Research Engineer, Research & Innovation (R&I)

At AFA, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. As a Research Engineer within our Research & Innovation (R&I) team, you will be the innovation instigator, finding new opportunities to bring novelty into dispensing systems through different lenses such as technology, science, sustainability, user experience and business insight. 

You will play a key role in generating, exploring and developing ideas until they're feasible, functional, sustainable, desirable and viable. In this role, you'll be part of a multi-disciplinary team with researchers, mechanical and quality engineers, a designer and a product manager. You'll also work with outside partners, such as research labs, experts and technology suppliers. 

You will report directly to the Head of Product Innovation and work as part of AFA's global R&I organisation, bridging creativity into science and science into technology. 

Key responsibilities 

• A research-driven approach to idea generation and development, including analysis of patents, scientific content, business reviews, market insights and user experience. 

• Exploring and validating project performance.

• Designing and running experiments.

• Product benchmarking and competitor analysis, covering technology, performance and usage.

• Create structured reports covering project scope, timeline and risk analysis, working closely with the project manager.

Your profile 

• Bachelor's, master's or PhD in mechanical, industrial or materials engineering, with experience in packaging or innovation. 

• At least 4 years' experience in packaging is essential; experience in personal care or consumer goods is a plus. 

• A creative thinker with a business mindset and scientific curiosity about projects. 

• A strong communicator who enjoys working with diverse teams from different backgrounds and cultures. 

• Hands-on and proactive.  

• Strong analytical and collaborative skills. 

• Fluent in English (written and spoken). 

• Willing to travel occasionally to AFA locations worldwide. 

• Lives within reasonable commuting distance of our Eindhoven headquarters.

What do we offer?

• Creative impact: work on innovative product and technology concepts that shape AFA's future portfolio.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration: work alongside engineers, designers, scientists and business professionals in a dynamic environment.
• Inspiring location: based in Eindhoven's creative, tech-driven Strijp-T district, a hub for design and innovation.
• Attractive compensation: a competitive salary plus a performance-based bonus.
• Tools & flexibility: a company laptop and mobile phone, plus the flexibility to work from different locations.
• Contract stability: a one-year contract with the aim of permanent employment after proven performance.
• Time to recharge: 30 vacation days (based on a 40-hour working week).
• Pension plan: a solid collective pension scheme.
• Learning & growth: ongoing opportunities for professional development and training.
• Inclusive culture: work in an international, open and inspiring team where creativity, courage and collaboration drive success.

Why join AFA Dispensing?

You'll join an international, innovation-driven organisation that values teamwork, reliability and growth. If you're interested, please send your CV and motivation letter to the recruitment team, for the attention of Gertia Haerkens, International Recruiter. We look forward to hearing from you!

We are recruiting for this vacancy ourselves. We therefore don’t welcome unsolicited approaches from recruitment agencies regarding this role. Unsolicited profiles will be treated as direct applications.