Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mechanical Design / Precision Design of Advanced Engineering Systems

We are looking for postdoctoral fellows to join the Interdisciplinary Center for Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics. The selected candidates will contribute to the design and development of advanced mechanical systems and engineered platforms supporting strategic, application-driven research initiatives. The role emphasizes the development of functional, scalable, and high-performance systems, integrating principles of mechanism synthesis, kinematic analysis, structural design, precision engineering, and system integration. 

The position requires a strong focus on engineering design from concept to realization, including CAD/CAE-driven modeling, simulation, optimization, and prototyping, with consideration of manufacturability, reliability, and performance under operational conditions. Candidates are expected to contribute to the development of complex, multidisciplinary systems, often involving the integration of mechanical components with actuation, sensing, and control elements.


 

JOB RESPONSIBILITY:
  1. Design and develop innovative mechanical systems and engineered machines from concept through realization 
  2. Perform kinematic, multibody, and structural analyses using advanced CAD/CAE tools 
  3. Translate research concepts into robust engineering designs, detailed models, and functional prototypes 
  4. Lead and support prototype development, experimental testing, and validation aligned with TRL progression 
  5. Apply Design for X (DfX) principles, including manufacturability, assembly, reliability, and scalability 
  6. Integrate mechanical subsystems with actuation, sensing, and control architectures 
  7. Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams spanning manufacturing, materials, robotics, and digital engineering 
  8. Publish research outcomes in high-impact journals and international conferences 
  9. Contribute to the development of research proposals, technical reports, and funded projects 
  10. Mentor graduate students and contribute to capacity building within the research team

QUALIFICATION:

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field

  • Strong background in:
  1. Mechanical and Machine Design
  2. Precision engineering and tolerance design
  3. Mechanism design and kinematics
  4. Modeling and simulation of mechanical systems
  • Proficiency in CAD/CAE tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, ANSYS, Abaqus, MSC Adams or equivalent)
  • Programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or similar) are desirable
  • Demonstrated research capability through publications or thesis work
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary research environment
  • Ability and willingness to learn new application domains and contribute to diverse engineering systems

Preferred (but not mandatory):

  • Experience in prototype development and experimental validation
  • Knowledge of design optimization and system integration
  • Familiarity with advanced manufacturing processes
  • Exposure to digital twin, automation, or AI-assisted design

 


HOW TO APPLY:

The position is now open, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply:

  1. Please complete the application form Link and
  2. Send your application package to: Director, IRC for Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Email: irc-imr@kfupm.edu.sa

The application package must include:

  • Cover letter
  • Detailed academic CV, including at least three references
  • One-page research statement demonstrating the candidate's fit with the advertised research areas and outlining future research plans

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and is ranked 63rd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. KFUPM Official Website

    We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.