R&D engineer : product development

Our solutions are a key part of most industries - electronics, medical research, renewable energy, food production, infrastructure and many more. Working with us means working with the latest technologies and groundbreaking, sustainable innovations.

Join us on our journey for a better tomorrow.

The Role

Job description

Are you passionate about new innovations and eager to develop the future sustainable compressor products from concept to production?

In our team within the engineering department, we are looking for a motivated technology engineer with a pro-active attitude and a strong preference for mechanical engineering to join our mission in developing and improving the oil free screw (OFS) compressor elements. The oil free screw compressor element is the heart of our best-in-class compressor units converting mechanical energy to compressed air.

In this function, you will define together with the project team the development of products from the first prototype to serial production. You will also be responsible for technology development and advancing specific knowledge domains. Product development, modelling (digital twin), testing, and manufacturing are mainly done on site in Wilrijk so you will work together with those different departments as well as internal customers and (internal) expert teams. This means you will have hands-on experience with the products and will also work outside of a traditional desk environment.

You will be a member of the oil free screw product development team, this team consists of several project leaders, designers, technology and calculation engineers dedicated to the development on state of the art compressor elements.

You will work in a large company with a strong focus on sustainability where you will have many personal and technical learning possibilities and get the chance to work on making more efficient and sustainable products in a high impact industry sector.

Your role

Your responsibilities will be :

• You do extensive research, calculations and modelling on components or subsystems of compressors
• You identify knowledge gaps and devise / follow-up a test plan to answer key decisions
• You ensure the smooth implementation of new concepts as part of new product development project teams
• You acquire the relevant knowledge from internal and external stakeholders e.g. supplier, customer, process and engineering departments.
• You follow up the technology evolution for specific compressor types and subsystems

More specifically :

• Calculation and design of the complete compressor and different components (e.g. gears, bearings, seals, strength calculations, dynamics, tolerances, thermodynamics, ...)
• Support Digital twin approach : Develop mathematical models, simulations and calculation tools for our products and its components, validation & optimization of the of the calculation tools with labo testresults and field data
• Translate functional product specifications into design parameters and knowledge gaps
• Be part of engineering team and participate in product development and technology projects
• Take lead and actively participate in continuous product improvements through implementation of acquired and validated knowledge
• Close follow-up of prototype assembly and testing
• Formulation of functional hypotheses and verification by suitable tests
• Cooperation with external partners and research institutes
• Share expertise and technology with others in the organization
• Taking on an expert role in a project team and formulating solutions. Reporting the working method, results, conclusions and recommendations
• Assist in design review, support on key decision making and technical review
• Have a real impact on the end-user’s energy consumption

What you can expect from us?

Atlas Copco Airpower has a lot to offer. A nice salary, fringe benefits and a good work-life balance; you can already tick those off the list.

Our colleagues and the warm, human culture are the values we are most proud of.

You will be part of a diverse and committed product development team with a strong team spirit and report to the engineering team leader within the Product Development Airtec department.

Challenge, development and variety are our focus. You will receive on-the-job training to help you settle into your new role as quickly as possible.

What we expect of you?

Experience and Knowledge requirements

• You have a Master of Engineering Science or Master of Science or are equivalent by experience. Having acquired a Ph.D. in this domain is an advantage.
• You have a technical background, preferably in engineering, supported by strong analytical skills to solve complex technical problems.
• Basic Matlab knowledge is a plus
• Able to interprete FEA / CFD results
• Broad knowledge of mechanical engineering, experience in oil free screw compressors or compressors in general is not required.
• Experience as project member or leader in product development projects is a plus
• You are able to work in an international, intercultural environment.
• Good communication skills and English proficiency are required, basic communication skills in Dutch is a plus

Personality requirements

• Problem-solving mindset and creativity. You are able to think out of the box.
• Result-driven, effective and efficient
• Teamplayer
• Open-minded, constructive & positive
• You are passionate about technical challenges.
• The dynamic environment of product development energizes you.