(Interim) Mechatronics Engineer - Airbearings

Nearfield Instruments; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Part time

Job summary

Nearfield Instruments seeks a Senior Mechatronics Engineer to lead subsystems from concept to production, translating system KPIs into innovative mechatronic solutions. You will work with system engineering and architects in multidisciplinary teams to ensure performance, reliability and cost targets are met.

You bring a strong mechatronics background, 5+ years in high-precision systems, and proven leadership in design, modelling and validation across mechanics, electronics and software.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• > Lead subsystem concepts from concept to volume production.
• "> Translate system KPIs into mechatronic solutions in multidisciplinary teams.
• "> Design and realize high-precision modules with performance, reliability, manufacturability and cost targets.
• "> Own motion modules and coordinate with system engineering and architects.
• "> Model, simulate, test and validate to verify performance.
• "> Shape subsystem roadmaps aligned with company and customer roadmaps.
• "> Coach engineers and support industrialization and release.
• "> Collaborate with Systems Architects, Control Engineers, Software Engineers and Precision Mechanics.

Skills

Mechatronic architecture

Precision motion

Air bearing tech

Dynamics & vibration

Sensing & actuation

Motion control

System modelling

Project leadership

English proficiency

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

MSc/PhD in Mechatronics

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

FEM

Python

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.

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.