Research Engineer (MSP/26-12 SPECTRE) M/W/X

MAIN TASKS

• Carry out experimental research activities (primary focus)
• Design and run explosive test campaigns
• Operate high-speed cameras, particle counters, sensors
• Perform data acquisition and processing
• Contribute to numerical modelling efforts
• Communicate and present research results to relevant audiences
• Conduct research leading to a PhD (mandatory)

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Degree(s) required: Master's degree in Engineering Sciences, Applied Sciences, Physics or equivalent.

This position is open for early-career candidates (ideally 0-3 years of experience).

Recent graduates are warmly encouraged to apply. The selected candidate will enroll in a PhD (mandatory).

¿MUST HAVE¿ skills

• Background in fluid dynamics
• Experience in experimental research, or demonstrated interest supported by practical experience
• Experience or interest in instrumentation
• Data analysis skills •

Openness to work in field experiments

¿NICE TO HAVE¿ skills

• Experience with CFD •

Experience with particle dispersion models

Personal skills

• Ability to work both autonomously as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Curiosity and openness to exploring new ideas
• Ability to communicate results clearly and effectively
• Initiative and motivation to learn
• Commitment with research objectives and team goals

Other skills

• The applicant shall have good knowledge of English (oral / written).
• Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is an added value for collaboration with peers.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense.
• Candidates must be citizens of an EU and/or NATO member country
• Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.

CONTRACT

• Probable date of recruitment: From 01 September 2026, in consultation with the applicant.
• Status: Full-time employment based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant).
• Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed until 31/08/2030. The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not 100% guaranteed. However, the Patrimony has a policy to keep the good elements on board, and the research focus of this job offer fits within our core research activities, so there is a high chance that we will be able to offer you follow-up projects beyond that date if you decide to stay.
• Wage scale: class NA11 (holder of a Master's degree in Science or equivalent), class NA21 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master's in Engineering Sciences, doctor's degree in the same area of expertise). ). A salary simulation can be done here: Simulateur de salaire . RMA applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations. •

Holiday pay.

EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS

• Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
• End-of-year bonus;
• Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
• Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
• Meal vouchers (6€ / day);
• Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
• On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
• Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week;
• Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max);
• Holidays:
• 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years)
• 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year's Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays).
• Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers...);
• Entitlement to services offered by the `Office Central d'Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense' (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator...;
• Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability).