Research Engineer Thermoplastic Composite Processing

Based at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus, the department Materials Solutions of TNO performs programmatic industrial application driven research in the field of polymeric materials that will provide solutions for the societal challenges of tomorrow. In our work we develop prototypes to demonstrate the feasibility of new technology concepts. To emphasize the strong relationship with the ecosystem at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus we operate under the brand name Brightlands Materials Center.

Our ambition is to play a guiding, orchestrating role in the development of breakthrough material solutions that create impact in both industry and society.

As Research Engineer Thermoplastic Composites Processing you will be involved in applied research and technology development in the field of thermoplastic composites, including the recycling of thermoplastic composites and the use of innovative processing technologies (for example additive manufacturing) for these materials. In particular, you will work on mechanical recycling of thermoplastic composites. You will contribute to the development of new technologies, execute recycling trials at different processing conditions, prepare test samples and demonstrator parts, and perform material characterization experiments, together with colleagues in a multidisciplinary team. In addition, you might work in additive manufacturing of (continuous) fiber reinforced thermoplastics, developing and executing 3D printing trials, mechanical testing of printed parts, and material characterization experiments.

The developed solutions have to meet the needs of the customers of Brightlands Materials Center, being the major players in the plastics value chain. You are part of the Sustainable Mobility program team and co-responsible for the results of the team. As you work for a research and innovation center, your work will not be standard, but explorative, looking for new solutions.

Your responsibilities include:

• Executing experiments for applied research projects in the field of processing and recycling of thermoplastic composites, including experiments using extrusion or different processing technologies, mechanical and physical characterization.
• Interpretation of experimental results to draw conclusions on the used methods and materials, together with scientists.
• Supporting process method development for new polymers and thermoplastic composites and proposing alternative or optimized processing solutions to meet customer needs.
• Elaborating research results in the form of presentations or (parts of) written project reports.
• Maintaining the operation of our processing and characterization facilities, in contact with equipment suppliers.
• Proactively collaborating with other members of the project team to realize the targeted project results.
• Providing guidance to students in the lab in collaboration with scientists.