Research Engineer 3NC DCSTI

Context

Presentation of the laboratory

CESI LINEACT (UR 7527), Digital Innovation Laboratory for Businesses and Learning at the service of Territorial Competitiveness, anticipates and accompanies technological changes in sectors and services related to industry and construction. The historical proximity of CESI to companies is a determining factor for our research activities and has led us to concentrate efforts on applied research close to the company and in partnership with them. A human-centred approach coupled with the use of technologies, as well as territorial networking and links with training, have made it possible to build transversal research; it puts the human being, its needs and uses, the centre of its problems and approaches the technological angle through these contributions.

Its research is organized in two interdisciplinary scientific teams and two application fields.

• Team 1 "Learning and Innovation" is mainly responsible for the Cognitive Sciences, Social Sciences and Management Sciences, Training Sciences and Techniques and Innovation. The main scientific objectives are to understand the effects of the environment, and more particularly situations instrumentalized by technical objects (platforms, prototyping workshops, immersive systems...) on learning processes, creativity and innovation.

• The team 2 "Engineering and Digital Tools" is mainly responsible for Digital Sciences and Engineering. The main scientific objectives are modelling, simulation, optimization and analysis of cyber-physical systems data. Research work also covers related decision-support tools and the study of human-systems interactions, particularly through digital twins coupled to virtual or augmented environments.

These two teams develop and cross-link their research in the two application areas of Future Industry and City of the Future, supported by research platforms. The one in Rouen is dedicated to the Factory of the Future and those of Nanterre dedicated to the Factory and the Building of the Future.

Description du poste

The main objective is to build upon an existing internal architecture aimed at simplifying the design of educational scenarios for instructors. The learning content is grounded in a virtual reality (VR) representation of the laboratory environment, offering an immersive and contextualized experience. This approach benefits both on-site visitors—by preparing or reinforcing their understanding of the physical lab—and remote users, who can explore the digital twin through a VR headset. By recreating realistic industrial situations, the platform enhances engagement, supports experiential learning, and bridges the gap between theory and practice.

With this editor, we will be able to give knowledge about robot and XR development for new non-initiated people and democratize simple storyboarding for XR in industrial environment.

Missions

To enhance visits and create an interactive experience with CESI equipment, you will be responsible for the development and evolution of this creative XR application editor.

Your main missions will be :

• Create an immersive UI/UX software to make it better to use for non-developper user.

• Intuitive editor and content integration (POIs) : The system relies on a user-friendly editor designed for keyboard and mouse interaction, making it accessible even to non-technical users such as educators. Within this editor, users can easily select objects or areas in the virtual environment and enrich them with contextual resources. These resources—such as PDF documents, instructional videos, or other media—are attached to Points of Interest (POIs), enabling structured and interactive learning pathways. This modular approach allows instructors to tailor content to specific learning objectives, create guided tours, and continuously update materials without requiring complex development skills.

• Interactive learning features and guidance Beyond static content, the platform integrates interactive pedagogical features to actively engage students. It enables the creation of “risk hunting” scenarios, where learners must identify hazards within the virtual environment, promoting critical thinking and safety awareness. Additionally, a virtual instructor agent can be placed within the scene to guide users throughout their experience. This agent can provide explanations, contextual tips, and deliver quizzes at key moments during the visit, ensuring continuous assessment and reinforcing knowledge acquisition in a dynamic and immersive way.

• Digital twin management: Develop and design pedagogical demonstrations, using internal digital twin architecture, to allow manipulation of real robot and simulator.

• Training and support: Design and deliver training sessions, and produce the necessary documentation and materials to enable the creation of new demonstrations.

• Evolution and adaptation: Align the demonstrations with CESI’s specific pedagogical needs and continuously propose improvements.

Competences :

Required scientific and technical skills:

• Computer science skills (software architecture and development)

• Knowledge of 3D engines (Unity Engine)

• Basic knowledge of Python

• Ability to write technical documentation in English

Soft skills:

• Autonomy, initiative, and curiosity

• Ability to work in a team

• Ability to explain technical concepts to a non-expert audience

• Strong attention to detail and rigor

Vacancy on the Rouen campus

Desired start date: As soon as possible

16-month fixed-term contract

Executive status – working hours: annual fixed-rate package of 210 working days

Benefits:

• Gross annual salary paid over 13 months

• 6 weeks’ paid holiday and 14 days’ RTT per year

• Meal vouchers with a face value of €10, with the employer contributing €6.

• Company health insurance covered at 90%

• Profit-sharing and incentive schemes in place within the company