Research Engineer – Mechanical Design Studies (M/F) – ref: 1040

Centrale Nantes is a prestigious engineering school that awards degrees to engineers, master's students and doctoral candidates who have completed academic programmes based on the latest developments in science and technology and best management practices.

As a member of the Écoles Centrales Group (Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes and Paris), our school provides high-quality education for highly selected students.

A public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Centrale Nantes has more than 2,250 students, 500 employees and 600 temporary staff.

Job description:

As part of the Ocean Engineering Tanks team (15 people), you will work on designing mechanical assemblies for testing devices, including models tested in the tanks (ships, floating wind turbines, wave energy systems and other platforms). Your tasks will consist of:

• Managing, coordinating and monitoring the design of complex mechanical assemblies

• Working with clients to define and assess the feasibility of projects or instruments, finalising them in the form of functional specifications, then technical specifications

• Calculating and optimising design and production costs

• Designing equipment using simulation techniques

• Integrating related mechanical specialities (sensors, electromechanics) into the design

• Collaborate in the implementation and application of operating procedures.

• Select and evaluate companies for outsourced work.

• Negotiate and draft the technical part of study or work contracts.

• Draft and manage technical notices and reports (documents, analyses, interfaces, assembly and maintenance).

• Monitor the manufacture and construction of projects carried out in-house (Fablab) or by subcontractors.

Technical skills:

• Proficiency in mechanical design, solid mechanics and material strength.

• Knowledge of industry-specific software (ideally Solidworks and NX).

• Proficiency in instrumentation/measurement techniques.

• Proficiency in calculation techniques applied to mechanics.

Adaptability skills:

• General knowledge of physical sciences, particularly fluid mechanics.

• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques and processes related to tank testing devices.

• Knowledge of the materials used and their conditions of use in mechanical engineering.

• Keeping abreast of developments.

• Comfortable in an aquatic environment (able to swim).

Organisational skills:

• Writing reports or technical documents

• Managing a budget

• Applying health and safety rules

• Applying public procurement regulations

Interpersonal and social skills:

• Sharing expertise to contribute to the development of know-how

• Being proactive

• Being thorough and reliable

• Organisational skills

• English language: (B2)

• Ability to work in a team

Required qualifications: You hold a PhD or an engineering degree in mechanical engineering. Initial experience would be appreciated, but the position is open to both beginners and more experienced candidates.

Nature of the position

• 12-month fixed-term contract

• Position open to contract workers and civil servants

• Category A - IGR

• Full-time position – based in Nantes

• Occasional travel required

• Occasional remote working

• Remote working allowance

• Flexible working hours

• Adjustable work cycles (possibility of working 4.5 days)

• RTT + additional leave

• Free parking

• 75% transport reimbursement

• Sustainable mobility bonus (if cycling or carpooling)

Remuneration: according to the French civil service pay scale

Position available: February 2026

HR contact: Eloïse LEHOUX

Manager contact: Jérémy OHANA

This advertisement refers to the terms ‘candidate’, “engineer”, ‘manager’, etc. These terms are to be considered gender-neutral and apply to both women and men.

Centrale de Nantes is committed to equality and diversity. In accordance with our institution's CSR commitments, this position is open to all.