Vacature Research Engineer

Walraven is opzoek naar een Research Engineer!

Department: Research
Reports to: Teamlead Research
Location: Mijdrecht
Hours: Fulltime (40 hours)

We are looking for a Research Engineer who works closely with the research team to support the development of research beyond standard test laboratory activities. The role involves engaging Research earlier in the New Product Introduction process and responding to external drivers, as increasing legislation and certification requirements demand strong research capabilities.

About the role

As a Research Engineer, you are responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating laboratory tests that support product development, validation, and continuous improvement. You independently manage testing activities, develop and maintain test setups, and ensure accurate, reliable, and well-documented results.

You work across different validation areas, including mechanical, corrosion, and fire testing, and contribute to the ongoing development of laboratory methods, capabilities, and quality standards. In addition, you troubleshoot technical issues, support root cause investigations, and ensure all testing activities comply with applicable standards, procedures, and safety requirements.

Your impact

Your work provides the technical insights that help us develop high-quality, reliable, and innovative solutions. Through thorough testing and analysis, you translate data into meaningful conclusions and practical recommendations that support informed decision-making.

By identifying risks, improving test methods, and optimizing laboratory processes, you contribute directly to product performance, testing efficiency, and continuous improvement. Your ability to work independently, while collaborating with colleagues across disciplines, ensures that projects are delivered on time and with a high standard of quality and accuracy.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent working and thinking level in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, or another relevant technical discipline.
• Experience or affinity with product testing, laboratory environments, and technical documentation.
• Technical understanding of mechanics, materials, and/or chemistry.
• Hands-on mentality and confidence in using hand and power tools to build and modify test setups.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify causes, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Structured and detail-oriented way of working with a strong focus on safety, quality, and data integrity.
• Ability to manage multiple testing activities, prioritize effectively, and communicate progress proactively.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken; Dutch is an advantage.

Leadership Competencies

You are result-driven, take ownership and consistently deliver high-quality outcomes. Your leadership style reflects the Walraven values: Entrepreneurial, Inventive, Committed, No-nonsense and Reliable.

You build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, work in a structured and efficient way and contribute to an engaged, inclusive and collaborative working environment where people feel respected and supported.

Interested?

Do you have the right skills and are you interested in this opportunity? We would be pleased to hear from you. Please contact Jaap Bernsen at [email protected]. You may also reach out to Graham Fergus, Jaap Bernsen, or Barbara Huysman for more information. Please note that the external recruitment process will run in parallel.

We look forward to hearing from you via [email protected], [email protected], or by completing the form below.