences, and collaborate globally.
• Competitive funding and scholarships, plus a flexible, innovation-friendly environment.

Eligibility criteria

Additional comments

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute E.T.S. de Ingeniería Aeronáutica y del Espacio. Country Spain State/Province Madrid City Madrid Postal Code 28040 Street Plaza del Cardenal Cisneros, 3 Geofield