Lead Control Engineer | Delft

Pushing the performance of high-tech instruments to its ultimate limits requires in-depth knowledge of dynamics and control. Will you help us to make the impossible possible?

The research group Optomechatronics develops optomechanical and mechatronic systems for extreme performance in demanding environments. We push the limits of technology; to stimulate industry and enable scientific discovery. In addition to our internal research programs we execute large commercial projects for customers in the domains of Space & Science instrumentation and Semiconductor Equipment. Typical application domains for our dynamics & control specialists are ground-based astronomy (including adaptive optics), and free-space optical communication (including accurate pointing control of narrow laser beams). The role of the group within the strong global position of the Dutch mechatronics industry is that of supplier of breakthrough technology. The group has a close collaboration with several universities and research institutes and a large network in industry.

See more about the TNO Unit High Tech Industry and the Opto Mechatronics group.

As the control lead in complex Space and Semiconductor projects you are responsible for leading a team of 2-3 dynamics & control specialists and engineers and act as the point-of-contact for the control discipline within a mechatronic project.

To do this, you have:

• A MSc degree and preferably a PhD in mechanical engineering with a specialization in control.
• Up to 5 years of working experience.
• A pioneering mentality, and you are comfortable with the uncertainty that comes with scientific and engineering challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, energy, creativity and a boundless curiosity, wherewith you can motivate, convince and inspire colleagues and customers alike.
• A creative talent and a good understanding of the concepts of control design and engineering, and are aware of the possibilities and challenges of high-performance control in mechatronic systems.
• A highly cooperative mindset to work closely together with the control engineers, system engineer and the other project members. Moreover, you enjoy interfacing with partners, subcontractors, suppliers and customers, take responsibility of monitoring schedule and progress of the control team within a project, and are focused in steering the control team towards the desired performance results in the targeted time.

We expect you to have experience with mechatronic system design in general, and with dynamic behavior of mechanical systems and their motion control in particular. Therefore, you know the importance of dynamic modeling, both lumped-mass and finite-element, especially when designing complex mechatronic systems from scratch, and can communicate with experts in these fields.

Moreover, you are aware of the importance of feedback control and frequency-domain analyses, both in design and experimental phases, and are familiar with the language and terminology of control specialists; you can interpret Bode and Nyquist diagrams and spectral density plots, and can relate these to mechanical system properties or disturbance sources. You acknowledge the value of data in e.g. dynamic system identification, controller design and performance evaluation, but also realize how challenging experimental project phases can be.

You are able to oversee the required mechatronics- and control-related efforts in a new project, are able to make realistic schedule and cost estimates, and put the right people on the right tasks. You have sufficient knowledge and experience with control and mechatronics yourself, to potentially pick up some of these tasks yourself if needed.

You also enjoy the managerial part of the lead role, in terms of monitoring the team’s progress and facilitating your team with tools and resources. You are honest, transparent, have trust in your control specialists and dare to take responsibility of their results.

You can interface with the system engineer to downflow and translate relevant requirements to the control team and return important results back to the system engineer. You enjoy interfacing with suppliers and partners and have experience with deriving specifications for required hardware and defining acceptance tests.

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary between € 3.800,- and € 5.100,- (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

Perhaps you would like to grow your career in the direction of commerce or consultancy? Or would you like to become a project manager? Immerse yourself in sustainable innovations? Or carve out a career as a technical expert?

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

The selection process comprises two interview rounds. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check. A certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.