Principle R&D Engineer

Job Title: Principal R&D Engineer – Concrete Sandwich Panel.Location: Modulus R&D Centre, Tambaram, Chennai (On-site) Job Type: Full-time About UsWe are on a mission to revolutionise personal construction through cutting-edge scientific advancements and human-centric design. Our goal is to develop Modular Building Technology (MBT) that empowers and enriches customers' lives.We are building the future, block by block:- Factory-born precision: We envision modular systems created in controlled factory environments, ensuring exceptional quality.- Intuitive assembly: We design building blocks that snap together seamlessly, akin to LEGO, empowering individuals with user-friendly construction experiences.- Robust resilience: Our systems are engineered to withstand harsh handling, extreme weather, and the test of time.- Speed: We transform construction timelines from months into hours. The RoleReporting directly to the CTO, you will lead the R&D efforts to "double down" on our proprietary Precast Concrete Sandwich Panel System. You will bridge the gap between advanced theoretical mechanics and scalable manufacturing. We are moving beyond traditional concrete; we need thin, lightweight, high-strength ferro cement composites analyzed with the rigor of aerospace engineering. Key Responsibilities1. Advanced Structural Analysis & FEA- Lead the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) strategy for complex sandwich panel composites.- Simulate Mechanical properties, thermal bowing, shear connector behaviour, and long-term creep of concrete composite sandwich panel system using software like ABAQUS, ANSYS, or DIANA.- Apply Fracture Mechanics principles to predict crack propagation and durability in thin-walled ferro cement elements under dynamic loads (transportation and handling).2. Material Research & System Development- Drive research into Ferro Cement and collaborate with the materials team to develop ultra-high-performance concrete mixes to achieve maximum strength-to-weight ratios.- Design and optimise the "LEGO-like" connection mechanisms, ensuring they facilitate rapid assembly while maintaining structural continuity.- Prototype and test insulation integration (stonewool, PUF/XPS/EPS) within concrete layers to ensure thermal efficiency without compromising structural integrity.3. Validation & Scalability- Collaborate with the manufacturing team to ensure designs are compatible with scalable, factory-based casting processes.- Oversee physical lab testing (utilising the ecosystem at Modulus R&D centre to validate FEA models against real-world destruction tests. RequirementsMust-Haves- Education: M.Tech or PhD in Structural Engineering, Fracture Mechanics, or Material Science.- Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in Precast Concrete design and R&D.- Technical Core: Deep expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of concrete structures.- Specialisation: Proven research or work history involving Sandwich Panels and Ferro Cement/Textile Reinforced Concrete.- Mechanics: Strong grasp of non-linear fracture mechanics and composite behaviour.Nice-to-Haves- Experience working within a startup or high-growth R&D environment.- Familiarity with modular/volumetric construction logistics.- Coding skills (Python/MATLAB) for automating analysis workflows. Our DNA (Core Values)To thrive here, you must align with our values:- MBT Focus: We are committed to building fast, safe, and intuitive technology. If it doesn't help the mission, it's out of scope.- Intense and Scrappy: We do the hard, unglamorous work with urgency. We are unpretentious and value what works over what looks fancy.- Scale is Magic: We design for mass production. When in doubt, we scale it up.- Make Something People Love: Our engineering must result in a transformative, positive effect on the end-user's life.- Team Spirit: We collaborate intensely. Our goals are perfectly aligned, even if our roles differ.- Ownership: Nothing is someone else's problem. You see a gap? You fill it. Why Join Us?- Impact: Work on technology that benefits all of humanity by solving the housing crisis through speed and quality.- Ecosystem: Located at IITM Research Park, you will be at the heart of India's premier deep-tech ecosystem, with access to world-class talent and facilities.- Growth: Join a high-growth environment where you can truly make your mark.Ready to build the future? If you are a high-growth individual ready to do great things, apply now.