Research Development Project Engineer

Are you an engineer who gets energized by leading complex R&D projects and connecting people, technology, and innovation? Do you want to work at the intersection of plastics processing, technical textiles, and international research projects? Do you gain energy from coordinating, structuring, and making an impact rather than from pure laboratory research? Then this role as R&D Project Engineer in our central research department is made for you.

What you do

As an R&D Project Engineer, you are the key figure in setting up, coordinating, and following up innovative research and development projects. You combine technical depth with strong project management and people skills.

Specifically, this means:

• You coordinate complex R&D projects involving multiple stakeholders: suppliers, customers, research centers, universities, and internal teams.
• You initiate Flemish and European research projects, follow them up in terms of content, administration, and finances, and report on progress and results to funding bodies.
• You build and maintain a strong network between industry and the research community and identify new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
• You take over existing European and Flemish projects and ensure structured and efficient follow-up of planning, budget, and deliverables.
• You work on R&D topics such as recycling technologies for coated PVC fabrics, circular applications, and digital product passports including life cycle analyses.
• You are involved in the revamping and redesign of extrusion and coating lines, as well as in investment projects for new or modified production lines.
• You negotiate with suppliers about technical modifications and coordinate with technical services and colleagues on the shop floor.
• You work largely in a project-based and coordinating role: lots of meetings, emails, calls, planning, and follow-up, complemented by a component of product development.
• You occasionally travel within Europe.

Who you are

You are a technically strong engineer who enjoys taking responsibility and managing projects from A to Z.

• You hold a master’s degree as an industrial or civil engineer (plastics processing, chemistry, materials) or a PhD in a relevant field.
• You preferably have at least 4 to 5 years of relevant experience in plastics processing, extrusion, coating technology, or a comparable industrial environment.
• You have experience with, or a strong interest in, setting up and coordinating research projects, including European or Flemish subsidized projects.
• You are communicative, naturally take the lead, and feel comfortable in a coordinating role with many stakeholders.
• You work in a structured and analytical way and maintain an overview of content, timing, and budget.
• You feel at home in an operational environment and can switch between strategic thinking and practical execution.
• You are fluent in Dutch, have a good command of English, and can get by in French.
• You are looking for a role where you can make an impact, are given responsibility, and can grow in terms of content and expertise.

What to expect from us

• A traffic-free workplace in Ardooie.
• A full-time position in a financially stable, growing family business with international reach.
• An attractive salary package with fringe benefits, such as a company car, meal vouchers, a 13th-month bonus, group insurance, the option for hospitalization insurance, bike leasing, and flexible compensation…
• Work in an innovative company that continuously invests in new products, facilities, and—most importantly—its people!
• Flexible working hours to ensure a good work-life balance, freely scheduled leave, and the possibility to work from home after thorough on-the-job training.
• Continuous development and growth opportunities through both internal and external training.
• Room for personal initiative.
• Fun company events.
• Last but not least: fantastic, passioenate colleagues who give their all every day!