Advanced Simulation Engineer with AI for Mechanical Systems

Description

Job Summary: IDEKO seeks a researcher in Precision Design and Engineering to develop and apply advanced simulation capabilities for machine tools and industrial robots, combining technical service with frontier research. Key Highlights: 1. Lead the development of simulation models and digital twins 2. Integrate AI into simulation and design workflows 3. Contribute to generating new group capabilities At IDEKO, we aim to incorporate a person into our Precision Design and Engineering Research Group to work on the development and application of advanced simulation capabilities for machine tools and industrial robots, within an environment that combines technical service to industry with frontier research. The selected candidate will lead or contribute — depending on their profile and experience — to the development of simulation models (thermal, structural, CFD), digital twins, and the integration of artificial intelligence techniques into simulation and design workflows. The position has a strong research focus and represents an opportunity to contribute to generating new group capabilities. We seek both junior profiles with high motivation and solid technical foundations, as well as profiles holding a PhD and established experience in mechanical systems simulation. The level of responsibility and autonomy will be adapted to the candidate’s profile. **YOUR MISSION WILL BE...:** * **Develop and validate simulation models for machine tools and advanced mechanical systems:** Focus on structural and thermal behavior using both commercial tools (Simcenter 3D, Ansys) and in-house Python-based developments. * **Contribute to the development of digital twins** for machines or processes by integrating simulation models with experimental data. * Explore and implement AI techniques applied to simulation: physics-informed neural networks (PINN), reduced-order models (ROM), surrogate models, and generative design. * **Develop automated optimization workflows for machine or process parameters, combining simulation and AI.** * Collaborate with the experimental team to correlate and validate models using real machine data. * Bring new modeling and simulation capabilities to the group, contributing to the evolution of internal state-of-the-art knowledge. * Actively participate in R\+D projects, produce scientific publications and technical reports. * Provide technical simulation support for industrial service projects, transferring research developments into real-world applications. **WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN YOU:** **Education:** Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent. Doctoral candidates in simulation, computational mechanics, system dynamics, or related fields are highly valued. **Languages:** Advanced English (Basque language proficiency is a plus). **Experience:** Experience in the following areas is highly valued: * Structural, thermal, or dynamic simulation using tools such as Simcenter 3D, Ansys, or equivalent. * Dynamic or multiphysics modeling of mechanical systems. * Development or application of AI techniques in engineering or simulation environments (ML, PINN, ROM, surrogate models, generative design). * Programming in Python and/or MATLAB for simulation automation, data analysis, or tool development. * Model validation using experimental data. * Participation in R\+D projects or scientific publication. **Knowledge:** * Components, structural and thermal behavior of mechanical systems. * Finite element methods and multiphysics simulation techniques. * Fundamentals of machine learning and AI applied to engineering. * Scientific programming: Python and/or MATLAB. **Junior profile:** If you lack prior experience but possess a solid technical foundation and ambition to grow in research, we still want to meet you. There is room to develop a research career based on project outcomes and evolution. It is not necessary to fulfill all requirements. We especially value technical competence, initiative, and genuine interest in advancing the state of the art in simulation applied to advanced mechanical systems.