Job Title

Senior R&D Engineer – Mechanical

Job Description

Our company

Vanderlande is the global market leader in future‑proof logistic process automation for airports—serving major hubs such as London Heathrow and Singapore Changi—and for leading parcel operators including UPS and FedEx. We are also a trusted partner for some of the world’s largest warehouse operations, including Amazon and Walmart, delivering seamlessly integrated systems, intelligent software, and comprehensive life‑cycle services.

Although technology drives our solutions, it is our people who truly make the difference. We value individuals who are dedicated, customer‑focused, and committed to continuous learning throughout their careers. At Vanderlande, we empower our employees with the right knowledge, tools, and support to achieve their professional ambitions and excel in a dynamic global environment.

Your department

Case & Tote Equipment Development operates as an extension of the Distribution Development Domain in the Netherlands. The department plays a pivotal role in Vanderlande’s ongoing investment in innovative product development and advanced technologies. Our focus is on strengthening our market position and differentiating our equipment portfolio within the material‑handling automation industry. Through collaboration, engineering excellence, and a passion for innovation, we contribute to delivering robust, scalable, and future‑ready solutions for our global customers.

Your Role

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and validating mechanical modules that form part of integrated equipment solutions. You will apply advanced engineering principles to address complex technical challenges, provide guidance to junior engineers, and ensure that all designs meet required performance, safety, and regulatory standards. This role requires close collaboration with cross‑functional teams—including electrical engineering, PLC software, supply chain, service, and manufacturing—to deliver innovative, reliable, and production-ready products.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, with 10–12+ years of relevant industry experience.

• Demonstrated leadership in mechanical design and development, with a proven history of innovation and successful product delivery.

• Experience with conveying systems is highly advantageous.

• Proficient in FMEA, FEA, CE compliance, and machinery development standards.

• Advanced-level user of CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA.

• Familiarity with Agile methodologies, including SCRUM or SAFe.

Core Responsibilities

• Translate complex customer requirements into clear functional and technical specifications.

• Lead and contribute to the selection of mechanical components, and assemblies to ensure optimal performance, durability, and reliability.

• Create detailed CAD models, drawings, and engineering specification documentation.

• Manage parallel product development and maintenance activities, ensuring on-time delivery, alignment with budgets, and adherence to quality standards.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and plc software components.

• Prepare and deliver development progress reports and technical presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

• Lead prototyping, testing, and validation phases, ensuring design intent and performance requirements are met.

• Analyze test results, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend design refinements, work with service, supply, and manufacturing teams to optimize designs for production, quality, and cost efficiency.

• Drive innovation through the adoption of new materials, technologies, and sustainability-focused design practices.

• Mentor and support peers, junior engineers by offering technical guidance and hands‑on coaching.

• Foster a strong collaborative culture and coordinate across teams to resolve design challenges.

• Ensure all designs comply with internal design rules, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation for designs, technical changes, testing, and verification activities.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives through best practices, root‑cause analysis, and process optimization.

Desired Attributes:

• Strong leadership capability with experience mentoring and developing others.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.

• Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• High attention to detail and strong commitment to quality and engineering excellence.

• Ability to thrive under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.

• Proactive, collaborative, and self‑motivated work style.

• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with emerging technologies and industry trends.