Intelligent automation expert, Plastics Processing

VTT; Espoo; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

VTT in Tampere is seeking a Senior Scientist specializing in intelligent automation to strengthen plastics processing and recycling workflows. You will work hands-on with pilot-scale equipment, connect data from sensors to automation, and apply machine learning for online quality metrics and smarter control.

The role offers opportunities to shape new research directions, collaborate across teams, and advance sustainable thermoplastic processing with high performance and circularity.

Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in a relevant field; a doctoral degree is an asset.
• Strong expertise in intelligent automation and data processing; Python or MATLAB experience is relevant.
• Interest in data-driven, model-based, ML-supported AI-ready systems for plastics processing.
• Good English communication and ability to build high-value research collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with process automation and data flows.
• Programme and implement the process automation yourself.
• Process and analyze research data using tools like MATLAB, Python, or R.
• Advance interdisciplinary plastics processing toward data-driven, AI-ready systems and build networks.

Skills

Intelligent automation

Data processing

Python

MATLAB

English communication

Education

Master of Science in a relevant field

Doctoral degree (asset)

Tools

OPC-UA

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Siemens automation

PLC systems

Job description

Do you want to shape the future of plastics processing intelligent automation? Are you an expert in intelligent automation and data processing and ready to turn ideas into impact and grow with us? VTT might be just the place for you.

VTT is one of the leading applied research organizations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning, and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2000 brilliant minds from 55+ different nationalities focus on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra.

We are now looking for Senior Scientist focusing on intelligent automation to join ourmaterials processing and circular solutions team.

In this role, you will strengthen our capabilities in process automation, data acquisition, and data-driven process control for plastics processing and recycling. You will work hands-on with pilot-scale equipment, particularly extrusion and plastics pre-treatment processes, developing solutions that connect process and sensor data with automation, control and online analytics. You will apply data-driven and machine-learning methods to process and sensor data, for example to derive online quality metrics and enable smarter process control. Your work will initially focus on extrusion-based process control and the automation and digitalization of plastics pre-treatment, including washing and sorting. You will also contribute to connecting our laboratory and pilot-scale equipment and their data to broader data architectures. Depending on your interests, there will be opportunities to develop new research directions beyond these initial applications.

We have a healthy work culture where you can be yourself, share your views, and improve things without fear of making mistakes - that’s what makes the work truly meaningful.

Your new Team Leader Marjaana Mussalo.

Our team is located in VTT’s Industrial Chemistry research area and focuses on the development of thermoplastic materials, their processing, and sensor-, spectroscopy- and software-enabled process control methods. Our target is to advance sustainable thermoplastic materials and products with high performance and increased circularity. We have unique pilot facilities for thermoplastic compounding, pre-industrial converting, and material characterization. In addition to these, we have unique pilot opportunities for identifying, sorting, washing and advanced mechanical recycling of plastic waste. The Material Processing and Circular Solutions team works in close collaboration with our customers and other research teams at VTT with business development and customer-oriented approach.

The position is located in Tampere.

As Senior Scientist, you will:

• work very closely with process automation and data flows.
• programme and implement the process automation yourself.
• process and analyze research data using appropriate digital tools (e.g. MATLAB, Python, R or equivalent).
• apply your digitalisation experience in plastics processing and/or plastics recycling build professional networks and act as a thought leader in your area of expertise.

Who we are looking for:

• You have a Master of Science degree in a relevant field or equivalent science experience. A doctoral degree is considered as an asset.
• You have strong expertise and experience in intelligent automation and data processing. For example experience with OPC-UA and programming in Python or MATLAB is especially relevant.
• You are interested in taking forward interdisciplinary transition of plastics processing towards data driven, model-based, machine learning supported and AI-ready system
• You have good communication skills in English and ability to build high value research collaboration in the area

It’s an advantage if you also have some of the following:

• Experience with PLC systems, Beckhoff/TwinCAT, Siemens automation, databases, or related industrial data technologies
• Experience in plastics processing and/or plastics recycling
• Experience with EU and Business Finland projects
• Applied expertise in sensor technologies

As a person, we hope that you are:

• Innovative, flexible and adaptable
• Proactive, efficient, solution-oriented and independent
• Good at working under pressure
• A team player with good collaboration skills.

With VTT, you’ll enjoy:

• Visionary work in technology.
• Fascinating projects, excellent research environment.
• Great career opportunities, superb colleagues.
• Support for your well-being.

We will process applications as they come in and fill the position as soon as we find the right candidate. A security clearance procedure may be conducted during the recruitment process. The application deadline is at the latest by 25 November 2026.

Interested and want to know more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Marjaana Mussalo [e-mail] , [phone] on 18 November at 14-15pm or 24 November at 8-9am.

We look forward to hearing from you!

VTT

VTT is a forerunner in research, development and innovation, and one of Europe’s leading research organisations. We develop cutting-edge technologies and transform them into growth together with our customers and partners. Our solutions address the greatest challenges of our time while creating sustainable growth, jobs and wellbeing.

With more than 80 years of experience, we accelerate the journey from innovation to impact. By thinkingbeyond the obvious, we drive growth, renewal and resilience.

VTT – beyond the obvious

Location: Tampere