Req ID: 506180

Leading societies to a low carbon future, Alstom develops and markets mobility solutions that provide the sustainable foundations for the future of transportation. Our product portfolio ranges from high-speed trains, metros, monorail, and trams to integrated systems, customised services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility solutions. Joining us means joining a caring, responsible, and innovative company where more than 70,000 people lead the way to greener and smarter mobility, worldwide.

Development and validation of a hydraulic rubber-to-metal spring

1. Project overview
   The main goal of the project is the development of a hydraulic rubber-to-metal spring to be used in railway bogies.
   The position is located at ALSTOM (Switzerland) AG in Zürich-Oerlikon. The project can be executed as an internship and/or Master’s thesis, depending on the candidate’s focus and preferences.

1. Context
   In railway vehicles, suspension components are used in the bogie to ensure a safe and comfortable ride, while helping the vehicle negotiate track irregularities and curves. These functions are commonly realized through the use of rubber-to-metal parts, air springs, coil springs and anti-roll bars.
   When active suspension systems are used, the state of the art is to use hydraulic cylinders as actuators. However, conventional actuators present a number of disadvantages such as mechanical complexity, high production and maintenance cost and the potential for wear and leakage. It is therefore desirable to develop an actuator solution based on rubber-to-metal parts which are free of maintenance throughout their design life.
2. Possible topics / Focus
   The focus of the project can be adapted depending on the student’s interests and skills to include:

• Development of rubber-to-metals part including concept design, 3D modelling, FEA calculation and test definition
• System design of active suspension and levelling systems
• Attend and support prototype production and laboratory testing

In addition, as part of the internship, the candidate will have the opportunity to work on various topics related to bogie and suspension design in ongoing rolling stock projects, such as:

• Development and calculation of rubber-to-metal parts and other suspension parts
• Resolution of field issues with various suspension components

• Testing and validation of FEA and fatigue calculation tools

1. Required skills

• Interest in FEA calculation
• Interest in experimental validation
• Basic knowledge of meshing, FEA simulations and/or fatigue of materials is beneficial
• Independent, pro-active mindset and willingness to actively participate in shaping the project focus
• Working language can be German, English or French. Fluency in English (spoken and written) is an advantage.

1. What we offer

• Hands-on project which is solving real-life problems in the industrial environment of a technology-leading company
• International environment and possibility to get to know the industry by visiting suppliers, test laboratories, production sites, maintenance facilities and on-track tests.
• Opportunity to work on serial parts used in live contracts
• Work in a small, dynamic and international team of skilled experts

Place of work: Zürich-Oerlikon

Start: By arrangement, overall duration 6 months

Application: Please send your application to Brigitte Dolnicek

brigitte.dolnicek-reh@alstomgroup.com

Alstom is the leading company in the mobility sector, solving the most interesting challenges for tomorrow’s mobility. That’s why we value inquisitive and innovative people who are passionate about working together to reinvent mobility, making it smarter and more sustainable. Day after day, we are building an agile, inclusive and responsible culture, where a diverse group of people are offered opportunities to learn, grow and advance in their careers, with options across functions and geographic locations. Are you ready to join a truly international community of great people on a challenging journey with a tangible impact and purpose?

Equal opportunity statement:

Alstom is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by local law.

Job Segment: Intern, Entry Level