Master Thesis: Design, Materials, and Sustainability Assessment of Hydrokinetic Turbine System

About SeaPatternAt SeaPattern, we’re enabling the transition to renewable energy by unlocking the full potential of hydropower. Our modular, floating hydrokinetic turbines are placed in an optimized microgrid, increasing the energy output of existing hydropower plants without new infrastructure or environmental harm. The system is scalable, affordable, and non-invasive. Our technology also delivers sustainable power in remote areas and mission-critical energy solutions for disaster relief and defense.SeaPattern develops hydropower technologies for reliable and sustainable energy generation. To enhance design, materials, and performance, we offer thesis opportunities in several technical areas, including blade design, surface treatment, bearing lifetime, and system sustainability.About the Thesis WorkDepending on the selected topic, the work may involve mechanical design, materials analysis, or sustainability assessment. The exact scope will be tailored to the student’s background and the project’s needs. The areas below are examples rather than fixed project outlines:1.    Surface Treatment and Coatings: Investigate how different surface treatments or paint systems affect blade performance, growth, and corrosion resistance. Includes arranging accelerated testing and functional evaluation of blades.2.    Bearings in Submerged Environments: Define requirements, analyze existing solutions, and perform lifetime or accelerated testing of bearings, gaskets, and housings for underwater applications.3.    Blade Assembly Concepts: Explore and evaluate alternative blade joining methods (e.g., welding, friction welding, cold pressing) and develop proof of concept for improved manufacturability and performance.4.    Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and System Sustainability: Conduct system breakdown, boundary definition, data compilation, and environmental analysis to identify major impact areas and recycling potential across the product life cycle.Each project includes requirement definition, analysis, simulation, result evaluation, and improvement proposals.Goal/PurposeThe thesis should provide SeaPattern with actionable insights and validated concepts that improve product performance, durability, or sustainability, supporting continued technical development and innovation. Projects can be performed individually or in pairs.Your Profile·      Analytical, hands-on, and motivated to explore and solve real engineering challenges.·      Interested in mechanics, materials and sustainability.·      Experience with CAD, FEA, materials testing, or LCA tools is a plus.Educational Background·      Master’s student in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, or related fields.·      Experience with simulations, testing, or data analysis is an advantage.·      Scope: 30 credits per student.·      Thesis expected in English.Additional Information·      Start of assignment: 2026-01-19 or by agreement.·      Location: Linköping, Sweden.·      Deadline for application: 2025-11-10·      Contact person: Olivia Ytterell, olivia@seapattern.com.Why join SeaPatternImpact: We are enabling a world where the full potential of hydropower is unlocked, enabling the full transition to green energy.Innovation: Join a team of scientists and entrepreneurs working together on building a new solution.Growth: You will join a team where you will be expected to bring ideas, seek and share knowledge and where you will be trusted with responsibility and as a consequence will grow fast.We believe you share our values and demonstrate the following behaviours:Own it and make it happen - We take ownership, act proactively, and turn opportunities and ideas into reality.Passion drives us - We act with curiosity, commitment, and a mindset to continuously improve our way of working and make things better.We are knowledge seekers - We are always exploring, questioning, and pushing the limits of what we know. We actively ask questions, share knowledge, and push boundaries. Curiosity fuels our progress, and learning is at the heart of everything we do.Recruitment processPlease apply through our website: A Unique Career Unleashing Hydropower Potential - SeaPatternWe’re reviewing applications continuously, so don’t wait to apply!