Sd-25060 – Group Leader – Lightweight Design And Simulation

Permanent contract | Hautcharage

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

We are seeking an innovative and experienced Group Leader to lead the Lightweight Design and Simulation Group. The group’s mission is to pioneer lightweight engineering solutions for next-generation applications by leveraging sustainable lightweight innovative composites. This involves bridging molecular mechanisms with macroscopic structural performance through cutting-edge computational tools, theoretical modeling, and experimental validation. This role focuses on managing a team of experts in computational design, additive manufacturing (AM), and advanced material characterization to address critical challenges in sustainability, energy efficiency, and performance optimization.

How will you contribute?

As Group Leader, you will oversee a multidisciplinary team, driving advancements in computational design, additive manufacturing (AM), and composite material characterization, with a particular focus on solutions for the transportation sector. Expertise in lightweight design, optimization, part and assembly design for industry, and advanced composite solutions, particularly for the transportation market, is highly valued.

You will be mainly in charge of:

Leadership & Team Management

• Develop and execute strategic plans (short, mid, and long-term) aligned with unit objectives, using KPIs and dashboards to monitor progress.
• Lead and inspire a team of 10–15 scientists and engineers, fostering innovation in composite material modeling, lightweight engineering, and industrial part/assembly design.
• Efficiently allocate resources and manage budgets to achieve group and unit goals.
• Oversee a balanced portfolio of competitive and industry-funded RDI projects, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Lead the submission and execution of RDI projects, ensuring delivery of high-quality outcomes.
• Coach, mentor, and manage team members, including hiring, performance appraisals, and professional development.
• Build strong networks through cross-functional collaborations within the organization and with external scientific and industrial stakeholders.

Research, Design, and Innovation

• Drive the design and innovation of lightweight composite materials for industrial applications, particularly in mobility and transportation sectors.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Structural Composites Unit, ensuring alignment with the group’s mission.
• Promote continuous improvement in RDI methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Shape project direction by collaborating with senior stakeholders and leading technical decision-making.

Composite Material Development & Manufacturing

• Lead innovations in lightweight composites through multiscale modeling and simulation to improve performance and durability.
• Advance the development of lightweight composites incorporating part/assembly optimization and additive manufacturing techniques.
• Drive research on digital twin technologies to validate composite designs and predict real-world performance.
• Optimize manufacturing processes for industrial scalability, balancing cost, quality, and sustainability.
• Oversee CAPEX initiatives to secure state-of-the-art research facilities.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with a specialization in composite materials, computational modeling, or advanced manufacturing.
• 8–10 years of experience leading teams in material science or related fields, with a strong background in applied research.
• 8–10 years of experience in RDI, particularly in sustainable lightweight composites and industrial part and assembly design.
• Proven expertise in lightweight design, multiscale materials modeling, and additive manufacturing for high-performance
• industry experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in simulation, composite material characterization, and lightweight design optimization.
• Expertise in industrial part/assembly design, emphasizing manufacturability and scalability.
• Strong understanding of additive manufacturing and its integration with lightweight composite designs.
• Experience with digital twin technologies to optimize and validate material performance.
• Passion for sustainability, with demonstrated success in developing environmentally conscious composite solutions.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills to manage multidisciplinary teams and engage stakeholders.

Language skills

• Good level both written and spoken English. French or German language skills are an asset for this role

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
• A scientific CV with contact details
• List of publications (and patents, if applicable)
• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.