Engineering Internship / Master Internship M2 (M/F): Laser Recharging of Autonomous Systems

Job Description

Missions

The internship aims to integrate high-performance photovoltaic cells onto drones to enable in-flight recharging via laser. The drones in question will be used to provide technological support to rescue teams deployed in various environments during emergency situations (forest fires, urban emergencies, etc.). The main objective is to achieve a significant increase in flight autonomy.
This internship is part of the European project (Horizon Europe) HURRICANE (Holistic UGV-based Resilient and Real-time Intelligence for Crisis And Natural Emergency). For more information, visit the project website: HURRICANE European Project. The project is led by a multidisciplinary European consortium focused on enhancing the efficiency and safety of first-response operations in disaster scenarios through advanced robotic technologies.
The internship will focus on validating the selected photovoltaic modules for this application, conducting advanced metrology at the laboratory scale (both static and dynamic), and integrating these modules into drones. This will involve implementing power management solutions for in-flight operations (embedded electronics). The photovoltaic modules will also be considered for establishing a resilient optical communication link with the drone (for reception).
The internship will take place in a highly collaborative environment, with interactions involving national and international partner teams. There is potential for the internship to lead to a fixed-term contract (CDD) as a Research Engineer, culminating in the development of an operational demonstrator in a representative environment.

Your Profil

The candidate must be enrolled in a Bac+5 level program (equivalent to a Master's degree or Engineering degree) in Engineering Sciences, Electronics, and/or Optoelectronics.
The candidate should have a strong command of:
- The physics of electronic and optoelectronic components,
- Standard electrical and optoelectronic metrology for components,
- Basic concepts of embedded electronic systems,
- Fundamental principles of digital communications and wireless communications.
A demonstrated ability to work independently, along with excellent communication and technical writing skills in English, is as important as academic qualifications. Direct experience in photovoltaics and/or optical communications will be considered a significant advantage.

Your Work Environment

Description of the employer

The internship will take place at the XLIM Research Institute, located on its campus in Limoges. XLIM (UMR CNRS 7252) is renowned for its expertise in electronics and microwaves, optics and photonics, mathematics, computer science and imaging, as well as CAD (Computer-Aided Design). Its research spans fields such as space, telecom networks, secure environments, bioengineering, new materials, energy, and imaging.
The laboratory relies on a technological platform (PLATINOM) and a modeling/simulation tools platform (PREMISS), enabling the development of original and advanced scientific and technological solutions. XLIM collaborates with leading national and international academic and industrial partners.
The institute supports both fundamental and applied research in key technologies, addressing critical societal challenges—such as reducing the eco-environmental impact of technologies, ensuring the safety of people and assets, and achieving technological sovereignty.

Special conditions of exercise

This position falls under the scope of Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST). Therefore, in accordance with regulations, your appointment must be authorized by the relevant authority of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions