R D Engineer Renewable Heat Technology

Darwin Recruitment; Houten; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking an R&D Engineer for a growing clean-energy technology company in Houten, Netherlands. You will work hands-on across concept development, calculations, prototyping, testing and field commissioning of solar thermal, Power-to-Heat and Thermal Energy Storage systems.

You will move between theory and hands-on testing, perform thermodynamic calculations, build prototypes, and collaborate with electrical, project and commercial teams. Travel internationally may be required.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Ideally 3+ years of relevant engineering/R&D experience.
• Strong theoretical and practical engineering skills; hands-on testing.
• Experience with thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanical systems or energy technology is highly relevant.
• Willingness to travel internationally and to work on-site in Houten.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve components and systems for renewable industrial heat.
• Work through the full product development cycle from concept through prototype and validation.
• Carry out mechanical and thermodynamic calculations and simulations.
• Design and develop new components and system improvements.
• Build and test prototypes and validate technical solutions.
• Analyse system performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability and scalability.
• Work with suppliers to develop and source new components.
• Prepare designs and products for manufacture and deployment.
• Support installation, testing and commissioning of prototypes and new technology.
• Travel internationally for prototype installation, testing and commissioning when required.

Job description

Location: Houten, Netherlands

Language: English required

Work authorisation: Right to work in the EU required

About the role

A growing clean-energy technology company in Houten is developing industrial systems designed to replace fossil-fuel-based process heat.

The company develops technology combining solar thermal, Power-to-Heat and Thermal Energy Storage, and is looking for an R&D Engineer to help develop and improve these physical products.

This is a very hands-on R&D environment. You will not simply be designing components on paper – you will be involved in concept development, calculations, prototyping, testing and commissioning equipment in the field.

What you will be doing

• Develop and improve components and systems for renewable industrial heat
• Work through the full product development cycle from concept through prototype and validation
• Carry out mechanical and thermodynamic calculations and simulations
• Design and develop new components and system improvements
• Build and test prototypes and validate technical solutions
• Analyse system performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability and scalability
• Work with suppliers to develop and source new components
• Prepare designs and products for manufacture and deployment
• Support installation, testing and commissioning of prototypes and new technology
• Work closely with electrical, engineering, project and commercial teams
• Travel internationally for prototype installation, testing and commissioning when required

What we are looking for

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering or a closely related discipline
• Ideally 3+ years of relevant engineering/R&D experience
• Strong theoretical and practical engineering skills
• Experience with product development, prototyping or engineering projects
• Comfortable moving between calculations/design work and hands‑on testing
• Experience with thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanical systems or energy technology is highly relevant
• Strong problem-solving ability and a hands‑on mindset
• Interest in renewable energy and industrial decarbonisation W
• Willingness to travel internationally
• English is mandatory
• Right to work in the EU is mandatory

This role should appeal particularly to engineers with experience in thermal systems, process engineering, mechanical product development, energy systems or industrial R&D who want to work on a physical technology rather than software-only development.

The current technical focus includes Thermal Energy Storage, solar fields and Power-to-Heat, with responsibilities spanning product development, thermodynamic/mechanical calculations, prototypes, validation, manufacturability and field testing.