PhD Student in Machine Design

Luleå University of Technology; Luleå kommun; On-site; SEK 357,000 - 469,000; Full time

Job summary

Luleå University of Technology invites applications for a PhD position in Machine Design, focusing on safe collaboration between autonomous off-road mobile machines. You will develop autonomous software subsystems implemented, tested and demonstrated on the AORO platform, bridging planning, perception, control and safety.

Expect training in scientific publishing and conference presentations. The position is a fixed-term, four-year appointment based in Luleå with teaching duties capped at 20%.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, robotics, production engineering or a related field.
• Strong interest in research and ability to work independently.
• Experience in kinematics, dynamics, programming, safety; CAD modelling is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop autonomous subsystems, mainly software-based, for the AORO off-road vehicle research platform.
• Test, demonstrate and validate software on the AORO platform.
• Publish research results and present at national/international conferences; undertake doctoral courses and teaching opportunities.

Skills

Research mindset

English proficiency

CAD modelling

Programming experience

Kinematics & dynamics

Education

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering / robotics

Tools

CAD Software

Job description

Would you like to contribute to the autonomous systems of the future—systems capable of exceeding human capabilities?

You will join the research subject Machine Design at the Division of Product and Production Development, which is part of the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics. Our research covers product development, simulation-driven design, automation of mobile machinery and modelling and simulation. The research group consists of four senior researchers and six PhD students and has access to relevant research infrastructure. The group also collaborates with universities, research institutes and companies, both nationally and internationally.

Subject Description

Machine Design encompasses, for engineering systems, simulation-driven product development, modelling and simulation, product development methodology and product information management. Models, methods, processes and tools for developing products are important for the research subject.

Project Description

The PhD project aims to develop methods and a modular system architecture for safe collaboration between autonomous off-road mobile machines. The research will investigate how high-level missions can be decomposed into prioritised and coordinated machine tasks, such as navigation, material handling and inspection. Particular attention will be given to replanning tasks when environmental conditions, machine states or communication conditions change.

The project will also develop safety functions that detect people, obstacles, collision risks and system faults, and initiate appropriate responses such as replanning, speed reduction or a safe stop. The methods will be integrated into a common architecture for planning, perception, control, communication and safety. The results will contribute to practical methods for the cost-effective development and validation of robust, safe and collaborative autonomous mobile machinery.

Duties

A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will receive training in scientific research, including publishing articles in scientific journals and presenting your work at national and international conferences. You will also take compulsory and elective doctoral courses and may have the opportunity to gain teaching experience. As a researcher, you will act as an independent party in many contexts, providing an excellent opportunity to learn how to manage challenging development projects.

More specifically, the work will include developing autonomous subsystems, primarily software-based solutions, that will be implemented, tested and demonstrated using the AORO off-road vehicle research platform.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in mechanical engineering, robotics, production engineering or a related field. You should have a strong interest in, curiosity about and passion for research. We attach considerable importance to personal qualities and individual suitability.

Experience in kinematics, dynamics, programming, safety and CAD modelling is considered an asset. Knowledge of AI-assisted automation is particularly advantageous. Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English. As teaching is conducted within Machine Design, experience in CAD is also considered an asset.

The evaluation of candidates will take into account Luleå University of Technology’s employee policy and gender-equality objectives. For further information about doctoral studies in Machine Design, please see the general syllabus for third-cycle studies at the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Further information

The PhD position is a fixed-term, four-year appointment. Teaching and other departmental duties may be added, corresponding to no more than 20% of full-time employment. The position is based in Luleå, and the intended starting date is subject to agreement.

Applying for a job | Luleå tekniska universitet

For further information, please contact Professor Magnus Karlberg, [phone], [e-mail].

Union representatives

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Reference number: 5393-2026

Closing date for applications: 5 November, 2026