Researcher in Mechanical Engineering (EM-Mortar) M/W/X

STUDY

The EM-Mortar is an electromagnetic mortar launcher capable of replacing traditional chemical propellants with

pulsed electromagnetic acceleration. This innovative concept will deliver silent operation and adjustable muzzle

velocity with extreme precision, two features that provide decisive tactical advantages in modern warfare¿

particularly in close-combat and urban environments where traditional mortars expose their positions through

loud acoustic and visual signatures. The mortar launcher also features a real-time adjustable muzzle velocity,

which allows for precise control of a round's trajectory. This not only improves accuracy and reduces the risk of

collateral damage but also optimizes performance for complex and varied environments. Furthermore, the EM-

Mortar is highly versatile due to its dual ammunition compatibility, capable of firing standard NATO mortar

rounds (60-120 mm) using adapter sabots as well as specialized electromagnetic-optimized rounds for superior

performance and range. The target muzzle velocity for the EM-Mortar is 350 m/s, accommodating a projectile

weight range of 4 kg to 14 kg. The system leads to a reduction in explosive propellant logistics and the inherent

safety risks involved. On a strategic level, this effort directly contributes to EU strategic autonomy by

establishing a domestically sourced, next-generation capability in advanced artillery systems.

This project proposes a feasibility study culminating in a concept design for electromagnetic induction-based

propulsion. The study's technical objectives are to assess the viability of induction-based acceleration for mortar

projectiles. This includes developing a conceptual design for the required modular pulsed power systems, which

will detail the architecture of power electronics and control system. A comprehensive structural analysis will

also be conducted to examine coil housings, epoxy bonding, and composite reinforcement. Finally, the study

will address the crucial aspect of operational integration by assessing battlefield energy logistics, ensuring field

compliance, and evaluating safety protocols.

Link for the project: https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/download/2d7e501e-39c3-4473-88f8-f292153f04ec_en?filename=FACTSHEET_EDF_2025_LS_RA_SMERO_NT_101304777_EM_Mortar.pdf

MAIN TASKS

• Contribute in developing detailed use cases and tactical requirements that allow integration with existing mortar platforms.
• Contribute in creating tactical integration, NATO standards compliance, and operational use case definition. (MIL to write about operational methodology and compliance framework)
• Contribute in developing tactical deployment scenarios for EM mortars in close-combat and urban operations.
• Contribute to high-voltage safety compliance, risk mitigation, and environmental impact study.
• Contribute in roadmap development to operational transformation and doctrine impact.
• Contribute on NATO-standardization and Member State interoperability for EM-Mortars.
• Develop simulations for sabot dynamics after leaving the muzzle.
• Contribute to data analysis, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Degree(s) required: Master's degree/PhD in Engineering (Applied Sciences, Engineering Sciences) in the field of Mechanical/Ballistic Engineering or a related discipline.

This position is open for experienced profiles (ideally 3 years of experience minimum). However, young graduates are also encouraged to apply.

Technical skills

• The applicant shall have a Master's/Phd degree in Mechanical/ Ballistic Engineering, or a related discipline.
• The applicant shall have academic (study project and/or master thesis) or professional experience in the use and creation of simulation tools using Julia, Python, MATLAB (one or multiple)

Personal skills

• Ability to conduct scientific research at university level
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary research team
• Excellent written communication skills, both for scientific communications and for general public communications
• Good oral communication skills for scientific communications
• Honesty and loyalty towards the organization
• Solution-oriented
• You will be working very closely together with the industrial partner and will get insight in their proprietary intellectual property. Confidentiality is therefore an absolute must.

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.
• Experience in scientific literature review and scientific writing is an added value.
• Knowledge on NATO standards, AEP's, AJP, NATO procurement is an added value.
• Knowledge on classic mortar systems is an added value.
• Knowledge on electromagnetic propulsion is an added value.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• The researcher will 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.
• Only applicants with a nationality of a country that is both part of NATO and the EU will be eligible.
• Working for the RMA Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.

CONTRACT

• Probable date of recruitment: From 1st December 2026, in consultation with the applicant.

• Status: Full-time employment based on a long-term 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 for 2,5 years (30 months). However, the RMA Patrimony has a policy of keeping good elements on board and the research focus of this job offer fits within our core research activities, so it is possible 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 recognized as Ir in Belgium, doctor's degree in the same area of expertise). A salary simulation can be done here : simuateur de salaire . RMA-Patrimony 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);
• Digital allowance (15€ / month)
• 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).