Internship - Control and Estimation for Large-Scale Thermofluid Systems

About the role

MERL is seeking a motivated graduate student to research methods for state and parameter estimation and optimization of large-scale systems for process applications. Representative applications include large vapor-compression cycles and other multiphysical systems for energy conversion that couple thermodynamic, fluid, and electrical domains. The ideal candidate would have a solid background in control and estimation, numerical methods, and optimization; strong programming skills and experience with Julia/Python/Matlab are also expected. Knowledge of the fundamental physics of thermofluid flows (e.g., thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics), nonlinear dynamics, or equation-oriented languages (Modelica, gPROMS) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research methods for state and parameter estimation and optimization of large-scale systems for process applications
• Work on representative applications such as large vapor-compression cycles and other multiphysical systems for energy conversion that couple thermodynamic, fluid, and electrical domains
• Develop and implement numerical methods and optimization techniques using Julia/Python/Matlab
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to understand and model complex systems
• Contribute to the development of new algorithms and methodologies for state and parameter estimation and optimization

Requirements

• A solid background in control and estimation, numerical methods, and optimization
• Strong programming skills and experience with Julia/Python/Matlab
• Knowledge of the fundamental physics of thermofluid flows (e.g., thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics)
• Experience with equation-oriented languages (Modelica, gPROMS) is a plus

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program
• Ability to commit to a 3-month internship

Skills

• Control and estimation
• Numerical methods
• Optimization
• Programming (Julia/Python/Matlab)
• Thermofluid flows (thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics)
• Nonlinear dynamics
• Equation-oriented languages (Modelica, gPROMS)

Benefits

• Relocation stipend
• Covered travel to and from MERL
• Monthly Charlie Card for local commuting
• Weekly social gatherings and professional development opportunities
• Health insurance coverage after 90-day waiting period
• Immigration support for qualified candidates

Pay

The pay range for this internship position will be 6-8K per month.

Schedule

The internship is expected to last 3 months.