Vitrimer Materials Researcher for process and material applications

Hungry for challenges? Join a group with innovation at its heart and contribute to the automotive revolution!

OPmobility is a world-leading provider of innovative solutions for a unique, safer and more sustainable mobility experience. Innovation-driven since its creation, the Group develops and produces intelligent exterior systems, customized complex modules, lighting systems, clean energy systems and electrification solutions for all mobility companies. With a €11.4 billion economic revenue in 2023, a global network of 152 plants and 40 R&D centers, OPmobility relies on its 40,300 employees to meet the challenges of transforming mobility.

Our ambition? Provide automakers with cutting-edge equipment and solutions to develop tomorrow’s clean and connected car.

We are looking for an accomplished and motivated Engineer Ph.D. Intern to join our team and conduct a research project in a partnership ESTACA-OPmobility.

ESTACA (École supérieure des Techniques Aéronautiques et de Construction Automobile) is one of the 204 French engineering schools accredited by the Commission des Titres d'Ingénieur (CTI) since 1986. The ESTACA’Lab develops research activities into innovative technologies for transport and mobility to respond to major societal and environmental challenges. It works to bring to light new technologies for green, sustainable, and smart transport methods that are suited to new mobility systems.

OPmobility is a world-leading provider of innovative solutions for a unique, safer and more sustainable mobility experience. Innovation-driven since its creation, the Group develops and produces intelligent exterior systems, customized complex modules, lighting systems, clean energy systems and electrification solutions for all mobility companies. 

By adding intelligent functions, lighting & sensors etc and by extending the scope of what is possible in terms of design, Opmobility is making cars safer, smarter and more stylish. Body panels are now packed with technologies that improve the driver experience, safety and vehicle appearance. The result? An elegant car that will, in time, be made largely from bio-sourced or recycled materials.

Mission:

Vitrimers are a new category of lightweight and strong organic materials that once hardened can be remelted and remoulded like glass while exhibiting mechanical properties superior to glass. They therefore combine the qualities of thermoplastic compounds with thermosetting compounds that exhibit good mechanical, chemical and thermal properties but cannot be reused (if they are heated again, they burn but do not melt). The research activity proposed in the present PhD thesis concerns the development of a robust process for vitrimer components production for applications within the transportation sector.

You will be working in two main studies:

• The identification of chemical composition and vitrimer suppliers, and the process currently used.

This investigation will allow the identification of production parameters having a strong effect on composite structures.

This activity is aimed to build a good understanding of the various techniques for industrializing vitrimers within the context of application related to mobility (cycle time, durability, recycling, LCA…)

• The production of prototype structures (plates, etc.)

This will include performance tests in laboratory (damage mechanisms - viscoelastic under complex stresses, fatigue impact).

It will allow the implementation of a durability criterion.

A numerical model will be developed and validated on experimental tests already described.

The proposed studies provide a unique training opportunity in:

• acquiring strong knowledge in new composite materials production process and their application for future mobility,
• developing new state-of-the-art numerical models and laboratory experiment for extending material durability and resistance against damage
• training in industrial practice on site at OPmobility which is expected to enhance the competency in component engineering and manufacturing.

Profile :

• You are a student, Master 2 or 3rd year of an engineer’s school.
• You have good notions in plasturgy, composite materials: microstructure relationships / properties materials; phase transformations; mechanical structures, numerical modelling
• You have a strong taste for applied science.
• You demonstrate adaptability, ability to work in a team.
• A good level of English is also essential.

Locations (multiple journeys and trips between) :

Paris, Laval, Lyon – France

Genk - Belgium

As a responsible company, OPmobility pays particular attention to diversity and equality within its teams and the Group commits to treat all job applications equally.