Research Engineer/Early-Stage Researcher - Energy & Defence Systems
(ref. BAP
Laatst aangepast: 02/01/26
The M-Group at KU Leuven is an interdisciplinary research group carrying out advanced research in mechatronic systems and energy technologies, with a strong focus on system integration, experimental validation, and real-world applicability. The group brings together eight professors from three departments and more than 70 members, including doctoral researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and research engineers, fostering close collaboration between disciplines and experience levels.
Research activities are based at the modern KU Leuven campus in Bruges, a historic and vibrant city in the north of Belgium. Within this setting, the M-Group combines fundamental research with application-driven development, often operating at the interface between academic innovation and industrial deployment.
The job vacancy is within the M-Group's Division of Applied Mechanics and Energy Conversion (TME), which focuses, amongst other topics, on sustainable hybrid propulsion systems for drones, with specific interest in hydrogen fuel cells.
Responsibilities
Nowadays, guaranteeing a reliable supply of energy and drinking water is becoming increasingly challenging due to geopolitical tensions and climate-related disasters. In several regions around the globe, energy availability is limited, while water may be accessible but not necessarily potable, as observed during flooding events. The logistical challenges involved in ensuring both energy and potable water supply can be complex and demanding, particularly in areas where vital infrastructure does not exist, has been destroyed, or where hostilities take place.
In an attempt to address these challenges in an ecologically responsible manner, the HYDE project was launched in 2022 under a DEFRA grant, funded by the Belgian Royal Higher Institute for Defence and BELSPO. In this project, the partners KU Leuven, VIVES, and Solenco Power investigate, design, and test a solar-energy-driven energy and water supply system employing hydrogen for military encampments.
Within this framework, we are offering a one-year academic-staff position, with the possibility of extension subject to the successful acquisition of follow-up funding. You will become part of a multidisciplinary and well-functioning consortium team consisting of researchers from KU Leuven (Bruges and Ghent campuses), the University of Applied Sciences VIVES in Kortrijk, and Solenco Power. From the start, you will be expected to interact closely with academic and industrial partners, integrate into existing workflows, and support the timely delivery of project outputs. Your work will involve contributing to research, development, and experimental activities, as well as documenting and communicating results in a clear and structured manner. You will manage your tasks within defined timelines, report progress regularly to the supervisors, and coordinate efficiently with other team members.
Profile
You are a dynamic and passionate problem-solver with a strong interest in applied research in the fields of engineering, energy systems, and emerging technologies such as clean aviation. You are able to work independently, while also functioning well within a multidisciplinary team involving both academic partners and industry.
The candidate:
* Holds a master's degree in Engineering Sciences or Engineering Technology, preferably with a background in Energy or Aeronautics.
* Shows strong analytical and system-level thinking, and is able to combine insights from different disciplines to translate research questions into practical and testable solutions.
* Has good communication skills and can present research results clearly and convincingly in team meetings, at conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals. Experience with conference presentations or publications in high-impact journals is considered an asset.
* Is flexible and demonstrates good time management skills.
* Can work autonomously and maintains constructive interactions with the co/supervisors and project partners.
* Contributes actively to the timely delivery of project milestones and deliverables, in line with agreed quality standards.
* Has the ability and motivation to independently explore new technological domains as required by the research.
* Can adapt efficiently to changing research topics and project priorities within a funded research setting.
* Shows interest in contributing to the further development and scientific positioning of ongoing and future research activities.
* Assists in the organisation of workshops, meetings, and other project-related events.
* Reports research progress regularly to the co-supervisors.
* Is willing to engage in teaching activities.
* Is prepared to travel within Belgium or abroad for meetings, experimental work, or measurement campaigns when required.
* Holds the nationality of a NATO member state.
* Is willing to work within a defence-related research context.
* Has a strong sense of responsibility, discretion, and professionalism when working in sensitive or defence-related research contexts.
* Is proficient in English.
* Is willing to apply for an FWO PhD scholarship to further develop the initiated research (if eligible).
Advantages strengthening the candidate's profile, but strictly required:
* Experience with machine learning or system optimisation; proficiency in Python or MATLAB.
* Previous authorship or co-authorship of articles in peer-reviewed journals.
* Prior experience as an academic research assistant or as a research engineer in an industrial environment.
* Experience or demonstrated interest in conceptual aircraft design.
Offer
* A competitive remuneration package in accordance with Belgian academic and industry standards. Belgium offers a high quality of life and an excellent healthcare system.
* A young, dynamic, and international working environment, where professionalism and collegial collaboration are highly valued.
* Possibility of partial remote work, depending on project needs.
* A workplace located in the historic city of Bruges, in the heart of Europe. Bruges is approximately one hour from Brussels by train and has a direct rail connection to Brussels National Airport.
* The opportunity to pursue a PhD degree in Engineering Technology within a motivated and growing research team. The standard duration of a PhD trajectory is four years. The position is initially offered as a one-year contract; continuation for the remaining three years is subject to the successful acquisition of competitive external funding.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Frank Buysschaert, mail:
You can apply for this job no later than January 30, 2026 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
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Locatie: Brugge
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Solliciteren tot en met:
30/01/2026 23:59 CET
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Tags: Industriële Ingenieurswetenschappen, Werktuigkunde