Research Manager – Turbomachinery and Propulsion

Careers at the von Karman Institute: Construct the future together

Are you passionate about cutting-edge research in fluid dynamics and propulsion systems? Do you have a strong track record in managing complex research projects and leading high-performing engineering teams?

The von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (VKI) is seeking a (Senior) Research Manager to steer and enhance the growth of our Turbomachinery and Propulsion team. You will manage a dynamic team of engineers and researchers, driving innovation across four key Research Expertise Groups (REGs):

• Turbine Aerodynamics & Heat Transfer
• Compressor Aerodynamics & Heat Transfer
• Shape Optimization
• Hypersonic Propulsion

Your Responsibilities

• Lead the full program portfolio of projects and proposals within the department, ensuring financial and strategic objectives are met.
• Manage medium to large-scale research projects, ensuring scope, planning, and budget targets are achieved.
• Supervise and mentor a team of engineers in the Project Office, supporting their development and performance.
• Drive proposal development and market surveillance for new research opportunities  and take the proposal management responsibility of medium to large size proposals
• Identify, protect, and valorize intellectual property generated by the team.
• Optionally, take on leadership of one or more REGs depending on your profile.

For the progress of your proposals and projects you will collaborate closely with our internal Faculty of students and professors as well as with Assets & Resources, who provide support with among others our test facilities and IT environment.

Your Profile

You are a results-driven leader with a passion for scientific research and innovation in turbomachinery and propulsion. You bring:

• A Master's degree in Engineering Sciences (fluid dynamics or related field).
• Project Management Certification (PMI/PMP or equivalent).
• 10–15 years of R&D experience with proven results.
• 10+ years of project/proposal management in a research setting, including portfolio oversight.
• 5+ years of people management experience in engineering/research teams.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication in technical English; French is a plus.
• Strategic insight and a broad professional network in your domain.
• Awareness of IP protection and exploitation (e.g., patenting, licensing).

We offer

• A permanent full-time contract
• An attractive salary package, including pension-, hospitalization- and dental insurances, as well as other fringe benefits
• A stimulating and international work environment.
• Global access to industry experts and academics. Opportunities to collaborate with students in a leading research institute.
• Flexible working culture with partial homeworking options
• Access to specialized seminars, to VKI Lecture Series, and to world-unique ground testing facilities.

Eligibility Criteria

• meet the requirements for the duties concerned. 
• be a citizen of one of the VKI partner countries (see link):   

How to apply? Please apply online, do NOT send your application by email. 

About the organisation

For 75 years as an international centre of excellence in fluid dynamics, the von Karman Institute (VKI) brings together young engineers and scientists from all over the world to study, improve their skills and perform their research.

"A scientist studies what is, whereas an engineer creates what never was " Théodore von Kármán

Besides its mission of education, the von Karman Institute gathers the top-level scientists and engineers to work on very challenging projects as the next generation of engines, new propulsion concepts, the new green energy, the safety of industry, solutions for a cleaner space, the Mission to Mars and many other fields of research which can make the difference for the humankind. Those scientists have access to more than 50 wind tunnels and test rigs, some of them unique in the world to help them in their projects.

VKI is a team of people looking in the same direction, for a better future, not only scientists and engineers but also students, PhD candidates, PostDocs, IT, Human Resources, accountants, librarians, designers, and technicians and more....

Location: Close to Brussels @ Rhode-Saint-Genèse (Flemish-Brabant)