Graduate Research Opportunity

The Hawaiʻi Marine Energy Center (HMEC) is seeking a motivated graduate student (M.S. level) to support ongoing research and development of the Hawaii Surge Energy Converter (HAWSEC), a wave energy device with several years of design, testing, and validation.

This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of physical system testing, numerical modeling, and control system development, with a strong emphasis on translating theory into deployable engineering solutions.

Position Overview

The selected student will contribute to experimental testing, model development, and control optimization of a large-scale hydraulic power take-off (PTO) system. Work will involve close integration between laboratory testing, data systems, and real-time control environments.

Start Date — Spring or Fall 2027

Primary Responsibilities

  • Conduct testing of a large hydraulic PTO system

  • Perform data acquisition using MODAQ2 (ROS-based platform)

  • Process and analyze experimental data

  • Calibrate and validate numerical models using experimental results

  • Document findings in technical reports

Research Focus Areas

  • Development of mathematical control algorithms to optimize PTO performance

  • Conversion of analytical system models into numerical models using MATLAB Simscape

  • Implementation of real-time capable models through conversion to C/C++ for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing

  • Integrated data acquisition, analysis, and model validation workflows

Desired Qualifications

  • Pursuing (or planning to pursue) a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or a related field

  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink/Simscape

  • Familiarity with Python and/or C/C++

  • Background in dynamics, controls, or fluid/hydraulic systems

  • Interest in experimental testing and data-driven model validation

What This Position Offers

  • Hands-on experience with wave energy system development

  • Exposure to full-stack engineering workflows: modeling → simulation → testing → validation → control

  • Opportunity to contribute to real-world marine energy technology development

How to Apply

  • Email one of the leadership members on the contact page and include your CV. Once the role is filled, we’ll remove this posting.