Engineer Test Method Development for Wind Turbine Drive Trains

Who we are ...

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES, the energy transition becomes a reality every day. Our focus topics are: offshore wind energy, hydrogen, test infrastructure and digitization. More than 400 employees – including around 100 students – from over 50 countries work at nine locations in scientific and non-scientific teams on the development of innovative methods to accelerate the expansion of the wind energy and hydrogen economy, minimize risks, and increase cost efficiency. Do you want to join us in shaping a sustainable future?

This team is looking for you ...
You will join our "Drivetrain Technology" group at our site in Bremerhaven. We develop innovative and customized methods for the simulation and validation of drive trains and drive train components for wind turbines. One particular focus is on the creation of detailed simulation models with which real-world tests can be planned, accompanied, and supplemented in the sense of virtual test benches. At present, the team consists of four employees and several students. We support each other irrespective of our projects and backgrounds. A culture of open exchange and cooperation, even beyond team boundaries and sites, are particularly important to us.

What you will do

These duties await you ...
You will develop and validate simulation models for wind turbine drive trains and their components – from main bearings to gearboxes to slide bearings. By doing so, you will dive into modeling and technical analysis, for example investigating the dynamics of drive trains when using slide bearings. Your creativity will be required when developing suitable scaled test methods for cost-reduced drive train testing and actively contributing to the design of test bench components.

No two days at work are ever the same
In addition, you will further develop existing models and simulation frameworks. In due course, you will also have the opportunity to take over (sub)project management duties. You will present your results to project partners and industry customers at conferences. Furthermore, you will author publications on our scientific findings and publish them in specialist journals.

What you bring to the table

What is your specialist background?
You should have completed your diploma or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Engineering Science, or a similar subject. Do you already have some knowledge of drive trains, ideally in wind turbines? Perfect You also have experience in the modeling and simulation of machine elements, ideally multibody simulations, and have perhaps already learned how to validate simulation models using test data? Great, then you should definitely keep reading

Your profile is complemented by ...
Maybe you already have experience with (large-scale) testing in mechanical engineering or in the field of design? In this context, you're also familiar with the terms design guidelines and verifications and, ideally, you also know your way around dynamic (rotating) systems? It would be great too, if you have already processed and prepared data. But do not worry if your profile does not have everything covered just yet – you can also get your career off to a flying start with us, too We work on an international level here at IWES and in the team, so good English skills are essential.

What you can expect

How would you like to develop?
We support you on your professional journey. Whether personally, professionally, or methodically, we find the right qualification measures for you. It is also possible to be responsible for your own doctorate here. We offer you our full support Do you want to immerse yourself in additional fields and work independently to drive new topics forward? With us, you get to shape your range of duties actively

What we can offer you ...

Our flextime and core time system allows you to plan your working day flexibly. In addition, you also have the option to work remotely. Not sure who can look after your children in an emergency? We help by offering emergency childcare. Interested in employee discounts for events, clothes, vacations, etc.? With us, you can select from a varied range of offers and easily take advantage of them for yourself via an app. For sustainable mobility, you can also benefit from the Deutschland-Ticket as a job ticket.

We set store by diversity and equality

Our open institute culture as well as mutual tolerance and respect ensure that every person feels comfortable with us from the start. We achieve this, for example, through our onboarding program for new employees as well as by raising awareness of and providing training on diversity and equal opportunity issues. We firmly believe that diversity is key to our success. Join us and experience this for yourself 

Eager to learn more?

If you would like to find out more information about the IWES, our research aspects, and your future colleagues, please visit our career website:

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. 

The position is limited to 3 years. The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis, preferably close to full-time. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you

If you have any further questions, please contact:
Ms. Michelle Padberg
People & Development
The entire team is on hand to assist you further:

Phone

Only online applications via the portal can be considered.
Please note that we observe the provisions of the valid General Data Protection Regulation when processing applications.

Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems 

Requisition Number: Application Deadline: 11/02/2025