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Flanders Make

Research Engineer Smart Manufacturing

Hybrid

Louvain, Belgium

Junior

Full Time

16-10-2025

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Skills

Communication Python JavaScript Go Data Analysis SQL Research Motivation Deep Learning Computer Vision Programming Databases Azure Data Science Robotics

Job Specifications

Research Engineer Smart Manufacturing

Location: Lommel, Leuven or Kortrijk

Help build the factory of the future

At Flanders Make, you work on the digitisation of industry. You develop innovative solutions at the intersection of data science, software engineering and industrial automation. Together with a multidisciplinary team, you will build prototypes that inspire and support companies in their transformation to smart, sustainable production.

Your role

As a Research Engineer Smart Manufacturing:

Develop data-driven applications for production environments;
Analyse complex datasets from industrial processes to identify trends, patterns and to discover optimization opportunities;
You will work on end-to-end data capture on the shop floor and provide feedback to processes of method engineers;
Develop your reasoning tools and AI solutions that suggest improvement, both towards machines and human decision-makers;
Build your IIoT infrastructures that connect data sources and enable automation of data ingestion pipelines;
Design and implement your software architectures based on existing building blocks;
Work with cloud and edge technologies and provide secure, scalable solutions;
You will investigate how data analysis techniques can contribute to increased productivity, quality and efficiency in the Flemish manufacturing industry;
Apply your insights to applications such as planning, scheduling, quality control and productivity enhancement, taking into account variability in production.

Your profile

PhD in Computer Science, AI, Electromechanics, or a similar field;
At least 3 years of experience in backend development of cloud, edge, or IoT applications;
Strong programming skills (Python, JavaScript, SQL, Azure, RDBMS, graph databases);
Knowledge of industrial automation (OPC-UA, PLC, SCADA) is a plus;
Experience with data science techniques such as process mining, deep learning or statistical modelling and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Creative thinker with analytical insight and a passion for technology;
Ability to understand physical processes and translate them into digital applications;
Team player with good communication skills and an inquisitive mindset.

What do we offer you?

A challenging job in an innovative research environment;
Collaboration with experts in various domains such as robotics, automation, PLM, AI and production planning;
Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure (e.g. computer vision, predictive control, software prototyping);
An open corporate culture with short lines of communication;
An enthusiastic, international team;
Impactful work that contributes to a sustainable and smart industry.

Apply

Go to http://jobs.flandersmake.be, fill in the online application form and upload your motivation letter and CV.

About Flanders Make

Flanders Make is the strategic research centre for the manufacturing industry in Flanders. From our offices in Lommel, Leuven and Kortrijk and in collaboration with the Flemish universities, we support companies in their digital and sustainable transformation. We are building a circular ecosystem in which people, machines and data are central.

About the Company

Flanders Make is the strategic research centre for the manufacturing industry. From our sites all over Flanders, we stimulate open innovation through excellent research. In addition, companies can work together with us in a custom innovation trajectory. Finally, we also offer an extensive range of testing and validation infrastructure for your products or production. Our goal is to contribute to the technological development of the vehicles, machines and factories of the future. By doing so, we create added value for the m... Know more