Intelligent automation expert, Plastics Processing

Vttresearch; Tampere; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

VTT, located in Tampere, seeks a Senior Scientist in intelligent automation for plastics processing and recycling. You will connect process data with automation, apply data-driven and ML methods, and work hands-on with pilot-scale equipment such as extrusion processes.

A Master of Science or equivalent is required, with strong English communication and collaborative skills. The role focuses on process automation, data acquisition, and online analytics, with opportunities to shape future research

Qualifications

• Master of Science in a relevant field or equivalent science experience.
• Strong expertise in intelligent automation and data processing, including OPC-UA and Python/MATLAB.
• Interest in moving plastics processing toward data-driven, model-based and AI-ready systems.
• Good English communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with process automation and data flows.
• Program and implement the process automation yourself.
• Process and analyze research data using MATLAB, Python, R or equivalent.
• Apply digitalisation experience to plastics processing and recycling and build research networks.

Skills

Intelligent automation

Data processing

OPC-UA

Python

MATLAB

Education

Master of Science in a relevant field

PhD advantageous

Tools

Python

MATLAB

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.

AsSenior 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’llenjoy:

• Visionary work in technology.

• Fascinating projects, excellent research environment.

• Great career opportunities, superb colleagues.

• Support for your well-being.

at the latest by 25 November2026.

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.

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