Senior R&D Engineer – Electrical

Job Title

Senior R&D Engineer – Electrical

Job Description

Our company

Vanderlande is the global market leader in future‑proof logistic process automation for airports—serving major hubs such as London Heathrow and Singapore Changi—and for leading parcel operators including UPS and FedEx. We are also a trusted partner for some of the world’s largest warehouse operations, including Amazon and Walmart, delivering seamlessly integrated systems, intelligent software, and comprehensive life‑cycle services.

Although technology drives our solutions, it is our people who truly make the difference. We value individuals who are dedicated, customer‑focused, and committed to continuous learning throughout their careers. At Vanderlande, we empower our employees with the right knowledge, tools, and support to achieve their professional ambitions and excel in a dynamic global environment.

Your department

Case & Tote Equipment Development operates as an extension of the Distribution Development Domain in the Netherlands. The department plays a pivotal role in Vanderlande’s ongoing investment in innovative product development and advanced technologies. Our focus is on strengthening our market position and differentiating our equipment portfolio within the material‑handling automation industry. Through collaboration, engineering excellence, and a passion for innovation, we contribute to delivering robust, scalable, and future‑ready solutions for our global customers.

Your Role

As a Senior Electrical Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and validating electro-mechanical modules and subsystems that form part of integrated equipment solutions. You will apply advanced engineering principles to solve complex technical challenges, guide junior engineers, and ensure all electrical designs meet required performance, safety, and regulatory standards. This role requires strong collaboration with cross‑functional teams—including mechanical engineering, PLC/software, supply chain, service, and manufacturing—to deliver innovative, reliable, and production‑ready products.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent, with 10–12+ years of relevant industry experience.

• Demonstrated leadership in electrical system design, component selection, and product development, with a proven track record of innovation and successful project delivery.

• Experience with conveying systems, industrial automation, or material handling equipment is highly advantageous.

• Proficient in electrical safety standards such as IEC/EN/NEC, and experienced in UL & CE compliance, and control panel design standards.

• Advanced-level proficiency in electrical CAD/CAE tools such as EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, or Zuken Electrical.

• Familiarity with Agile methodologies (SCRUM or SAFe).

Core Responsibilities

• Translate complex customer requirements into clear functional and technical electrical specifications.

• Lead and contribute to the selection of electrical components, including sensors, drives, motors, control panels, communication network and power distribution systems to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

• Create detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, BOMs, and engineering documentation using electrical CAD tools.

• Manage product development and maintenance activities, ensuring on‑time delivery, budget alignment, and adherence to quality standards.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration of electrical, mechanical, and PLC/software components.

• Prepare and deliver development progress reports and technical presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

• Lead prototyping, testing, and validation of electrical systems, ensuring compliance with design intent and regulatory requirements.

• Analyze test results, identify improvement opportunities, and recommend design optimizations; work with service, supply chain, and manufacturing to improve system reliability, cost efficiency, and manufacturability.

• Ensure all designs comply with key safety and regulatory frameworks, including Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), ISO 12100 (risk assessment), CE requirements for mechanical assemblies, ISO 13849 safety categories/PL levels, and motion‑safety requirements for motorized systems.

• Develop and maintain regional electrical network and power architectures, ensuring compliance with global standards including: North America (NA): NEC, UL, Europe (EU) :IEC/EN standards

• Strong working knowledge of industrial Fieldbus and communication protocols, including PROFIBUS / PROFINET, EtherCAT, DeviceNet/EtherNet‑IP, and AS‑i Bus.

• Experience designing control cabinets, low‑voltage power distribution systems, and working with PLCs for automation and safety functions.

• Drive innovation through adoption of new electrical technologies, energy‑efficient solutions, and sustainability‑focused design practices.

• Mentor and support peers and junior engineers by providing technical guidance and hands‑on coaching.

• Foster a strong collaborative culture and work across teams to resolve electrical integration challenges.

• Ensure all designs comply with internal design rules, industry standards, and global regulatory requirements.

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation for designs, changes, testing, and verification activities.

• Contribute to continuous improvement through best practices, root‑cause analysis, and process optimization.

Desired Attributes:

• Strong leadership capability with experience mentoring and developing others.

• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills in complex electrical systems.

• Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.

• High attention to detail and strong commitment to electrical safety and engineering excellence.

• Ability to thrive under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.

• Proactive, collaborative, and self‑motivated work style.

• Commitment to continuous learning and keeping up with emerging electrical technologies, automation trends, and industry standards.