Researcher in Structural Mechanics and Numerical Simulation – KIwin Project

UNIVERSITE DE MONTPELLIER - BIATSS; France; On-site; EUR 31,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

UNIVERSITE DE MONTPELLIER - BIATSS in Montpellier invites applications for a research engineer position within the KiWin project. The role focuses on modeling a kite-based traction system for vessels, including optimization of trajectories and real-time validation on experimental platforms.

Collaboration spans multiple laboratories and international partners. Fluency in English and MATLAB/Scilab prowess are expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in robotics, control engineering, or closely related field.
• Expertise in control engineering (including optimization and control design).
• Experience with robotics (modeling, dynamics, and motion planning).
• Experience conducting real-time experiments.

Responsibilities

• Develop a model of the kite-based traction system including the kite, tethers, and vessel.
• Experimentally identify the parameters of the resulting model.
• Validate the model using a simulator.
• Optimize the reference trajectories for aerodynamic traction.
• Perform real-time validation on the kite-box platform.
• Explore experimental validation on the SeaKite catamaran.

Skills

Control engineering

Robotics

Optimization

Real-time experiments

Education

PhD in robotics, control engineering, or closely related field

Tools

Matlab/Scilab

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITE DE MONTPELLIER - BIATSS Research Field Engineering Technology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 6 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 17.5 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Reference Number qfeyo2m27a Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Mission

Main mission:

As part of the KiWin project, which aims to develop an automated kite-based traction system for vessels over 60 meters in length in order to reduce carbon emissions, we are seeking an engineer to join the LMGC (Laboratory of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, University of Montpellier / CNRS). This position offers a multidisciplinary environment combining structural mechanics, numerical modeling, aerodynamics, and automation, in collaboration with LIRMM, IMS Bordeaux, and the École de l’Air et de l’Espace. The research work will focus on modeling the system (including the kite, tethers, and vessel) as well as optimizing the reference trajectories that the kite must follow in order to maximize aerodynamic traction based on the vessel’s course and changing environmental conditions. The optimization of propulsive energy will also take into account the energy consumption of the kite control motors (electric winches). Finally, the proposed solutions (including the models, optimal trajectory planning, and control design) will be validated in real time on the experimental kite-box platform developed at the University of Montpellier as part of the BPI KIWIN project. Final tests may also be conducted on the SeaKite catamaran operated by Beyond the Sea (coordinator of the BPI KIWIN project).

Definition of the tasks to be carried out:

• Develop a model of the kite-based traction system, including the kite, tethers, and vessel.
• Experimentally identify the parameters of the resulting model.
• Validate the model using a simulator.
• Optimize the reference trajectories that the kite must follow in order to maximize aerodynamic traction.
• Perform real-time validation on the experimental kite-box platform developed as part of the BPI KIWIN project.
• Explore the possibility of experimental validation on the SeaKite catamaran operated by Beyond the Sea (coordinator of the BPI KIWIN project).

Profil

The successful candidate should hold a PhD in robotics, control engineering, or a closely related field. He/she should have expertise in control engineering (including optimization and control design), robotics (including modeling, dynamics, and motion planning), and experience conducting real-time experiments.

Fluency in English is essential. Additionally, he/she is expected to have good skills in calculation/simulation software (e.g., Matlab or Scilab) and programming (in languages Python, C++). Experience in aerodynamics is appreciated but not mandatory.

Diploma level required: PhD in robotics, control engineering, or a closely related field.

Expertise in control engineering (including optimization and control design)

Expertise in robotics (including modeling, dynamics, and motion planning)

Experience conducting real-time experiments

Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Scientific rigor, autonomy, and an innovative mindset

Salary: €2,735 – €2,960 gross per month, depending on qualifications and experience.