Open Hardware Project Officer

Do you have a passion for technology and would you like to make scientific hardware innovations accessible to a wider audience? Then this is your chance!

This vacancy is part of a project funded by Open Science NL, aimed at integrating open hardware initiatives into a robust infrastructure called Open Source Hardware Infrastructure for the Netherlands (OSHNED). These activities are coordinated by a national consortium that currently consists of TU/e, TU Delft, UU, WUR, Radboud UMC, and the eScience Center.

As an Open Hardware Project Officer at TU Delft, you will function as a central hub, responsible for identifying and making suitable ideas or completed hardware designs and prototypes available within the broader OSHNED ecosystem. You will work at the Electrical and Mechanical Support Division (DEMO) of TU Delft and become part of a small core team focused on open science within TU Delft.

Within DEMO and across the faculties, various hardware engineers are active, with whom you will collaborate closely.

Key responsibilities

Open Hardware Coordinator and Promoter

• Identify where within TU Delft hardware is being developed that may be suitable for transition to an open hardware platform.
• Build and actively maintain a network of educators, researchers, and developers at TU Delft.
• Create support, conduct inventories, provide information, and establish the necessary infrastructure.
• Act as an ambassador for promoting an open hardware culture at TU Delft.
• Organize training sessions and deliver presentations and workshops with colleagues to increase knowledge about open hardware across the campus.

Subject Matter Expert

• Assess designs for suitability for inclusion in the OSHNED ecosystem with regard to functionality, knowledge security, quality standards, legislation, and intellectual property.
• Familiarize yourself with all other relevant aspects of Open Science and Open Hardware and make this knowledge available to relevant stakeholders.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and point of contact for questions related to open hardware at TU Delft and potentially beyond.

Implementer

• Co-manage and contribute to the database of open hardware projects, serving as the crucial link with developers, researchers, and educators at TU Delft.
• Bring existing or new designs to an open hardware platform by working effectively with researchers and designers.
• Develop templates and guidelines so that the transition process from internal projects to open hardware projects can be carried out in a structured and process-oriented manner in the future.
• Contribute to drafting relevant policy documents related to Open Hardware and, where appropriate, to policy documents concerning operational management within DEMO.

Job requirements

• You have completed a technical degree at Bachelor's or Master's level.
• You have gained experience in engineering environments as a developer and are familiar with what is required to properly document technical projects.
• Experience as a project manager or team leader is an advantage.
• You are able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical individuals and to act as an intermediary between these groups when necessary.
• You are skilled at documenting concepts and ideas in writing. In your communication, you are clear and tactful and always tailor your approach to the stakeholders involved.
• You have an affinity for open hardware.
• You are able to zoom in and out, distinguishing main issues from details. You can recognize potential organizational sensitivities and adapt your approach accordingly.
• You enjoy bringing groups of people together and setting up new initiatives.
• You are a networker by nature who enjoys using your technical background to make technology accessible to a broader audience and to promote and sustain awareness of the importance of open hardware.
• Fluent in Dutch and English.

TU Delft as an employer

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

University Corporate Office – Electrical and Mechanical Support Division

The Electrical and Mechanical Support Division (DEMO) contributes to TU Delft’s educational and research activities by developing, manufacturing and maintaining unique experimental apparatuses, prototypes and instruments. Whenever possible and desired, the service translates scientific problems into useful products.

Working for DEMO means being part of a scientific environment and therefore involved with new developments, innovations and scientific themes. DEMO employs approximately 80 staff at several locations at the university and offers a professional and exceptionally well equipped work environment.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel to help prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by candidates, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.