EngD Position in Flexible and adaptive forming of energy components

The challenge

Mass customization requires flexible and adaptive   manufacturing processes that operate reliably at high production rates. Embedding process knowledge in the process control system is crucial for determining adequate process settings for different product configurations, particularly in metal forming applications.
In the area of battery or fuel cell production, a wide array of product variants must be manufactured in mass production on highest quality level. The next step in the development of flexible and adaptive mass production systems for metal sheet or foil forming will be taken in the design of a demonstrator production system for energy related components (e.g. battery pouch or bipolar plate forming) at the University of Twente. This will be accomplished in a multidisciplinary collaboration project with the departments of Design, Production and Management, and of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces and Systems, within the Faculty’s strategic research theme Intelligent Manufacturing Systems.
You will design a flexible manufacturing system focusing  on forming of battery pouches. The system will be part of a battery production demonstrator line, and a carrier for future research in flexible forming. The work will encompass a modelling and design phase for selection of adequate sensing and actuation systems, such that the flexibility of the system is maximized, followed by a realization and testing phase.
As part of the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) program, you will receive a tailored traineeship comprising courses, workshops, and deepening the theoretical understanding acquired during your university education. You will apply all knowledge gained in this multidisciplinary design project. Your training scheme is customized to your personal and professional skills and the demands of this project.

On successfully completing the program, you will receive a certified and recognised degree. You will be entitled to use the academic title of Engineering Doctorate (EngD) and will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before the 9th of June, 2024, and include:

Curriculum Vitae (including contact information for at least two academic references).

A transcript of your Diploma, courses taken, and grades achieved

Title and abstract of your Master’s project/thesis.

A motivation letter explaining your interest in the topic of the research, your skills toward the goals of the project, and your personal traits (maximum one page).

Candidates with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact dr. Jos Havinga at [email protected].

Interviews will take place in the week of 17th of June.

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.