Are you a master's graduate looking for extra experience and a position in the high-tech industry? Are you interested in optimising and minimising drive trains for personal care devices using simulation models and advanced algorithms? Then, this Engineering Doctorate (EngD) position for the Autonomous Systems program might be the right position for you.

The EngD is a two-year post-master program that trains you to address real-world technological challenges in industries or society. It provides participants with both academic and practical training. It is an opportunity for individuals passionate about practical problem-solving to kick-start their careers in the Dutch high-tech industry. Each EngD trainee is coupled to a company project, which presents a specific technological design challenge to be solved. For this position, we are looking for an EngD trainee for a project with Philips in Drachten.

EngD program overview
During the first year of the EngD program, the trainee undergoes comprehensive training to prepare with the necessary skills and knowledge to solve the technological challenge of their project. The training includes courses for developing professionalisation skills, a series of modules on Systems Engineering, and EngD-level courses on Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Artificial Intelligence. The first year also includes a 10-week module to work on the project, enabling the EngD trainee to apply their skills directly to the engineering challenge. During the second year of the program, the EngD trainee follows a one-year internship at a high-tech company (Philips Drachten, in this case), focused on solving the technological challenge of the project. Upon program completion, you will receive the EngD degree and recognition by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).

Project description
Philips Drachten develops personal care products such as shavers, trimmers, and epilators, often featuring attachments like beard stylers and precision trimmers. These devices are designed to meet specific performance requirements to function optimally across various use cases.

A Model-Based Systems Engineering approach is used to improve designs, connecting system data such as requirements, user needs, and simulations to optimize and maintain products throughout their development. This project focuses on the drive train, which includes components like motors, batteries, and gearboxes, and aims to deliver power efficiently for tasks like shaving or trimming. The assignment seeks to minimise the required drive trains across the product range. By using existing simulation models, the current motor, battery, and gearbox modules will be evaluated, with potential modifications for optimization. Various methods, including AI-based algorithms, may be applied to achieve this goal.

Organizations
The University of Groningen was started in 1614 and is known worldwide for its outstanding education and research. The university offers many programs and chances to build a career in many fields. It is also one of the top research universities in Europe. The university is in the lively city of Groningen in the north of the Netherlands.

Philips Drachten, located in the Netherlands, is a key innovation centre within Philips, focusing on the development and production of personal care products like shavers, trimmers, and grooming devices. This facility hosts multidisciplinary teams that utilize cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation to enhance product performance and streamline production processes.

The ideal EngD candidate for this position is a talented engineer with a Master's degree and the following traits

1. Candidates should possess a Master's degree in Engineering or a related field, demonstrating a solid foundation in relevant engineering principles. A strong understanding of mathematics, particularly in areas applicable to system design and analysis, is essential. Familiarity with drive train systems, including motors, batteries, and gearboxes, is also preferred.

2. Candidates should have hands-on experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering methodologies, utilizing simulation software to model complex systems and predict their performance. Proficiency in computer-aided design tools is crucial for this project. Additionally, familiarity with optimization algorithms, including AI-based approaches, is a plus.

3. Analytical and problem-solving skills: Critical analysis of complex engineering problems and the proposal of innovative solutions are vital.

4. Candidates should excel in teamwork and be able to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams, contributing to collective problem-solving efforts while coordinating tasks and ensuring timely project delivery.

5. Candidates must be willing to adapt to evolving project requirements and be open to learning new methodologies.

6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are crucial for effective collaboration within an international team.

7. Sustainability and consumer insight: A strong awareness of sustainable design principles and their application in product development is essential.

Fixed-term contract: 24 months.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities

- A two-year full-time EngD position at RUG offers a challenging role in a dynamic, multidisciplinary atmosphere.
- Full employment status with pension and healthcare benefits.
- a salary of € 2,844 gross per month (salary scale TOIO)
- 8% annual holiday allowance.
- 8.3% year-end bonus.
- First, you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another year; extension of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year.

Laura Florez-Sampedro, program coordinator
autonomous.systems@rug.nl

For additional details about this position, check our website