Research Engineer / R&D Project Manager – Hydrogen Combustion (M/F)

UNIVERSITE D'ORLEANS

France

On-site

EUR 35,000 - 52,000

Full time

13 days ago

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Job summary

The University of Orléans, PRISME Laboratory, seeks a Research Engineer (IGR) for the DELHYCE chair project on efficient, low-emission hydrogen engines. Start date January 2027, 2-year fixed-term, full-time, based at the Orléans site.

The role blends experimental work and modelling of hydrogen combustion, with collaboration with MOTUL and Renault Trucks partners. A Ph.D. or engineering degree is preferred and optical diagnostics experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in energy, mechanical engineering or related field.
Ph.D. or engineering degree desirable.
Experience with optical diagnostics applied to combustion is a plus.

Responsibilities

Experimental research and modelling of hydrogen combustion.
Manage experimental campaigns and data analysis.
Collaborate with industrial partners and R&D teams.
Draft technical reports in English.
Plan and monitor experimental campaigns and adapt methodologies as needed.

Skills

Hydrogen combustion

Ignition phenomena

Kinetic modelling

Engine testing

Scientific analysis

Project management

Communication

Innovation mindset

Education

Master’s degree in energy or mechanical engineering

Ph.D. or engineering degree desirable

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITE D'ORLEANS Research Field Engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 21 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37H30 Offer Starting Date 4 Jan 2027 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

Company

As a higher education institution, the University of Orléans operates across 7 campuses in the Centre-Val de Loire region.

It has 20,200 students, offers 141 national degree programs, employs 2,000 staff members, and operates 24 research units.

Work Location: PRISME Laboratory

Start Date: Position available starting in January 2027

Contract Type/Status: Research Engineer (IGR), Project-Based Fixed-Term Contract (2 years), Full-time

Presentation of the project

The DELHYCE Industrial Chair, entitled ‘Design of efficient, low-emission hydrogen internal combustion engines’, aims to develop a methodology for the retrofitting and redesign of hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, based on small-displacement diesel engines for commercial vehicles and larger-displacement diesel engines for heavy goods vehicles, utilising, in particular, optical diagnostics to improve hydrogen-air flow and reactive mixtures. Two STELLANTIS engines and one RENAULT TRUCKS engine will then be optimised and tested.

Presentation of the Service / laboratory

The PRISME laboratory is a research laboratory at the University of Orléans and INSA Centre Val de Loire (UR 4229).

Its scientific scope and methodological approaches fall within the scientific field of Science and Technology (ST).

They cover both Engineering Sciences (SPI) and Information and Communication Sciences and Technologies (STIC).

The PRISME Laboratory has a multidisciplinary focus within the general field of Engineering Sciences and Technologies, spanning a broad spectrum of disciplines including:
combustion in engines, energy, explosions,
aerodynamics, fluid mechanics,
signal and image processing,
control engineering,
robotics

The activities within ECM team (energy, combustion, motor/engine) address the following societal challenges:

GREEN DEAL – Objective 55: carbon neutrality, with a focus on transport
industrial resilience/re-industrialisation of European countries
Europe’s energy independence

The scientific project aims:

to study the combustion and utilisation of decarbonised energy carriers (gaseous, liquid and solid, carbon-free or carbon-neutral) using an experimental approach and quasi- and one-dimensional modelling
to propose energy optimisation for these systems

Presentation of the missions

As part of the DELHYCE industrial chair (within the ECM research area of the PRISME laboratory), you will lead research projects in collaboration with MOTUL aimed at gaining a better understanding of abnormal combustion phenomena in hydrogen engines, in relation to lubricant formulations

You will be at the heart of the interface between advanced academic research and industrial innovation.

Main activities

Experimental research and modelling

Designing and implementing experimental protocols (rapid compression machine, engine test benches)
Carrying out and overseeing test campaigns
Analysing and interpreting experimental data
Developing kinetic and ignition models
Studying the impact of lubricants on ignition and abnormal combustion

Project management & collaboration

Organising and planning experimental campaigns
Monitor scientific developments in hydrogen combustion
Work closely with the R&D teams of industrial partners
Adapting scientific approaches based on results
Draft technical reports in English

Présentation of the profile

Master’s degree (Bac+5) in energy, mechanical engineering, or a related field
A doctoral degree (Ph.D.) or an engineering degree would be particularly desirable

An advantage: experience in optical diagnostics applied to combustion

Key skills and required qualities