R&D Scientist

About the role

As R&D Scientist you would join our polymer technologies team within Bekaert’s Technology & Innovation (T&I) group, a multidisciplinary R&D environment of engineers and chemists driving innovation beyond steel.

The role focuses on developing and improving advanced materials and processes in polymers, fibers, coatings, and hybrid systems to support emerging markets such as energy transition and new mobility. The objective is to translate scientific understanding into scalable product and process innovations that deliver performance, reliability, and business impact across Bekaert’s business units.

Your Impact as R&D Scientist

• Lead and execute product and process development and improvement projects in polymer technologies, ensuring performance enhancement and cost efficiency.
• Develop deep scientific and application understanding of material properties, failure modes, and their impact on customer performance and product selection.
• Translate customer and business needs into clear technical problem statements and structured development strategies.
• Design, develop, and execute laboratory and pilot-scale testing programs, including the creation of new test methods and equipment where required.
• Scout, evaluate, and integrate new materials and technologies (polymers, fibers, coatings, lubricants, hybrid systems) aligned with Bekaert’s strategic roadmap.
• Collaborate closely with operations, engineering, and commercial teams to ensure alignment across development, testing, and industrialization phases.
• Work with external partners such as suppliers, research institutes, and universities to support innovation and technology development.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and certifications (e.g., DNV, ABS, ISO, ASME, CSA, TÜV, LRQA, SGS, UL).
• Prepare and communicate clear technical documentation, data analysis, and presentations tailored to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Contribute to technical leadership by guiding and supporting technicians and junior team members in project execution.
• Support continuous improvement of laboratory capabilities, testing infrastructure, and development processes.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to safety standards across all R&D activities.
• Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple R&D projects, proactively identifying risks and ensuring timely delivery of milestones aligned with business priorities.

About You

Essential skills & competencies

• Master’s or PhD in Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.
• Prior experience working in an industrial R&D environment is considered an advantage.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and drive tasks to completion.
• Experience in leading, guiding, and supporting team members in a technical environment.
• Strong commitment to open, transparent, and effective communication.
• Skilled in translating customer or client requests into clear and structured technical problem statements.
• Proactive approach to gathering context and ensuring alignment before execution to avoid misinterpretation or misdirection.
• Strong analytical thinking with the ability to break down complex problems.
• Ability to distinguish between primary issues and secondary or supporting details.
• Capability to bring together multidisciplinary teams to solve complex, cross-functional technical challenges.
• Experience engaging with external universities and research institutes to leverage specialized expertise when needed.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.

What is in it for you?

• A Competitive salary with Benefits.
• Learning programs developed by our L&D department.
• A great opportunity to play your part in an international growth story.
• A chance to grow along with your responsibilities (national or international).
• Cool colleagues all over the world.