R&D Technician

Purpose and Mission

• Responsible for assisting in the development, implementation, and maintenance of innovative technologies and processes within the organization. This includes providing technical support, conducting tests and trials, and ensuring the smooth operation of new technologies and processes.

Key Activities and Responsibilities

Leading technology projects for new products & processes:

•    Initiate, plan and manage technology projects from initial concept to market introduction, ensuring alignment with market needs and strategic business goals.
•    Develop and manage detailed project plans, budgets, and timelines, ensuring the successful delivery of project milestones
•    Work in collaboration with Sales, Quality, Production, and client technical teams as well as consortia of international R&D programs. 
•    Manage close collaboration with the wider synthetics Technology team, at the Bekaert Technology centre, and their extensive lab activities, within the boundaries of Technology projects.
•    Coordinate non-standard testing on high sensitivity machines for synthetic yarn and ropes, including programming and analysis with our state-of-the-art 500T tensile test machine. 
•    Communicate effectively at all levels. e.g. delivery of Executive Summaries of progress to senior management, contributing to technical debates with colleagues and leading manufacturing and test activities

Expanding technical excellence

•    Develop and expand expertise in the station-keeping segment, focusing on synthetic fibers, ropes, and their applications in the offshore & maritime industry.
•    Build trust with customers by positioning Bexco as a leader in technical expertise and innovative solutions. Communicate directly with clients, both written and oral, in Dutch and English.
•    Translate complex customer requirements into actionable plans and work closely with internal teams to ensure customer satisfaction.
•    Lead the preparation of detailed product specifications for sourcing and quality control of raw materials.
•    Coordinate with production teams to optimize manufacturing processes and improve operational efficiency.
•    Develop and sustain long-term relationships with key stakeholders in the global offshore mooring market. Representing Bexco as the technology leader.

Skills

•    Strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of physics and mechanics
•    Ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
•    Creative and pragmatic mindset, oriented to solve problems and innovate
•    English as well as Dutch verbal and written skills, including technical report writing and experience in delivering presentations.
•    Self-motivated, innovative, and customer-focussed with a strong drive for quality. Creative problem-solving skills and eagerness to learn are highly valued.

Previous Experience

•    Preferred 3-5 years of relevant working experience. 

Qualifications and Education

•    Bachelor or Masters degree in Mechanical or Material Science Engineering, ideally with a specialty in polymer-composites.