Test and Ink Formulation Engineer

eLstar Dynamics; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

eLstar Dynamics seeks a hands-on Test & Ink Formulation Engineer to drive ink development, lab-scale work, and qualification testing for our smart glass systems. You will lead test plans, characterize materials, and support the transition from lab formulation to scalable production.

You will collaborate across disciplines including electronics, mechanics, and manufacturing, ensuring reproducible results, compliant documentation, and robust test protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field.
• Experience with developing and executing structured test plans and qualification protocols.
• Hands-on lab mentality: enjoy working in the lab, running experiments and solving problems practically.
• Fluency in English (Dutch a plus).

Responsibilities

• Test engineering: develop and execute test plans, qualification protocols, reliability tests, and structured experiments to validate ink performance.
• Ink formulation and development: create, refine and optimize electrophoretic inks, dispersions, and additives from concept to validated formulation.
• Material characterization: perform measurements such as viscosity, particle size, zeta potential, stability, ageing, and optical properties.
• Hands-on lab work: prepare batches, run experiments, analyze failures, and implement improvements.
• Process development: scale formulations from lab to pilot production, ensuring consistency, reproducibility, and manufacturability.
• Documentation and compliance: maintain formulation records, test reports, chemical safety documentation, and release files.
• Stakeholder alignment: collaborate with electronics, mechanics, manufacturing, suppliers, and project management.

Skills

Test engineering

Ink formulation

Material characterization

Lab work

Process development

Documentation

Stakeholder alignment

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or related field

Job description

Are you a passionate hands-on Test & Ink Formulation Engineer, eager to push the boundaries of innovation?

As a Test & Ink Formulation Engineer, you are the engine behind our ink development and product qualification. You combine deep knowledge of chemistry, materials behaviour, and test engineering with a practical, hands-on approach. You support ink formulation from first concept through lab-scale development, characterization, and stability testing. In addition, you design and execute the test methods and protocols that validate ink performance in our smart glass systems. You will work closely with the ink and product qualification teams, and take a leading role in formulation developments, integration, and technical direction.

Your Role

• Test engineering - Develop & execute test plans, qualification protocols, reliability tests, and structured experiments to validate ink performance.
• Ink formulation & development - Create, refine and optimize electrophoretic inks, dispersions, and additives from concept through to validated formulation.
• Material characterization - Define and perform measurements (eg. viscosity, particle size, zeta potential, stability, ageing, and optical property measurements).
• Hands-on lab work - Prepare batches, run experiments, analyse failures, and implement improvements.
• Process development - Scale formulations from lab to pilot production, ensuring consistency, reproducibility, and manufacturability.
• Documentation & compliance - Maintain formulation records, test reports, chemical safety documentation, and release files.
• Stakeholder alignment - Work closely with electronics, mechanics, manufacturing, suppliers, and project management.

What You Bring: Required Qualifications

• A bachelor or higher degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with the development and execution of structured test plans and qualification protocols.
• Hands-on mentality: You are passionate about being in the lab, running experiments, and solving problems practically.
• Fluency in English (Dutch is a plus).

What You Bring: Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rheology, particle characterization, or analytical chemistry. Preferably experience in colloidal systems, dispersions, or pigment-based formulations.
• Knowledge of electrophoretic systems, surfactants, or dispersion chemistry.
• Ability to clearly communicate and substantiate technical choices.

Who You Are

• Attention to detail - Ensuring measurements, sample preparation, and documentation are precise and reproducible.
• Structured documentation & communication - Writing clear test reports, explaining results to non-chemists, and presenting findings logically. Keeping accurate logs, batch records, and traceable test histories.
• Time management - Planning experiments, managing long-running tests, and prioritizing critical qualification tasks.
• Problem-solving - Diagnosing unexpected test results, contamination issues, or stability failures with structured reasoning.
• Safety awareness - Maintaining chemical safety, risk assessment, and disciplined lab behaviour.
• Continuous improvement mindset - Iterating test methods, refining protocols, and improving reproducibility.

Why Join Us?

As a key member of our Engineering team, you will:

• Work on cutting-edge technology with real-world impact.
• Be part of an innovative startup environment.
• Join a supportive team where motivation and passion drive success.
• Bringing a revolutionary technology to market.
• This is a full-time position based in our Office in Eindhoven.

If you are passionate about solving complex technical problems, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to contribute to pioneering solutions within a dynamic organisation, this role is for you!

Are you ready to be part of the solution?