R&D Facade Engineer

As a leading European research centre, VITO brings together more than 1,300 employees to translate scientific insights into technological innovations, AI-driven solutions, and policy advice with real societal impact. Our mission is clear: to create a sustainable and promising future for our world. Join us in making this vision a reality!

The group for Construction Robotics and Innovative Building Envelopes (CRIB) at VITO is dedicated to advancing sustainable and industrialised construction. Our primary objective is to develop next-generation building envelope systems, supported by innovative design methodologies, robotics, and digital construction workflows.

We coordinate and contribute to high-impact Flemish and European R&I projects in industrial renovation and construction innovation, such as RENOMIZE, SOLMATE, oPEN Lab, and FRAIMwork.

Within these projects, we develop innovative prefabricated façade systems, automated construction processes, and robotics solutions for the built environment.

Our team is equipped with the THOREAQ lab infrastructure, which includes real-scale twin buildings for A-B testing of novel construction systems and components, a robotic workshop for system development and prototyping, and an outdoor construction lab for demonstration and implementation.

Through our active involvement in applied R&I projects and strategic collaborations with industrial partners, CRIB contributes to a more climate-resilient, affordable, and circular built environment.

To strengthen our growing activities, we are looking for an R&D Facade Engineer to join our interdisciplinary team.

Are you an engineer, architect, or product developer with an innovation-driven mindset who enjoys working in a technical and interdisciplinary environment? Are you motivated to translate innovative ideas into buildable concepts, prototypes, and real-world applications? Do you enjoy developing and testing next-generation building envelope systems for sustainable and industrialised construction?

Then join us at VITO to build a sustainable future!

Your role

As an R&D Facade Engineer, you will contribute to applied research and innovation projects at the intersection of façade engineering, industrialised renovation, and sustainable construction. Together with colleagues and project partners, you will develop next-generation building envelope systems that combine technical performance, practical viability, and scalable implementation potential aligned with regulatory and evolving market needs.

You will

• Develop innovative façade and building envelope concepts for industrial renovation applications

• Translate technical, regulatory, and performance requirements into robust and feasible design solutions

• Perform technical studies, simulations, and performance assessments related to thermal, hygrothermal, structural, acoustic, and fire-safe façade design

• Design, prototype, and validate innovative façade systems, components, and testing approaches

• Develop strategies for prefabrication, buildability, and industrialised construction workflows

• Collaborate with experts in robotics, automation, sustainability, and digital construction

• Take ownership of technical tasks and deliverables within Flemish and European R&D projects

• Participate in project coordination, technical workshops, demonstrations, and collaborations with industrial and academic partners

• Contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations

• Support the preparation of Flemish and European research proposals

What you bring

• A master’s degree in engineering, architecture, product development, or a related field, ideally combined with at least 3 years of experience in façade engineering or industrial renovation.

• Hands-on involvement in built, prototyped, or experimentally validated projects related to façade systems or innovative construction solutions

• Technical understanding of construction materials, detailing, assembly logic, durability, and long-term performance of building envelope systems

• Familiarity with façade-related standards, regulations, and performance requirements, and their translation into design and engineering decisions

• Proficiency in CAD/BIM, simulation, or parametric design tools such as Revit, Rhino/Grasshopper, WUFI, SCIA and Solibri

• A proactive and hands-on mindset, with an interest in innovation, prototyping, and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Understanding of the Flemish/Belgian construction sector and its regulatory and industrial context; familiarity with the broader European construction landscape is considered an asset

• Fluency in English; knowledge of Dutch or another European language is considered an asset

Bonus Skills

• A portfolio demonstrating relevant façade, building envelope, prototyping, or construction innovation projects

• Experience with prefabrication, digital fabrication, additive manufacturing, or construction robotics

• Experience in multi-objective façade design, integrating thermal, structural, life-cycle, and aesthetic requirements into coordinated design solutions

• Experience in applied research, experimental development, or innovation projects

• Strong communication and coordination skills within interdisciplinary project environments

Offer

• Hybrid work flexibility – Your activities determine your workplace! You’ll primarily work from our EnergyVille Genk office, but remote work and other VITO locations (Antwerp or Leuven) are possible.

• Competitive salary package, including extra-legal benefits such as allowances, insurance, and modular holiday options.

• Innovation is at our core – We invest in training and development, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of the industry.

• We highly value a good work-life balance at VITO. This is achieved by adopting a flexible attitude depending on your specific needs.

• An established national and international network of research and industry partners enabling us to conduct applied research with real impact.

• At VITO, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or cultural identity.

Application deadline

31 May 2026