Doctorant IA

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CIFRE PhD – Multimodal Foundation Models for 3D Defect Perception in Industrial Inspection

Position Summary Westinghouse is seeking a PhD candidate to develop the next generation of Artificial Intelligence technologies for industrial inspection and defect detection in the nuclear industry.The objective of the project is to create AI models capable of combining multiple inspection data sources to build a coherent three-dimensional perception of inspected components and support defect identification, characterization and operator decision-making. The research focuses on explainable AI, multimodal data fusion and industrial deployment in safety-critical environments.

Research Challenge Industrial inspections generate large quantities of heterogeneous information. Visual inspection data, inspection history, operator observations and advanced non-destructive examination techniques each provide only a partial view of the inspected component.The challenge is therefore not to reconstruct a component in 3D, but to enable an AI system to develop a meaningful three-dimensional understanding of the inspection context and potential defects by combining complementary sources of information. This approach aims to provide operators with richer and more actionable information while maintaining transparency, traceability and explainability.
Main ObjectivesMultimodal Data Fusion Develop methods to combine heterogeneous inspection data.
Create unified representations from complementary information sources.
Investigate relationships between different inspection modalities.
AI-Based 3D Perception Develop models capable of understanding spatial relationships within inspected components.
Provide a three-dimensional interpretation of indications and defect signatures.
Improve defect detection and characterization capabilities.
Explainable and Physics-Informed AI Design interpretable models suitable for industrial and nuclear applications.
Associate AI outputs with physically meaningful features.
Develop confidence and uncertainty indicators to support expert decision-making.

Stage 1 – Visual Testing (VT)Creation of labeled datasets.
Development of AI architectures and fusion methodologies.
Validation of representation-learning approaches on visual inspection data.

Stage 2 – Advanced Ultrasonic Testing (UT)Transfer and adaptation of developed models.
Integration of FMC, TFM and advanced UT information.
Fusion of VT and UT information within a common representation framework.
Development of enhanced defect characterization capabilities.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for candidates passionate about Artificial Intelligence applied to complex industrial challenges.

Preferred backgrounds include:

Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Computer Vision
Data Science
Applied Mathematics
Signal ProcessingComputer Engineering
Experience with:Deep Learning
Foundation Models
Representation Learning
Autoencoders
Generative Models
Multimodal AI
3D Computer VisionNDEwould be considered a strong advantage.

Why Join This Project?

This PhD offers the opportunity to work on a highly innovative topic at the intersection of:Artificial Intelligence
Industrial Inspection
Computer Vision
Data Fusion
Human-AI Collaboration
Nuclear Safety

The successful candidate will contribute to technologies that may ultimately support operators by providing intelligent 3D perception of complex inspection environments and improving the reliability of defect detection in critical infrastructures. 

Why Westinghouse?

We know that to put forth your best effort, you need to be challenged and enjoy what you do in a supportive and respectful environment. We aim to maintain this balance by offering our employees the amenities, benefits and training they need to reach personal and professional goals. 

Below is an example of what employees in France can expect:

• Attractive remuneration
• Great benefits for your convenience and safety:
  • Peer-to-peer recognition program. 
  • Learning and development opportunities.
  • Employee Assistance Program: confidential counseling and resources for employees, eligible dependents, and household members
• We encourage our employees to participate in community service events and other team-building activities to strengthen their bonds and inspire each other.

You can learn more about Westinghouse by visiting http://www.westinghousenuclear.com. 

Westinghouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

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