As Research Engineer Thermoplastic Composites Processing you will be involved in applied research and technology development in the field of thermoplastic composites, including the recycling of thermoplastic composites and the use of innovative processing technologies (for example additive manufacturing) for these materials. In particular, you will work on mechanical recycling of thermoplastic composites. You will contribute to the development of new technologies, execute recycling trials at different processing conditions, prepare test samples and demonstrator parts, and perform material characterization experiments, together with colleagues in a multidisciplinary team. In addition, you might work in additive manufacturing of (continuous) fiber reinforced thermoplastics, developing and executing 3D printing trials, mechanical testing of printed parts, and material characterization experiments.

This person will be responsible for:

Executing experiments for applied research projects in the field of processing and recycling of thermoplastic composites, including experiments using extrusion or different processing technologies, mechanical and physical characterization;
Interpretation of experimental results to draw conclusions on the used methods and materials, together with scientists;
Supporting process method development for new polymers and thermoplastic composites and proposing alternative or optimized processing solutions to meet customer needs;
Elaborating research results in the form of presentations or (parts of) written project reports;
Maintaining the operation of our processing and characterization facilities, in contact with equipment suppliers;
Proactively collaborating with other members of the project team to realize the targeted project results;
Providing guidance to students in the lab in collaboration with scientists.

Functie-eisen

You combine an open and creative mind with good practical skills. You have curiosity in finding out how "things work" and you tend to often ask the question “Why?”. You are a pragmatic person who likes to implement gained knowledge into real solutions. You have experience in working in multidisciplinary research projects. You are a good communicator and able to express your thoughts and findings in a clear and concise manner, both orally and written. You are a team player who likes to take initiative, and you have a result-driven and customer-oriented attitude in your work.

You have/are:

At least a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Applied Science, Materials Science
Expertise in the field of fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymers, including processing and characterization of these materials;
Good problem solving, communication and technical documentation skills;
Fluent in English, both verbal and written (and preferably also fluent in Dutch);
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, international team with a multitude of stakeholders.

Uiteraard staat deze vacature open voor iedereen die zich hierin herkent.