Mechanical Proto Engineer

The role

As a Mechanical Proto Engineer, you are our specialist in the field of precision mechanics. You form the practical link between a mechanical design and the final realization. You assess existing designs and advise engineers on manufacturability, material selection, tolerances, fits, and machining techniques. Where necessary, you provide support in adjusting and detailing designs.

In our precision mechanics workshop, you independently manufacture accurate parts using conventional milling and turning machines. With these parts, you build, modify, and optimize prototypes, FUMO/PROTO setups, and complex test setups for ESI and research questions.

• Assessing parts and assemblies for manufacturability and applicability
• Advising on materials, tolerances, fits, and machining techniques
• Supporting the adjustment and detailing of existing designs
• Independently performing conventional milling, turning, drilling, and finishing
• Realizing and optimizing prototypes and complex test setups
• Supporting ESI issues and FUMO/PROTO activities
• Assembling, adjusting, and functionally testing mechanical setups
• Solving practical mechanical problems during construction and testing activities
• Recording relevant changes and technical findings

Your strength

• You have a technical education in Precision Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, or similar
• You have experience with conventional milling and turning
• You can read and assess technical drawings
• You have knowledge of materials, tolerances, fits, and measuring instruments
• You have experience with 3D-CAD, for example Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or similar
• You can assess designs and translate them into practically manufacturable solutions
• Experience with prototype construction or working in a high-tech, R&D, or mechanical engineering environment is a plus

• You combine technical insight with practical skill
• You quickly see where a design can be made better or more easily manufacturable
• You work independently, accurately, and with a focus on quality
• You switch easily between design review, fabrication, assembly, and testing
• You enjoy collaborating with engineers, researchers, and technicians
• You are communicatively skilled in Dutch and English

The strength of VDL

• A versatile role within precision mechanics, prototyping, and test development
• Plenty of variety between design support and practical work
• The opportunity to personally convert technical ideas into working solutions
• Collaboration with specialists from various technical disciplines
• Room for professional and personal development
• A professional, informal working atmosphere with short lines

Ready to challenge yourself?

Has your interest been piqued and do you meet the profile? Then we would love to receive your CV and motivation for this vacancy! Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.