Job description
High-performance switching equipment requires mechanisms that operate quickly and reliably when needed. This project focuses on a safety-critical mechanism in which a compact actuator triggers a series of cascaded levers. The system must withstand loads in the kilonewton range and operate in a timespan of a few milliseconds. The challenge offers a rich combination of precision engineering, dynamics and robust mechanical design.
Because such equipment may remain inactive for years, it must also operate reliably after long periods of standstill. The project explores whether compliant, flexure-based joints can provide a more predictable alternative to conventional interfaces by enabling motion through controlled elastic deformation. Candidates will have the opportunity to develop and validate innovative concepts that can contribute to a reliable future of dependable energy technology.
Relying on advanced designs of flexure-joints, the applicability of mechanisms with such joints has been increased steadily over the past decades. Their operation with low friction, hysteresis and wear can offer highly predictable and robust performance. However, one of the remaining challenges are applications where the parts and hence also the flexure-joints are exposed to high loads. For reliable operation, the unwanted deformations of the joints should remain small whereas compliance for the intended motion should not be sacrificed. In this way, high accelerations can be realised to enable fast motion.
The possible advantages are particularly evident when robustness has to be guaranteed in systems that should move reliably after being unused for a long time. Conventional sliding or rotation joints can stick, potentially compromising reliable operation. A more predictable and robust solution could be achieved by replacing conventional rotating bearings with flexure joints, which enable motion through elastic deformation and do not rely on sliding or rotating surfaces.
Project objective
The objective of this project is to investigate whether the conventional lever-based tripping mechanism can be replaced by a mechanism based on flexure joints. The proposed compliant mechanism must combine two challenging requirements: it must be capable of blocking motion under high loads, while also enabling an extremely fast release, preferably within several milliseconds.
The investigation will combine numerical modelling and mechanical design with experimental validation. Several mechanism concepts will be analysed to assess their feasibility, followed by the development and testing of a promising concept in a hardware prototype.
The project is structured into three design iterations:
- In the first phase (8 months) proposed mechanism concepts should demonstrate their ability to block the motion of a part while being subjected to a high force as well as showing a fast release. Numerical analyses support the design evaluation. Hardware test identify strengths and weaknesses of the concepts.
- The second phase (8 months) involves an iteration to use the lessons learned from the first design to design an improved concept. Furthermore, a larger range of operating conditions is considered, e.g. in terms of temperature range and vibrational loads.
- The third phase (8 months) aims towards a product related design of the compliant mechanism, which is also tested at the facilities of Siemens Energy.
The assignment will be carried out at the University of Twente.
The candidate should preferably have a solid background in mechanics of materials and precision design of mechanisms. The candidate should be able to collaborate with other members of the multidisciplinary research team at the UT, as well as with design and manufacturing engineers at Siemens Energy.
Requirements
We are searching for one of the best MSc graduate in the field of Precision Design or related discipline with a demonstrable affinity with multidisciplinary assignments.
- You can work in a team,
- You have good communication skills,
- You like to take initiative,
- You are fluent in spoken and written English.
- You have the ambition and talent to accelerate in finding solutions / creating designs for complex technological issues with a multidisciplinary character.
Conditions of employment
- A very challenging position fulltime position for two years in an inspiring multidisciplinary environment;
- A tailor-made post-master design program that has an educational component (50%) as well as a design project (50%);
- On successfully completing the program, you will receive a certified and recognized degree. You will be entitled to use the academic degree EngD and will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI).
- A salary of € 3173 gross per month;
- An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus of 8.3%;
- A solid pension scheme;
- Minimum of 29 leave days in case of full-time employment.
Additional information
Please submit your application before October 30th, 2026 and include:
- A cover letter of at most 1 page A4, explaining specific interests, the motivation for the application, and why you qualify for this project.
- A full Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for at least two academic references
- Transcripts from your Bachelor and/or Master degrees
If you have any further questions about this vacancy or the EngD programme in Robotics, please contact dr. ir. R.G.K.M. Aarts and prof. dr. ir. D.M. Brouwer EngD (Email: [contact details available in the full listing] and [contact details available in the full listing])
The first-round interviews will take place online in week 47 of 2026. The interviews will be conducted by Dr. Aarts, Prof. Brouwer.
A screening is part of the procedure.
