Postdoctoral Mechanical Design Fellowship at KFUPM in Saudi Arabia

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) invites applications for a postdoctoral mechanical design fellowship in the design and precision design of advanced engineering systems. The position is based at the Interdisciplinary Center for Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About the Postdoctoral Mechanical Design Fellowship

The selected fellows will contribute to designing and developing advanced mechanical systems and engineered platforms for application-driven research. The work spans the design process from concept to realization, with an emphasis on functional, scalable and high-performance systems. Candidates will apply mechanism synthesis, kinematic analysis, structural design, precision engineering and system integration.

Responsibilities include developing mechanical systems and machines, conducting kinematic, multibody and structural analyses, and using computer-aided design and engineering tools (CAD/CAE) for modeling, simulation and optimization. Fellows will translate research concepts into detailed engineering designs and functional prototypes, while considering manufacturability, reliability and performance under operating conditions.

The role also involves supporting prototype development, experimental testing and validation aligned with technology readiness level (TRL) progression. Fellows will apply Design for X principles, including design for manufacturability, assembly, reliability and scalability. They will integrate mechanical subsystems with actuation, sensing and control architectures and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams working across manufacturing, materials, robotics and digital engineering.

Research contributions include publishing findings in high-impact journals and international conferences, helping develop research proposals and technical reports, and contributing to funded projects. Fellows will also mentor graduate students and support capacity building within the research team. For related opportunities, browse research fellowships and opportunities for Arab applicants.

Who Should Apply

This position is suited to a postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field and a strong foundation in mechanical and machine design, precision engineering, tolerance design, mechanism design and kinematics. Applicants should be comfortable with mechanical-system modeling and simulation and proficient in relevant CAD/CAE tools. Evidence of research capability through publications or thesis work is expected. The role also calls for analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, independent work, and the ability to contribute in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Key Highlights

• Postdoctoral research fellowship in mechanical design and advanced engineering systems.
• Location: the Interdisciplinary Center for Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
• Programming in MATLAB, Python or similar is desirable.
• Preferred experience includes prototype development, experimental validation, design optimization, system integration, advanced manufacturing, digital twins, automation or AI-assisted design.

To apply, candidates must complete the application form and email an application package to the center director. The package must include a cover letter, a detailed academic CV with at least three references, and a one-page research statement explaining the candidate’s fit with the advertised research areas and future research plans. More opportunities with no fixed closing date are listed among opportunities with no deadline.