Research Engineer

Flex; Woerden; On-site; EUR 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

1 day per week home office

8% holiday allowance

Bonus plan

50/50 pension contribution

Discount on selected insurance

Job summary

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice enabling brands to design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. MCi, a Flex company, develops compact actuators with embedded software for adaptive motion applications, and seeks a Research Engineer to shape product differentiation and IP strategy.

You will work with the MCi Business Development and technology experts to translate market needs into technical requirements, contribute to technology roadmaps, and lead

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering or Industrial Design.
• 5 years of experience in the development of mechatronic actuation.
• Ability to translate customer needs into technical requirements and product specifications.
• Strong knowledge of motors, gearboxes/reducers, sensors, motion controls, and embedded systems.
• Experience with Intellectual Property development and patent processes.

Responsibilities

• Gather market needs and translate these into product system requirements.
• Identify technology differentiators based on market landscape.
• Design (sub-) concepts for mechatronic actuators.
• Create theoretical product and requirement modelling during development.
• Solve complex problems in existing products with cross-functional input.
• Conduct patent research and identify IP opportunities.
• Contribute to MCi Technology Roadmap and continuous improvement of R&D processes.
• Act as Subject Technology representative of MCi to Flex, customers and suppliers.

Skills

Mechatronics design

Product development

Industrial design

Customer collaboration

IP and patents

Education

Master's degree in Mechatronics Engineering or Industrial Design

Tools

CREO 3D CAD

FEM

Job description

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world.

A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment.

Job Summary

Motion Controls International (MCi), a Flex company, is a pioneering product company specializing in compact actuators with embedded software designed for adaptive motion applications. Our innovative solutions enhance performance and safety, contributing to the future of sustainable mobility.

We are looking for a creative person to develop the products that will sustain our success in the future. This person will be accountable for the design of innovative products and technologies based on a deep understanding of the competitive market landscape and the state-of-the‑art technologies.

The Research Engineer works closely with the MCi Business Development and technology experts to identify the market needs, create the product differentiators and define the related Intellectual Property with the best fit to the MCi strategy.

What a typical day looks like

• Gather market needs and translate these into product system requirements.
• Identify technology differentiators based on a deep understanding of the market landscape.
• Design (sub-) concepts for mechatronic actuators.
• Create theoretical product and requirement modelling during the development phase.
• Solve complex problems in existing products, when needed in collaboration with third parties.
• Conduct patent research, identify the possibility for IP and apply for patents.
• Conduct technology trend analysis.
• Perform product benchmarks.
• Support the Business Development department with the development of new markets and products.
• Visit customers (Tier 1) and OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) for the purpose of obtaining Research information.
• Build up relevant technical know-how and document this.
• Provide technical leadership in the early phases of a multidisciplinary project team.
• Contribute to the creation of the MCi Technology Roadmap
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the ways of working in a Research environment.
• Act as the Subject Technology representative of MCi towards the flex organization, customers and suppliers.
• Establish relationships with OEMs, suppliers, universities, research institutes, and industry experts.
• Report and communicate timely to the MCi Research organization and the Segment Leadership.

The experience we're looking to add to our team

• Master’s degree level in Mechatronics Engineering or Industrial design
• 5 years of experience in the development of mechatronic actuation
• Broad (theoretical) interest
• Innovative, "Out of the Box" thinking
• Experience working directly with customers, suppliers and OEMs, integrators, or automation companies
• Ability to translate customer needs into technical requirements and product specifications
• Strong knowledge of motors, gearboxes/reducers, sensors, motion controls, and embedded systems
• Knowledge to obtain Intellectual Property
• Understanding of kinematics and dynamics
• Knowledge of, and experience with, 3D CAD software (CREO, FEM)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across global teams
• Ability to travel on a global scale

What you'll receive for the great work you provide

• Development opportunities and clear career growth paths
• Be part of a collaborative engineering team developing innovative automotive technologies
• Open culture where ideas and continuous improvement are encouraged
• Diverse work with broad technical responsibilities
• Flexible working hours
• Hybrid working model (1 day per week working from home)
• Professional and international work environment
• 8% holiday allowance
• Bonus plan
• Discount on selected insurance packages
• 50/50 pension contribution

AM112

Job Category

Design, Process & Technology Engineering

Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email [e-mail] and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance).