MERL is looking for a highly motivated individual to work on tailored computational algorithms for numerical optimal control of hybrid dynamical systems and applications for decision making, motion planning and control of autonomous systems. The research will involve the study and development of numerical optimal control methods for systems with continuous dynamics and discrete logic, nonsmooth and/or switched dynamics, and the implementation and validation of such algorithms for industrial applications, e.g., related to autonomous driving and robotics. The ideal candidate should have experience in either one or multiple of the following topics: mixed-integer programming (MIP), mathematical programs with complementarity constraints (MPCCs), modeling and formulation of optimal control problems for hybrid dynamical systems, convex and non-convex optimization, machine learning and real-time optimization. PhD students in engineering or mathematics, especially with a focus on MIPs, MPCCs or numerical optimal control, are encouraged to apply. Publication of relevant results in conference proceedings or journals is expected. Capability of implementing the designs and algorithms in MATLAB/Python is expected; coding parts of the algorithms in C/C++ is a plus. The expected duration of the internship is 3-6 months and the start date is flexible.

MERL is looking for a highly motivated and qualified candidate to work on estimation and model structure identification for digital twins of multi-physical systems. The research will involve study and development of white-box and grey-box model calibration and identification methods suitable for large-scale systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in one or multiple of the following topics: nonlinear estimation, model identification, optimization, data-driven and reduced order modeling, and machine learning; with expertise demonstrated via, e.g., peer-reviewed publications. Prior programming experience in Julia/Modelica is a plus. Senior PhD students in mechanical, electrical, chemical engineering or related fields are encouraged to apply. The typical duration of internship is 3 months and start date is flexible.

The Electric Machines and Devices team at MERL is seeking motivated and qualified individuals to assist in the development of advanced motor drives technologies. The project goals are twofold: (i) explore model-based optimization methods to design switching voltage sequence for switching losses minimization; (ii) machine learning methods to model the nonlinear flux to current relationship (flux-map) of synchronous machines with spatial harmonics from the real-time experimental data during the commissioning process. The background of the ideal candidate is expected to overlap with at least one of the project goals, if not two. Senior PhD candidates working in mixed integer optimization, model predictive control or machine learning are encouraged to apply. Capability of implementing the algorithm in MATLAB and coding in C are a necessity. Knowledge of motor drives and hands-on experience in real-time systems are a plus. The expected duration of the internship is 3-6 months, preferably onsite at MERL and the start date is flexible.