R&D Mechatronics Engineer

VITO Research; Genk; Hybride; EUR 65 000 - 90 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Hybrid work flexibility

Competitive salary with benefits

Training & development opportunities

Good work-life balance

Strong R&D network

Résumé du poste

VITO's CRIB group in Genk seeks an R&D Robotics Mechatronics Engineer to bridge design and real-world prototypes for construction robotics. You will design, build, integrate and validate robotic platforms for industrialised construction and renovation.

You will work with robotics, controls and software engineers, develop autonomous systems, and contribute to reusable hardware platforms. A Master’s degree and 3–5 years’ hands-on experience are expected, with CAD and sensor integration experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, or related discipline.
• 3–5 years experience in mechatronics, robotics or advanced automation.
• Experience with CAD (Inventor, SolidWorks, Fusion 360).
• Experience integrating mechanical, electrical and control components.
• Hands-on prototype development, assembly and testing.
• Knowledge of sensors, actuators and industrial automation.
• Fluency in English; Dutch is a plus.

Responsabilités

• Design and develop mechanical and mechatronic systems for robotic construction platforms.
• Translate concepts into detailed mechanical and electrical designs for fabrication.
• Select and integrate sensors, actuators and safety systems.
• Develop CAD models, drawings and electrical schematics.
• Build, assemble, integrate and commission robotic prototypes.
• Support testing and iterative improvement in lab and real-world environments.
• Develop reusable robotic hardware platforms across projects.
• Collaborate with external suppliers for sourcing and prototyping.
• Contribute to demonstrators with industrial relevance.
• Help grow CRIB's robotics workshop and capabilities.

Connaissances

Mechatronics

Robotics

Automation

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Problem solving

Hands-on engineering

English fluency

Formation

Master's degree in Mechatronics/Robotics/related

Outils

Inventor

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Electrical schematics

ROS2

Description du poste

As a leading European research centre, VITO brings together more than 1,300 employees to translate scientific insights into technological innovations, AI-driven solutions, and policy advice with real societal impact. Our mission is clear: to create a sustainable and promising future for our world. Join us in making this vision a reality!

The group for Construction Robotics and Innovative Building Envelopes (CRIB) at VITO is dedicated to advancing sustainable and industrialised construction. Our primary objective is to develop next-generation building envelope systems, supported by innovative design methodologies, robotics, and digital construction workflows.

We coordinate and contribute to high-impact Flemish and European R&I projects in industrial renovation and construction innovation, such as RENOMIZE, SOLMATE, oPEN Lab, and FRAIMwork.

Within these projects, we develop innovative prefabricated façade systems, automated construction processes, and robotics solutions for the built environment.

Our team is equipped with the THOREAQ lab infrastructure, which includes real-scale twin buildings for A-B testing of novel construction systems and components, a robotic workshop for system development and prototyping, and an outdoor construction lab for demonstration and implementation.

Through our active involvement in applied R&I projects and strategic collaborations with industrial partners, CRIB contributes to a more climate-resilient, affordable, and circular built environment.

To strengthen our rapidly growing robotics activities, we are looking for an R&D Robotics Mechatronics Engineer to join our interdisciplinary team.

Are you a hands-on mechatronics engineer who enjoys designing, building and integrating robotic systems? Do you thrive on turning innovative concepts into working prototypes and combining mechanical, electrical and software components into intelligent robotic solutions? Are you excited to develop next-generation construction robotics and validate your work in a unique real-world testing environment? Then join us at VITO and help shape the future of construction robotics.

Your role

As an R&D Robotics Mechatronics Engineer, you will play a key role in transforming innovative robotics concepts into working systems. You will bridge the gap between system architecture and physical implementation by designing, building, integrating and validating robotic platforms for industrialised construction and renovation.

Working closely with robotics and construction experts, you will contribute to the development of autonomous robotic systems, custom mechatronics, robotic prototypes and demonstrators that are validated under realistic construction conditions.

This is a highly hands-on engineering role where designing, prototyping, testing and continuously improving robotic systems go hand in hand.

You will

• Design and develop mechanical and mechatronic systems for robotic construction platforms, end-effectors and experimental setups

• Translate concepts into detailed mechanical and electrical designs ready for fabrication and assembly

• Select and integrate sensors, actuators, motors, drives, electrical components and safety systems into complete robotic solutions

• Develop CAD models, manufacturing drawings, electrical schematics and engineering documentation

• Build, assemble, integrate and commission robotic prototypes in collaboration with robotics, controls and software engineers

• Support testing, troubleshooting and iterative improvement of robotic systems in laboratory and real-world construction environments

• Contribute to the development of reusable robotic hardware platforms and engineering solutions across multiple research and innovation projects

• Collaborate with external suppliers for component sourcing, manufacturing and prototype fabrication

• Contribute to Flemish and European research and innovation projects by developing robust demonstrators with industrial relevance

• Help further develop CRIB's robotics workshop and prototype development capabilities

• A Master's degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electromechanical Engineering or a related discipline

• Approximately 3 to 5 years of experience in mechatronics, robotics, machine building or advanced automation

• Experience designing mechanical systems using CAD software (e.g. Inventor, SolidWorks, Fusion 360 or similar)

• Experience integrating mechanical, electrical and control components into complete mechatronic systems

• Hands-on experience with prototype development, assembly, commissioning and testing

• Knowledge of sensors, actuators, motion systems, electrical integration and industrial automation

• A practical engineering mindset with a strong interest in turning concepts into robust working systems

• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams involving robotics, software, controls and construction experts

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and a proactive attitude

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Dutch is considered an asset

Bonus Skills

• Experience with robotic manipulators, collaborative robots or autonomous mobile robots

• Experience with rapid prototyping technologies, machining, CNC manufacturing or additive manufacturing

• Experience designing robotic end-effectors or custom tooling

• Experience with electrical cabinet design, industrial wiring or machine safety

• Experience with ROS2, PLC integration or embedded systems

• Experience working in applied research, prototype development or European R&I projects

• Familiarity with construction machinery, industrial equipment or field robotics

• Experience contributing to prototype validation, laboratory testing or demonstrator development

Offer

• Hybrid work flexibility – Your activities determine your workplace! You’ll primarily work from our EnergyVille Genk office, but remote work and other VITO locations (Antwerp or Leuven) are possible.

• Competitive salary package, including extra-legal benefits such as allowances, insurance, and modular holiday options.

• Innovation is at our core – We invest in training and development, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of the industry.

• We highly value a good work-life balance at VITO. This is achieved by adopting a flexible attitude depending on your specific needs.

• An established national and international network of research and industry partners enabling us to conduct applied research with real impact.

At VITO, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or cultural identity.

Application deadline

31 August 2026