(Interim) Mechatronics Engineer - Airbearings

Rotterdam Innovation City; Rotterdam; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Nearfield Instruments is seeking a Senior Mechatronics Engineer to lead subsystems from concept to production. You will work with System Engineering and Architects to translate performance KPIs into innovative mechatronic solutions for high-precision metrology machines.

You will own high-precision motion modules, design with air bearings, precision mechanics, and advanced sensing and actuation, ensuring performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost targets are met.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Control Engineering, Precision Engineering, or related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in high-precision mechatronic systems or motion platforms.
• Strong knowledge of mechatronic system architecture and subsystem design.
• Experience with modelling, simulation, and experimental validation.
• Excellent command of English and strong communication/leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Translate system KPIs into subsystem concepts and architectures.
• Take technical ownership of high-precision motion modules.
• Design and integrate advanced mechatronic solutions (air bearings, precision mechanics, actuation, sensing, control).
• Make design decisions on motion system architecture, dynamics, and thermal stability.
• Drive development of precision positioning systems with high accuracy and stability.
• Lead trade-offs between performance, manufacturability, reliability, risk, and cost.
• Perform modelling, simulation, testing, and validation of subsystems.
• Collaborate with System Architects, Control Engineers, Software Engineers, and Precision Mechanics specialists.
• Support industrialization, validation, and release of subsystems into manufacturing and field use.

Skills

Mechatronic system architecture

Precision motion systems

Air bearing technology

Dynamics and vibration analysis

Sensing and actuation systems

Motion control

System modelling and simulation

English communication

Leadership and collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Control Engineering, Precision Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

FEM

Python

Job description

Job description

For this position we are also open for an interim contractor solution. ZZP. Preferred startdate asap.

To keep pace with the soaring demand for semiconductor performance and precision, Nearfield Instruments is developing and building cutting-edge 3D metrology systems. As a seasoned engineer in the mechatronics team, you will take the technical lead for one or more critical modules or subsystems in our revolutionary machines. Bridging the gap between system-level ambitions and design execution, you'll translate performance requirements into clear, realizable concepts - and ensure they're delivered with excellence.

Would you like to work at the forefront of high-tech innovation while playing a key role in our next stage of growth? Join us and lead the development of next-generation metrology solutions with direct impact on our clients and the semiconductor industry worldwide.

What you're going to do

As a Senior Mechatronics Engineer, you are technically responsible for a subsystem or module; from first concept to volume production and beyond. Working closely with System Engineering and Architects, you will translate system-level KPIs into innovative mechatronic solutions. You will participate in multidisciplinary teams to design and realize complex high-precision modules, ensuring they meet ambitious targets for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Translating performance requirements into subsystem concepts, functional architectures, and engineering requirements.

• Taking technical ownership of high-precision motion modules, ensuring alignment between disciplines and stakeholders.

• Designing and integrating advanced mechatronic solutions involving air bearings, precision mechanics, actuation, sensing, and control systems.

• Making key design decisions regarding motion system architecture, dynamics, vibration control, thermal stability, sensing, actuation, and system integration.

• Driving the development of precision positioning systems capable of achieving demanding accuracy and stability requirements.

• Leading design trade-offs between performance, manufacturability, reliability, risk, and cost.

• Performing system modelling, simulation, testing, and validation to verify performance and identify improvement opportunities.

• Shaping subsystem roadmaps in line with company and customer technology roadmaps.

• Coaching and guiding engineers within project teams by reviewing designs, simulations, and integration plans.

• Supporting industrialization, validation, and successful release of subsystems into manufacturing and field use.

• Collaborating closely with System Architects, Control Engineers, Software Engineers, and Precision Mechanics specialists to deliver technically robust solutions.

Job requirements

Who you are

You are a systems thinker with a strong mechatronics background and a passion for precision engineering. You combine analytical depth with a practical, hands-on mentality, enjoying the challenge of translating complex requirements into tangible solutions. You thrive in multidisciplinary, high-tech environments where performance, innovation, and technical ownership go hand in hand.

You Have

• MSc or PhD in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Control Engineering, Precision Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the development of high-precision mechatronic systems or motion platforms.

Strong expertise in areas such as:

• Mechatronic system architecture and subsystem design
• Precision motion systems and positioning technology
• Air bearing technology and precision stage design
• Dynamics, vibration analysis, and structural behaviour
• Precision sensing and actuation systems
• Motion control and system integration
• System modelling, simulation, and experimental validation
• Experience in multidisciplinary development projects from concept through qualification and release.
• Proficiency with modelling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, FEM, and Python.
• Strong communication and technical leadership skills
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

Preferred Experience:

• Air bearing-based motion systems.
• Semiconductor, metrology, or other high-precision equipment.
• Precision stage development and integration.
• Cleanroom and contamination-controlled environments.
• High-performance mechatronic systems combining mechanics, controls, electronics, and software.

On-site

• Rotterdam HQ

Design and Engineering

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