Intern* / Student* with Master Thesis (optional) FE-Models of Main Bearings of Wind Turbines

Who we are ...
Our primary focuses at Fraunhofer IWES are on wind energy and hydrogen technologies. Our institute is home to more than 300 scientists and employees as well as over 100 students from over 30 countries pursuing careers in applied research and development at nine sites. We secure investments in technological developments through validation, shorten innovation cycles, accelerate certification procedures, and increase planning accuracy by means of innovative measurement methods.

This team needs your support ...
You will be part of the group »Test and Method Development« at our site in Bremerhaven. At present, our team consists of five research associates and several students. We focus on developing test methods for wind turbine nacelle systems and components. At our main shaft test rig, we develop and conduct detailed tests to analyze measured load time series and lifetime damage for the main shaft and bearings of wind turbines. Become an active member of the team; we are keen to hear your ideas! As an international oriented IWES-team, we highly appreciate an open exchange, whether this be in German or English. Respectful cooperation is also very important to us. You are wondering what you can bring to the team?

What you will do

These duties await you ...
You will use Ansys to develop Finite Element Method (FEM) models and conduct simulations to analyze bearing roller contact under different loads. You will also utilize the measurements from actual tests that are conducted at our test rig for model validation. Your work will help us to understand the possible failure mechanism in wind turbine bearings and support us in finding possible solutions for improving bearing reliability.

What you bring to the table

What is your background?
You are studying Mechanical Engineering in a master’s program? You have a background in solid or contact mechanics? Perfect! Additionally, you have a firm understanding of FEM and you are also experienced in using FEM software, ideally Ansys.

What you can expect

What we can offer you ...
We offer various opportunities to join us as a student. Whether it is an internship, where you gain a comprehensive insight into the areas of work, or the role of a student assistant, which is easy to combine with your studies. Are you looking for an exciting topic for your thesis and do you want to delve deeply into a topic scientifically? Together, we will find the right path for you! We know that studying can also be very demanding and requires a certain level of flexibility. That is no problem here, as – in agreement with your colleagues – you can decide flexibly what days and hours to work. Temporarily, you can even work remotely, depending on the job.

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 internship is limited to 3 months, individual agreements are possible. There is an option of extension as a student assistant with the possibility of completing a master thesis. The working time consists of 39 hours per week. In case of a student assistantship, the working time consists of up to 80 hours per month. In the case of an internship, remuneration is based on the federal government guidelines for intern salaries. In the case of a student assistantship, remuneration is based on the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

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:
People & Development
E-mail: personal@iwes.fraunhofer.de
Phone: +49 471 14 290-230

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: 76609                Application Deadline: