About this role
PROJECT You work within the multi-national research environment of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Royal Military Academy. As a university, we conduct research in various technological domains, including unmanned systems, land mobility, and landmines manipulations, aimed at enhancing user comfort. Our work balances the development of novel and beneficial applications with efforts to mitigate potential risks associated with these technologies. As a military research lab, we focus on applications in public security and Defense. Examples of practical applications include ground robots for detecting and neutralizing landmines, unmanned vehicles for patrolling tough complex conditions, and studies to improve vehicle and environmental conditions. In this position, you will work alongside a large team of research engineers, each leading their own projects. Your role will be to assist in the implementation of various projects, by contributing to the related electro-mechanical aspects. Given our strong involvement in European-scale collaborative projects, you will punctually prepare and follow on-site test campaigns, mainly on military test sites in Flanders, sometimes abroad. WHAT WE OFFER within the projects Highly varied job content, giving you the opportunity to work on a very wide range of novel electro-mechanical systems (air, ground, maritime) in a very international context. You will be deployed in a large variety of projects and will be required to work together with dozens of researchers and other technicians to reach objectives. To make this a bit more specific, you will be deployed as an example in these projects: TiPODS: To support the construction (steelwork, electronics, automation), commissioning, maintenance, and usage of a test facility for land vehicle tires testing. AURORA: To support the development of a new generation of demining robots with dual manipulators STRATUS: To develop novel drones that are composed maximally of EU-sourced & developed components Opportunity to work in and with an international & dynamic team of research engineers. The flexibility and freedom to innovate and bring your own ideas. The ability to have an impact and work on societally relevant topics. As an example: many of our research projects are currently seeking solutions for mine clearance in Ukraine. An employer that strives towards maintaining a good work-life balance for its employees. Training opportunities to get new practical skills and/or improve your current skills (potential example: machinery certifications, heavy trailer driving license, A2-pilot flying license). Possibility of travelling for field trials with partners. MAIN TASKS Manufacture mechanical components for scientific research (machining, welding, etc.). Utilize specialized instruments (sensor installation, cameras, measurement devices, etc.). Conduct mechanical and electrical tests on test benches, ensuring compliance with international standards. Calibrate and test laboratory equipment for specific experiments. Actively contribute to all project phases, including metalwork, electrical/electronical work, technical drawing, and system assembly. Participate in test campaigns (including equipment preparation, maintenance, execution, and problem solving). Assist in procurement and maintenance of equipment (including repairs and calibration of instruments). SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: The applicant shall have a professional bachelor's degree in electromechanics (a level 6 qualification according to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) or similar) and should have relevant experience in the field of electronics, metalwork, and mechatronics. Explicitly, we are not looking for an academic profile but a technical professional profile ! This position is ideally open for experienced profiles (minimum 3 years of experience). However, young graduates are also encouraged to apply. ¿MUST HAVE¿ skills: Proven experience with electro-mechanical systems and troubleshooting Knowledge of security measures to perform work related to electricity (certifiable BA4/BA5 or similar) Demonstrated ability to think outside the box and devise innovative solutions to technical challenges in the field (a "MacGyver" mindset). In other words, a problem solver Driving license B (or in the process of getting it). ¿RECOMMENDED¿ skills: Proven workshop experience and skills (ex: welding, electrical design, mechanical design, CNC, etc.) Proven experience with robotic systems and troubleshooting Training or experience in system integration Experience with electrical measurement devices ¿NICE TO HAVE¿ skills: Experience in programming with Labview/ROS/Matlab/C++/Python Proficiency in 3D printing technologies and design software (CAD) for rapid prototyping and repairs Knowledge of PCB design and soldering Drone Pilot License can be an advantage and/or experience with flying drones Personal skills: You are highly motivated (read proactive ) to develop technical/workshop skills that are not yet mastered. You have a practical mindset, showcasing a hands-on approach to problem-solving. You take initiative, you are involved and result oriented. You are honest, loyal toward the institution and respect confidentiality. You improve the team-spirit and solve interpersonal conflicts. Other skills: The applicant shall have very good knowledge of French or Dutch (oral & written) and a minimum knowledge of (or be willing to learn) the other language (oral), since lots of campaigns will be performed in Belgium. This will be tested during selection. The applicant shall have good knowledge of English (oral & written), which will be tested during selection. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS The researcher is likely to be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense. The researcher will be working within the context of European Defence Fund projects. Due to this project framework, this position is only open for NATO / EU citizens. Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium. CONTRACT Probable date of recruitment: 15 January 2027 , in consultation with the applicant. Status: Full-time employment (38 hours / week) based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant). To be very clear: your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to a project that ends in Spring 2030 . The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not 100% guaranteed. However, the RMA-MECA dept has a policy to keep the good elements and this position will in any case be required beyond that date as well, so if we're happy with you there is a high chance that we will offer you a follow-up beyond that date if you decide to stay. Wage scale: NBI1 . RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing personnel to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations. Your bruto and netto salary can be simulated precisely via this tool: simulateur de salaire . Holiday pay. EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a BOSA test; End-of-year bonus; Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member); Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute); Meal vouchers (6€/day); Digital allowance: 15€/month; Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours; On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu); Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week; Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days/week max); Holidays: 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years) 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year's Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays). Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers...); Entitlement to services offered by the `Office Central d'Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense' (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator...; Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability).