Aalto University Master’s Thesis Research

Aalto University’s Rotor Lab at the Department of Mechanical Engineering is recruiting a Master’s thesis worker for the VIcTOR – Virtual Torque Sensing for Maritime Powertrains research project.

The project is conducted in close collaboration with Wärtsilä and investigates new methods for estimating torque and torsional response in maritime powertrains without relying on expensive dedicated torque sensors.

The research combines engineering modelling, optimisation, machine learning and embedded control systems.

The selected thesis worker will investigate methods that use encoder measurements together with available engine or generator data to estimate unknown torque and the full torsional response of a maritime powertrain.

Two major methodological areas are explored: convex optimisation-based torque estimation and physics-informed learning.

The work also involves modelling and simulation using industry-standard tools such as Matlab/Simulink, with potential use of Python, C and other embedded-system technologies.

Wärtsilä provides access to operational powertrain data, measurement systems, engines, test rigs and industry expertise. Research work is expected to take place both at Aalto University and Wärtsilä’s Vaasa STH laboratory.

For the Master’s thesis phase, the official vacancy lists a gross salary of €2,622 per month for full-time employment lasting a maximum of six months.

The vacancy also provides a possible route into doctoral research after graduation. Applicants interested in continuing to the doctoral phase must separately satisfy Aalto University’s doctoral-programme eligibility conditions.

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or another relevant field.
• Have excellent written and oral English skills.
• Be able to work full-time.
• Have an academic background relevant to the research project.

Useful but not mandatory skills include:

• Mechanical engineering.
• Control engineering.
• Applied mathematics.
• Electrical engineering.
• Knowledge of torsional vibration, rotordynamics or drivetrain dynamics.
• Experience with state estimation or optimisation methods.
• Interest or experience in machine learning.
• Matlab/Simulink programming or modelling skills.
• Python, C or other embedded-system programming experience.
• Interest in embedded systems and industrial measurement data.
• Finnish-language ability is considered an advantage.

• €2,622 gross monthly salary during the Master’s thesis phase.
• Full-time paid research employment for up to six months.
• Opportunity to complete a Master’s thesis within an active engineering research project.
• Research collaboration between Aalto University and Wärtsilä.
• Access to engines, test rigs and operational powertrain data.
• Access to industrial measurement systems and experts.
• Experience with Matlab/Simulink and modern computational methods.
• Exposure to convex optimisation and physics-informed machine learning.
• International and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent research facilities.
• Occupational health care through the applicable employment arrangement.
• Potential pathway towards doctoral research after graduation.

All application documents must be submitted in English and compiled into one PDF.

Required documents:

• Motivation letter with contact information and preferred starting date, maximum one page.
• CV including academic merits, maximum three pages.
• Contact details of two referees.
• Copy of the applicant’s most recent Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis.
• Degree certificate or certificates.
• Academic transcript.
• Explanation of the grading scale.

Mandatory profile requirements include:

• Relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• Excellent written and oral English.
• Ability to work full-time.

Additional assets considered by the research team include:

• Relevant engineering or mathematical background.
• Knowledge of powertrain or drivetrain dynamics.
• Understanding of torsional vibration or rotordynamics.
• Experience with optimisation or state-estimation methods.
• Interest or experience in machine learning.
• Matlab/Simulink skills.
• Python, C or related programming skills.
• Interest in embedded systems.
• Experience working with industrial measurement data.
• Finnish-language skills.

• Complete your Master’s thesis through a paid research position.
• Work on a real industrial engineering challenge.
• Collaborate with Aalto University and Wärtsilä experts.
• Gain experience with advanced computational modelling.
• Develop skills in optimisation and machine learning.
• Work with real maritime powertrain data.
• Access industrial test equipment and research facilities.
• Build experience relevant to engineering R&D careers.
• Explore a possible pathway towards doctoral research.