R&D Controls Engineer in Intelligent Construction Robotics

As a top European research centre, VITO, with 1,300 employees, translates scientific insights into groundbreaking technological innovations, AI solutions and policy advice. 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 an interdisciplinary team dedicated to advancing sustainable construction. Our primary objective is to develop next generation building envelope systems for new build and renovation, supported by innovative design methodologies, robotics, and automated construction solutions. We coordinate and lead high-impact European projects, such as SOLMATE, oPEN Lab, and RENOMOZE, where we develop autonomous construction robotics and innovate building envelope prefabrication in building renovation. Our team is equipped with the THOREAQ lab facility, including real-scale twin buildings for A-B testing of novel construction processes and components, a robotic workshop for system development and prototyping, and an outdoor construction lab for demonstration and implementation. CRIB’s active involvement in both EU- and Flemish-funded R&I projects, and strategic collaborations with industry partners, contributes to a more climate-resilient construction industry, affordability and shift towards a circular economy in the built environment.

To accelerate our ambitious goals, we are looking for an R&D Controls Engineer in Intelligent Construction Robotics to join our interdisciplinary team.

Are you a robotics engineer or researcher who thrives in interdisciplinary teams and is driven to turn ideas into real-world impact? You enjoy working hands-on with robotic systems, contributing to scientific breakthroughs, and shaping the future of construction? Then join us at VITO to build a sustainable future!

Your role

• As R&D expert you will initiate and lead pioneering research projects in areas such as in-situ construction robotics, automation of offsite construction processes, human-robot collaboration, multi-robot systems, task and motion planning for mobile manipulators, machine and imitation learning, and distributed construction robotics.

• Develop and implement advanced control algorithms for construction robotics

• Collaborate with a team of mechanical, electrical, software, and building engineers on integrated system design

• Contribute with your expertise in writing research proposals in the field of construction robotics and automation.

• Lead, initiate, and collaborate in national and international consortia working on applied research projects with low to high TRL (3-8).

• Develop systems with real impact on the construction sector, contributing to an increased worker safety and resource efficiency.

• Disseminate the work in international conferences, high-ranking academic journals, and contribute to IP for patent applications.

• Doctoral Degree, or a master’s degree with 5 years relevant industry experience, in Robotic Control Engineering or Mechatronics with a focus on controls.

• Expertise in controls theory, machine learning, task & motion planning, and robot perception.

• Stack & Tools:

  • Frameworks: ROS

  • Programming: Python and/or C++

  • Bonus: Experience with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino) and end-effector design for robotic assembly tasks is a plus.

• A track record of research and publications related to the job description is an asset.

• Excellent project management and organizational skills and striving to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

• Proactive and communicative, contributing to a supportive and engaging team culture.

• Fluent in English. Knowledge of Dutch or other EU languages is a plus.

Offer

• We work 'activity-based', our activities bring us to our location. The team’s core location is in EnergyVille, Genk. Hybrid work arrangements or working in a satellite office in Berchem, Leuven, Gent, Ostend or Mol is possible.

• You will be part of a growing research organization with an international reputation, known for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific based advice.

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

• A portfolio of ongoing international research projects on automation and construction robotics.

• A competitive salary supplemented with various extra-legal benefits including allowances, insurances and a modular holiday package.

• Innovation is our most important asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to learn and further develop themselves both on the job and through training.

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

• 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.