R&D Engineer
Bekina NV, located in Kluisbergen, has been building innovative, quality products as a family-run business since 1962 that can be found in various niche markets worldwide. You may know a farmer who wears Bekina Boots boots. If you enjoy a good night's sleep, chances are you sleep on a slatted bed with spring elements from Bekina Indurub. If you drive through a tunnel, it might be waterproofed with Bekina Compounds' water-swelling seals. With its 4 divisions (Boots, Indurub, Compounds and BeSealed) generating more than €38 million turnover and 120 employees, Bekina is an innovative business group ready for the future.
For our business unit Bekina NV, we are looking for a R&D Engineer.
Job description
- As an R&D Specialist, you are substantively responsible for developing and co‑creating customer-specific solutions for their products in the field of rubber and thermoplastic elastomers.
- You follow various R&D projects from concept through to market implementation. You conduct research and guide the custoMer from A to Z during the development and testing phases. In consultation with the technical department and production, you prepare for series production.
- With your hands-on mindset, you investigate complex questions, take into account input from internal and external stakeholders, and know how to initiate actions that respond to customer needs. You own your projects, steer them in the right direction, and maintain oversight.
- You work closely with your colleagues in the laboratory for testing, analysis, and formulation of product properties. You document the work performed, ensure safeguarding of the acquired knowledge, and facilitate internal knowledge sharing.
- You stay connected to the market and remain up to date on the latest technological developments within your field of expertise through trade fairs and research institutions.
- You report directly to the SDE Manager (Sustainability, Development & Engineering Manager).
What we expect from you
- You hold a master’s degree in a chemical discipline and have a strong interest in innovation and development within a production environment. A passion for sustainability is essential in a family business where sustainable entrepreneurship is part of the DNA.
- You have experience in R&D within plastics or rubber (rubber is a plus).
- You are intellectually curious, dynamic, result driven, and have a hands-on mentality.
- You are research and action oriented and possess solid project management skills.
- You have strong analytical and communication skills that enable you to translate complex information to internal and external stakeholders.
- Your sense of initiative and perseverance allow you to drive innovation throughout the organisation.
- You have rational and critical judgment and a problem-solving mindset with an eye for quality and detail.
- You have good command of Dutch and English; knowledge of French is an asset.
What we offer you
- A major challenge inherent to this key role and the technical complexity of the organisation, where you can truly make a difference both internally and with customers.
- You will work in an inspiring environment with a no nonsense, innovative, and dynamic company culture. You become part of a top-tier company, globally active in an exciting niche market that is constantly evolving.
- You receive a high degree of autonomy and impact in a key role where initiative and entrepreneurship are highly valued.
- Bekina is an organisation that prioritises personal growth and offers close collaboration with colleagues, customers, and partners.