PhD / R&D Engineer (H/F) – Aerodynamic Simulation / CFD (WFR-CFDA)

RD2 Conseil is a recruitment firm specializing in the search for scientific profiles for the R&D needs of innovative SMEs and private companies, wishing to acquire cutting-edge skills and real human resources in terms of Innovation.

We are currently recruiting an R&D Doctor (M/F) expert in numerical simulation applied to fluid mechanics, structural mechanics, and fluid-structure interactions to, in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team, design, manufacture and test an airborne wind energy system.

Created in 2021 and after several years of R&D, our client wishes to revolutionize the world of wind energy by harnessing higher altitude winds which are stronger and more persistent. Their patented technology, lighter-than-air, twin rotating cylinders makes it possible to efficiently capture the mechanical energy of the wind to transmit it via ropes to a ground station for conversion into electricity.

The company offers a new, higher altitude wind energy system perfectly adapted to moderately windy and/or difficult-to-access sites, where conventional wind turbines do not meet the needs of operators and of the local population. Their products efficiently capture wind energy at greater heights than conventional wind turbines, which makes it possible to double electricity production and reduce the cost by more than 50% compared to a wind turbine of the same power, with less environmental impact, thus opening up a global market estimated at more than €200 billion.

Labeled Deep Tech, supported by Bpifrance and the accelerator Techstars Sustainability Paris, winner of the 2023 Cleantech Open France competition, and backed by academic collaborations, the company (7 people) is in full development and is currently working on the proof of concept which will serve as a springboard to design and test the first 100 kW commercial prototype.

The company wishes to integrate an R&D expertise in CFD and numerical structure calculation in order to contribute to the development and improvement of prototypes and thus meet the challenges of optimal production of electrical energy.

Your main missions will consist of:

• Estimating by numerical simulation the aerodynamic coefficients of the Magnus effect (lift, drag, side force, three moments according to the principal axes) as a function of the wind speed and the different shape and dynamic parameters: elongation, rotation speed, spacing, etc.
• Validating the numerical prototype with experimental data
• Carrying out parametric simulation campaigns
• Optimizing the aerodynamic performance of the system
• Modeling the fluid-structure interaction (structural analysis by finite elements)
• Modeling the wake effect in an airborne wind farm

We are looking for a candidate with the following skills / expertise:

• PhD in modeling and numerical simulation, you have worked during your doctoral and / or postdoctoral experiences on simulations applied to fluid mechanics
• Ideally you are experienced in the calculation of structures and specifically in FSI (fluid-structure interactions).
• You have solid knowledge in fluid mechanics, flight dynamics and numerical simulation
• You master CFD tools / software such as OpenFOAM, Ansys Fluent or Star-CCM+
• Experience in the field of Airborne Wind Energy, or in the flight of drones or airplanes would be appreciated.
• A good level of written and spoken English and French is an essential prerequisite, in order to be able to communicate in an international environment

We are looking for a pragmatic doctor, who wishes to move away from upstream research to integrate into a position with a concrete application, and who wants to evolve in a challenging environment contributing to the energy transition and sustainable development. Confidence, autonomy, commitment, the desire to share, innovate and improve are all essential skills and values.

Location: Grenoble

Proposed remuneration: According to profile

If you think you are this person, that you hold a PhD and have never been hired on a permanent contract after the defense of your thesis (an imperative constraint to respect the RTC criteria), we invite you to send us your CV and cover letter under the reference WFR-CFD.

Offre mise à jour le 15 octobre 2024

Nombre de vue(s) : 1 296