Mechatronic Systems Engineer – Motion Control & Automation

About the Role

We are looking for an engineer who enjoys working at the boundary between software, controls, emulation and mechatronics.

You will work directly on a complex automated sorting system consisting of mechanical, electrical and software components. Your work will not stop at writing code. You will be involved in understanding how hardware components, drives, sensors, actuators and control software interact as an integrated system.

Together with software, controls, mechanical and system engineers, you will help improve product functionality, engineering efficiency, testability and product quality.

What You Do

• Develop and optimize multi-axis motion control loops, feedback/feedforward mechanisms, and PID tuning to maximize high-speed system throughput.
• Create dynamic models in MATLAB, Simulink, and StateFlow to simulate parcel dynamics, throughput capacity, and physical system constraints.
• Select, commission, and test advanced servo drives, industrial motors, sensors, and embedded controllers (e.g., Cortex-M, STM32).
• Design, configure, and troubleshoot real-time communication interfaces utilizing CANbus protocols (CANopen), CIP, and Ethernet/IP.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues, including vibrations, tracking errors, bus latencies, and physical bottlenecks in prototype and production systems.
• Travel occasionally to manufacturing facilities and project sites to support, evaluate processes, and design improvements.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Systems and Control, Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a comparable technical field.
• Expert proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink (including Coder) and Python for data analysis, with strong skills in C++.
• Hands-on experience with packet analysis tools, distributed network architectures, and commissioning embedded multi-axis systems.
• Solid background in logistics automation, sorting machinery, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), or high-density shuttle storage systems.
• An excellent "helicopter view"—capable of high-level systemic thinking while remaining comfortable diving deep into technical code, frequency domain analysis, and system logs.
• A natural people manager who can influence stakeholders, manage development risks, align engineering teams, and communicate fluently in English.

What we offer

In this challenging and responsible position, you will have the chance to make a significant contribution to industry-leading projects and be connected to our dedicated people and customers. We offer a position in an informal, international and professional working environment with a lot of scope for personal development. By joining our profitable and growing company you will be able to reach your goals and focus on your future.

• 40 vacation days (20 statutory days and a flexible budget worth 20 days).
• Flexible working hours.
• A hybrid workplace (40% working from home and 60% in the office).
• A Health & Wellbeing budget worth €300,- per calendar year.
• Commuting allowance, including full reimbursement of travel by public transport.
• Working from home allowance.
• Collective pension scheme and discount on additional health insurance.
• On-site company health centres with a gym, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
• Vanderlande Academy and training facilities to boost your skills.
• A variety in Vanderlande Network communities and initiatives.
• And a great company restaurant and coffee bar with barista.