Research Technician - Seal Testing

Gruppo SKF; Houten; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

SKF is seeking a Research Technician – Seal Testing based in Houten, Netherlands. You will join the seal testing team under the Global Research & Innovation group, working with experienced engineers and lab specialists to support development of sealing solutions.

The role involves hands-on testing, result analysis, and helping improve test methods and equipment. A technical education and several years of practical testing experience in rotating equipment are valued.

Qualifications

• Hands-on mechanical testing and experimental verification experience.
• Knowledge of rotating equipment such as bearings or seals is preferred.
• Familiar with CAD tools.
• English proficiency.
• Ability to work in a lab environment with health and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Prepare seal samples and perform preliminary analyses.
• Conduct tests to evaluate seal performance (friction, wear, leakage).
• Analyse, document and present test results.
• Develop and improve test components and methods.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Ensure stock levels of lab supplies.
• Contribute to lab safety and compliance.

Skills

Mechanical testing

Experimental verification

English proficiency

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

MBO+ level technical education or bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

PTC Creo

Job description

Research Technician - Seal Testing

Requisition ID: 25299

Job Category: Engineering & Technology

Contract type: Temporary

Location: Houten, NL

SKF is a global leader in products and services for rotating equipment. Within SKF Sealing Solutions, the Global Research & Innovation team generates the fundamental knowledge and technologies that enable next-generation sealing systems.

About the team

Based at SKF’s research centre in Houten, the Netherlands, our team develops advanced characterisation, simulation and testing capabilities that support product development, drive digital transformation and contribute to more sustainable sealing solutions. To strengthen our team, we are looking for a:

Research Technician – Seal Testing

The role

You will be part of our seal testing team, working alongside experienced research engineers and laboratory specialists and contributing to research and development projects for a wide range of sealing systems.

This is a varied, hands-on role in which you will prepare and perform tests, analyse results and help improve our products but also laboratory equipment and methods.

Your responsibilities

• Prepare seal samples and perform preliminary analyses before testing.
• Conduct established tests to evaluate seal performance, including friction, wear, contamination ingress, leakage and service life.
• Analyse, document and present test results.
• Contribute to the design and development of new test components, systems and methods.
• Take ownership of designated laboratory equipment and ensure it is used in compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Maintain stock levels of laboratory supplies.
• Improve laboratory equipment, methods and working practices.

What we are looking for

• MBO+ level technical education or a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline.
• Two to five years of hands-on experience in mechanical testing and experimental verification, preferably involving rotating equipment such as bearings or seals.
• Experience with CAD software such as PTC Creo is a plus.
• Knowledge of electrical or electronic circuits and/or mechatronics is an advantage.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365.
• A proactive and practical approach.
• A quality-focused mindset and a drive for continuous improvement.
• Very good spoken and written English.
• Eagerness to learn and develop.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What we offer

You will join a modern international R&D environment within a globally recognized engineering company. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine hands-on laboratory work with participation in the development of next-generation sealing technologies.

You will work with advanced testing equipment, collaborate with experienced researchers and engineers, and contribute to projects that support customers and industries worldwide. Through close interaction with teams across SKF, you will gain exposure to international research and product development activities.

We are committed to your professional growth and offer opportunities to learn, develop new skills and expand your technical expertise, supported by a competitive compensation and benefits package.

SKF is committed to diversity and inclusion

SKF is committed to diversity and inclusion.

We value your skills, experience and potential.

Come as you are and be yourself.

#weareSKF

To ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process, assessments and background checks may form part of the selection procedure, subject to local laws.

SKF has been around for more than a century and today we are one of the world’s largest global suppliers of bearings and supporting solutions for rotating equipment. With more than 40,000 employees in around 130 countries, we are truly global. Our products are found everywhere in society. In fact, wherever there is movement, SKF’s solutions might be at work. This means that we are an important part of the everyday lives of people and companies around the world. See more, at www.skf.com.