Master Thesis, 30 HP: Automating manufacturing of Recycled CFRP Prepreg Material

Are you a student eager to apply your theoretical knowledge and fresh perspectives to real-world challenges? At Saab, we believe that innovation thrives on new ideas, and your master thesis project could be the spark that ignites our next technological breakthrough.

Your role

We recognize the immense value that students bring to our company. Your academic rigor, combined with your enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology, allows you to approach problems with a unique and insightful lens. At Saab, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced engineers and specialists, gaining invaluable practical experience while making a tangible contribution to our growth and development.

Background

In the pursuit of sustainable aviation and a greener defense industry, Saab Aeronautics is committed to increasing resource efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint. A significant challenge in high-performance manufacturing is the management of composite waste. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), for example used in the production of the Gripen aircraft, represents a high-value material; however, a substantial portion of production scrap is currently incinerated. This results in carbon emissions and a significant loss of material value.

To address this, Saab is developing a circular value chain for CFRP. The goal is to transition from a linear "take-make-waste" model to a circular system where production scrap is reclaimed and transformed into secondary applications. By reusing these materials, Saab aims to reduce its carbon footprint, preserve material value, and strengthen supply security within Europe. This initiative is critical for the defense industry to meet its climate goals and establish viable, industrial-scale business models for recycled composites.

Description of the Thesis Project

While the environmental and economic potential of recycling CFRP is clear, the transition to industrial application requires advanced technical solutions, specifically when it comes to automation.

In an ongoing project, the focus is on the development of a demonstrator process where waste material is recovered and processed within a robotic cell to create new, functional components. To move this from a conceptual stage to a refined technical reality, Saab is seeking a motivated master's student to contribute to the development and refinement of such an automated process.

Key areas of focus may include:

• Automated Detection: Developing and implementing vision systems or sensor-based solutions to detect, identify, and categorize scrap pieces of varying sizes and shapes.
• Process improvement: Defining technical requirements and refining the robotic workflows to ensure consistent material handling and placement.
• Application Mapping: Analyzing the properties of the recycled material to map out and validate suitable secondary applications and components.
• Validation: Testing the automated demo to demonstrate technical feasibility and efficiency.

The student/students will be tasked with bridging the gap between waste collection and high-quality secondary production. The core of the work involves developing technical solutions within a robotic environment to handle irregular scrap pieces efficiently and to lay the base for a future circular value chain, enabled by automation.

Your profile

We are looking for one or two motivated students currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. You should be in the final stages of your studies and ready to begin your 30 HP master's thesis during the Spring semester of 2027.

A strong interest in or prior knowledge of automation and robotics will be considered a significant merit.

We provide the support and guidance you need to translate your theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. Join us and become a driving force behind Saab's technological advancements!

This position requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations around/of security protection. For positions requiring security clearance additional obligations on citizenship may apply.

Kindly observe that this is an ongoing recruitment process and that the position might be filled before the closing date of the advertisement.

Contact information

Jonatan Henschen, Manager

+46 734186710

jonatan.henschen@saabgroup.com

What you will be a part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defense capability of several nations. Read more about us here.