PROJECT:
You work within the research cell on ¿Exterior Ballistics/Fluid Dynamics¿ under the lead of the department of Ballistics & Weapon Systems (ABAL). You conduct scientific research at university level on a project entitled ¿Experimental Toolbox for Trajectory Analysis¿.
The goal of this project is to enhance exterior ballistics instrumentation, aiming to achieve improved tracking of projectile positions and orientations in space throughout their trajectories. The plan involves two main strategies: firstly, to improve proficiency with the current equipment, which is often underutilized due to insufficient familiarity; and secondly, to explore new methodologies tailored to specific applications in the defense sector, thereby acquiring cutting-edge equipment for comprehensive measurement capabilities. All obtained results aim to validate numerical models developed either beforehand or concurrently within the framework of another numerical research project that began beginning of 2024.
MAIN TASKS:
- In-depth state-of-the-art review of the instrumental methods currently employed for quantitative tracking of flying objects.
- Optimization of the current tools available to ABAL and its partners, KNDS and CCR&A/CEM, with particular focus on velocity measurements and calibration, as well as drag measurement and initial conditions determination.
- Creation of an in-house informatics tool tailored for post-processing and analyzing experimental data all along the project.
- Proof of concept for embedded instrumentation and data extraction, next to the flight follower instrumentation with HS camera
- Further experimental stability analysis of projectiles in flight using dynamic aerodynamic coefficients: initial conditions, Magnus & Pitch Damping investigation.
- Development of specific experimental setups in order to analyse spin-stabilized projectiles with larger angle of attack, fin-stabilized projectiles as well as the low hypersonic field.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
The applicant shall have a Master's Degree in Engineering Sciences, Applied Sciences, or Physics.
This position is open for experienced profiles (ideally 3 years of experience minimum). However, young graduates are also encouraged to apply.
¿MUST HAVE¿ skills:
- Training or experience in Python or equivalent programming language (implementation software);
- Training or experience in 3D CAD-Design.
- Training or experience in Signal Processing;
Training or experience in applied research and experimental techniques;
¿NICE TO HAVE¿ skills:
- Training or experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD);
Training or experience in propulsion technologies.
Personal skills:
- You conduct scientific research in an independent and upright way within a multidisciplinary environment.
- You communicate your results in a clear, concise and precise manner.
- You take initiative.
- You are involved and result oriented.
- You are flexible for change and adapt yourself.
- You will be working very closely together with the industrial partner and will get insight in their proprietary intellectual property. Confidentiality is therefore an absolute must.
Other skills:
- The applicant shall have good knowledge of English (oral / written).
- Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is an added value for collaboration with peers.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
- The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense.
- Shooting campaigns will have to be carried out abroad due to the resources required. The candidate may therefore be required to travel for periods of several days.
- Only applicants with a nationality of a country that is both part of NATO and the EU will be eligible.
- Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.
CONTRACT
- Probable date of recruitment: From Januari 12, 2025, in consultation with the applicant.
- Status: Full-time employment (38h/week) based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant).
- Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed for 4 years. The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not 100% guaranteed. However, the Patrimony has a policy to keep the good elements on board and the research focus of this job offer fits within our core research activities, so there is a high chance that we will be able to offer you follow-up projects beyond that date if you decide to stay.
- Wage scale: class A1 (holder of a Master's degree in Science or equivalent), class A2 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master's in Engineering Sciences). RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations.
- Holiday pay.
EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS
- Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
- End-of-year bonus;
- Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
- Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
- Meal vouchers (6€ / day);
- Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
- On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
- Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week;
- Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max);
- Holidays:
- 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years)
- 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year's Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays).
- Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers...);
- Entitlement to services offered by the `Office Central d'Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense' (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator...;
- Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability).
WORKPLACE
- Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, 1000 Brussels .
- Regular travels abroad for experimental campaigns, scientific conferences and contacts.