Energy Research Engineer (M/F) – ref: 1226

Centrale Nantes is a prestigious engineering school which awards degrees to engineers, Master’s students and PhD candidates upon completion of academic programmes based on the very latest developments in science and technology and on best management practices.

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

A public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Centrale Nantes has over 2,250 students, 500 staff members and 600 part-time lecturers.

Within École Centrale de Nantes, the Research Laboratory in Hydrodynamics, Energy and the Atmospheric Environment (LHEEA) comprises 140 members divided into five research teams. The LHEEA operates under the joint supervision of École Centrale de Nantes (ECN) and the CNRS; it also collaborates with Centrale Innovation (CI), a subsidiary of ECN.

Job description:

As part of a French research project focusing on the decarbonisation of maritime transport, the successful candidate will be required to develop, in Python, an AI-based tool for real-time energy simulation of ships. This simulator will enable the real-time assessment of energy consumption and associated pollutant emissions. This academic code will be ‘open source’ and is therefore intended to be shared with all project partners and to interface with the rest of the project for the real-time evaluation component. The modelling will be at the fluid level (0D), with dynamic calculation of temperatures and flow rates to enable energy balances to be calculated. A good understanding of the underlying physical phenomena is required. The modelling will account for high-frequency transients. The tool will be coded in Python and made available via a web application, so that anyone can use it and it can meet the needs of academic research in this field.

Your main responsibilities will be as follows:

• Design and develop the core of the AI-based tool in Python to model the various components of a vessel (engine, propeller, battery, etc.). For this part, the candidate will be supported by specialist engineers with expertise in the relevant equations.

• Oversee the operational and organisational aspects of part of the project.

• Draft the project deliverables.

Technical skills:

• Proficiency in Python

• Energy engineering

• HF motor modelling

• AI

Organisational skills:

• Analytical and synthesis skills

• Rigour and organisation

Interpersonal and social skills:

• Good interpersonal skills

• Ability to work as part of a team

Adaptability:

• Ability to work independently

• Proactive approach

Required qualifications: You must hold at least a Master’s degree in fluid mechanics. Entry-level candidates welcome

What we offer:

• 3-month fixed-term contract

• Position open to contract staff

• Category A – IGR

• Full-time role – based in Nantes

• Flexible working hours

• Adjustable working patterns (option to work a 4.5-day week)

• RTT + additional leave

• Remote working allowance

• Free parking

• 75% transport reimbursement

• Sustainable mobility allowance (if cycling or car-sharing)

• Compulsory health insurance and optional pension scheme

Remuneration: in accordance with the State civil service pay scales

Start date: 1 October 2026

HR contact: Eloise LEHOUX

Manager contact: Pierre MARTY

This advert refers to terms such as ‘candidate’, ‘engineer’, ‘manager’, etc. These titles are to be understood as gender-neutral and apply equally to both men and women.

Centrale de Nantes is committed to equality and diversity. In line with our institution’s CSR commitments, this vacancy is open to all.