Industrial PhD student – Multi-trailer Control

WHO ARE WE?
We at Volvo Group are constantly moving and changing to be one step ahead in this technology journey. Within Volvo Group Trucks Technology, we are always adapting and pushing ourselves to be able to develop new breakthrough transport solutions. We strive to be more energy efficient, more sustainable and safer for society. Our organization is built by engaged people and teamwork. We are a truly global company and we believe in the advantage of diversity. Together we create a workplace that brings the best out of everyone and this is where you fit right in.


Within the Technology Stream Vehicle Motion and Energy Management, we develop system solutions and functionalities in the area of vehicle safety, dynamics, driver assistance and motion management. Now you have the possibility to join a stimulating and dynamic global work environment, as an Industrial PhD student in the area of Multi-trailer control.


WHAT CHALLENGE DO WE OFFER?
The vehicle combination trailer is in the future assumed to be its own units and is assumed to be able to carry its own energy storage with own propulsion and thus opens up for active driving and control through the utilization of auto coupling of trailers.
Control structures for complete combination control of multi-trailer vehicles shall be designed, and designed with respect to the possibilities of auto-coupling of multi-trailers.
In combination with auto-coupling and active drive and control of trailers, it is possible to increase the maneuverability and transport efficiency of the vehicle system. The selected control structures will be validated using simulation. Experimental validation is planned in both simulator environment and full-scale experiments through collaboration with other stakeholders.
It is expected to provide knowledge that can be used by the heavy vehicle industry to produce world-leading transport solutions. Volvo Trucks is the main applicant and provides industrial delivery. Chalmers Tekniska Högskola participates through academic supervision of doctoral student and senior researchers. The industrial PhD period is about 4.5 years.


MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
During the PhD period be an independent researcher and technical expert for Volvo and when graduated as PhD, become Volvo’s leading expert to develop the vehicle motion control design of commercial heavy vehicle combinations for 2030.
Some parts of the research program includes, modelling of the vehicle combinations, design and evaluate different software and control architectures for multi-unit vehicles with e.g. distributed propulsion and auto-couplings.
Proposals of how the vehicle combination motion and power control of energy sources and motion actuators should be designed to meet desired use cases and system requirements.
Propose unit to unit communication both when vehicle units are connected and pre-/post-connected vehicle units.
Write academic articles and lead inventions (with filing patents) in the specific research areas.


WHO ARE YOU?
We believe that you have more than 3 years of hands on experience in advanced control systems, robotics, or automotive systems and especially vehicle motion control and dynamics.
You should have knowledge of real-time optimization by quadratic programming (e.g. control allocation) for of over-actuated vehicle systems coordinating motion actuators. Knowledge in sensors & actuators for motion and real-time systems is also required for the role. A good understanding of software development and the related environment is important in this role. You have the ability to collect data, define problems, establish facts and draw conclusions.


We believe you are creative and have the mindset to constantly learn and improve to have the best solutions for our customers. You have a positive outlook and collaborative mindset. As a person, you are a team player with a positive mind-set and you know the various challenges of application development. A customer-oriented attitude is in your nature, you care about quality, allow yourself to be inspired, have a “can do” attitude and take pride in your work.


Being resilient is important, able to rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
Have the ability to effectively build formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization. You are eager to take ownership of own area and deliveries and thereby take accountability. Other requirements and competencies for the position are:
M.Sc. degree in Applied Physics, Mechatronics, Control systems, Robotics or similar
Hands on experience with automotive systems especially vehicle motion control and dynamics
Experience as truck driver for development/testing (C or CE driver license)
Solid mathematical background used in e.g. physical modelling with differential equations, numerical optimization, control theory, and deep learning
Knowledge in one or more of the following Matlab / Simulink, C, C++, Python
Good understanding of Application SW development and the related environment
Confidence with version control tools (specifically git)
Knowledge of Automotive CAN protocol
Has a deep interest to figure out how things work and propose new inventive solutions for how things can be solved in the future
Action Oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm
Fluency in English, both written and spoken

Is this you? We go through applicants continuously, so don´t hesitate to apply now.


For more information please contact:
Nicolas Andersson, Group Manager, Vehicle Functions, +46 31 3223841


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