R&D Test Engineer

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Vacancy closed

R&D Test Engineer

BlueHeart Energy Alkmaar

What is required?

  • Hbo / Bsc. Mechanical engineering / Mechatronics
  • 5-10 years’ relevant work experience
  • Good command of the English language, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to think, apply and organise technically
  • Independent and responsible
  • Able and willing to work in a start-up environment, goal oriented and good adaptability

What will you get?

  • €3.500 - €6.000 gross p/m (depending on knowledge and experience)
  • 40-hour working week
  • 25 vacation days
  • Training opportunities
  • Company Phantom shares, laptop and SIM card EU+USA
  • Pension scheme

What will you do?

  • 20% Performing functional testing
  • 20% Assembling and disassembling prototypes
  • 20% Building test rigs
  • 10% Planning test activities
  • 10% Supervising performance testing
  • 10% Ensuring correct equipment in the labs
  • 10% Ensuring safety in the labs

This vacancy has been created based on interviews with employees to help you get a realistic preview of the job.

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HR

Vacancy

As the R&D Test Engineer at BlueHeart Energy, you will be responsible for planning and carrying out work related to prototype heat pump testing. You coordinate all testing activities and ensure that the right equipment is present in the lab. You are also responsible for maintaining the lab organization and ensuring everyone follows safety protocols.

Your responsibilities include designing and fabricating test equipment for electrical, mechanical, and thermal systems. You conduct functional tests on prototype hardware and oversee performance tests carried out by others on the R&D and engineering teams. You also assist in assembling and disassembling prototypes in order to test new configurations and help in the root cause analysis of failures.

You are part of the Research & Development team, which consists of six Research & Development Engineers in addition to you. The team is managed by the Research & Development Manager who is also your supervisor. You also work in a multifunctional agile team on various projects within BlueHeart Energy.

If you enjoy being responsible for both planning and running tests, and find it challenging to do so within an organisation where there is a lot of change, then this is a job for you.

Working week

R&D Test Engineer

On an enjoyable workday, you complete test planning and perform a successful functional test together with the Mechatronic Engineer. You end the day with a nice drink with colleagues.

On a less enjoyable day, a lot of unexpected work comes your way, forcing you to postpone certain tests to another time. This makes you feel less content.
  • 08:00
  • 09:00
  • 10:00
  • 11:00
  • 12:00
  • 13:00
  • 14:00
  • 15:00
  • 16:00
  • 17:00
  • 18:00
    • Lunch
    • Daily stand-up
    • Planning test activities
    • Placing proper equipment in lab
    • Building test setups
    • Performing functional tests
    • Consultation with Mechatronics Engineer
    • Lunch
    • Daily stand-up
    • Sprint completion
    • Planning test activities
    • Disassembling prototype
    • Assembling prototype
    • Performing functional tests
    • Lunch
    • Daily stand-up
    • Placing proper equipment in lab
    • Building test setups
    • Supervising performance testing
    • Performing functional tests
    • Consultation with R&D Engineer
    • Lunch
    • Company meeting
    • Drinks
    • Daily stand-up
    • Assembling prototype
    • Placing proper equipment in lab
    • Building test setups
    • Lunch
    • Daily stand-up
    • One-to-one with manager
    • Teambuilding
    • Planning test activities
    • Administration
    • Supervising performance testing
    • Building test setups

Firsthand experience

A test setup is needed for a motor drive. How do you proceed?

First of all, you collect the requirements together with the Mechatronics Engineer so that it is clear what needs to be done. You see when there is time in the schedule to build the test stand, to test it and when the Research & Development department would be able to carry out performance tests. After this inventory, you order the equipment needed for the test environment. Once all parts are in, you mechanically assemble the test setup. In collaboration with the Mechatronics Engineer, you complete the entire set-up, including the control cabinet, cabling and sensors. You prepare, plan and then carry out the functional and safety tests. This way, the Research & Development department can test the set-up including the motor drive. You supervise personal safety during this work. If adjustments are needed to the test setup or motor drive during testing, you coordinate these adjustments in consultation with the Mechatronics Engineer and, if the work is mechanical, you carry it out yourself.

Growth

The career growth path at Blue Heart Energy is not fixed. The company expects to grow fast in the coming years, generating opportunities for all those who are ready to assume new responsibilities. BHE supports training and courses, and sharing knowledge is very important among employees. The main advantage of the start up and scale up phase is that self-initiative is really appreciated, and you can create your own job. As Blue Heart Energy grows, you grow along with them.

R&D Test Engineer

Working at BlueHeart Energy

BlueHeart Energy was founded in 2016 to apply thermoacoustics as a technology in heat pumps. Thermoacoustics is a disruptive approach to generate heat and cold, with potential to revolutionize the whole industry. Over the past seven years, BHE has developed a thermoacoustic engine to power heat pumps in residential buildings. This so called 'Blue Heart' of a heat pump is sold to manufacturers. In the coming years, the 'Blue Heart' will have to be further developed and optimized. Besides this, we will set up our production facility, strengthen the relationships with our customers (Manufacturers of heat pumps) and set up pilot projects in houses and monitor these.

View company profile of BlueHeart Energy
  • Headquarters in Alkmaar
  • 33 employees
  • Active in more than 10 countries
  • 20% / 80%
  • Average age 38 years
  • Casual
  • Hybrid working

Colleagues

Alireza Moradi (28) - Project engineer in R&D department

Why did you decide to work for this company?
Before this, I studied thermoacoustics during my master and PhD program and I was always eager to combine thermoacoustics with an environmentally friendly system. I came across Blue Hear energy's website during my research period and I was an immediate fan. When Michiel pitched all his ideas to me, I only thought about one thing:when can I start?

What was your previous job?
Before joining Blue Heart Energy company, I was busy with PhD program at Tarbiat Modares University besides doing some research for aerospace institute.

What do you do in your spare time?
Playing football, inline skating and of course still working on PhD.

Michiel Hartman (52) - CEO

Why did you decide to work for this company?
I founded Blue Heart because sustainable heating and cooling is one of the biggest challenges in the energy transition. Thermoacoustics is one of the game changers to make this possible. A complex technique with great impact which requires a great team with various specialties. Building Blue Heart on all these aspects is my big motivator.

What was your previous job?
Founder of QWIC electric bicycles and president of the Branch Association of Electric Transport. I was also temporary Project Manager of large heat projects in The Netherlands.

What do you do in your spare time?
Tennis, skiing, family, outdoor sports (workouts and water sports).

Myrthe Kuijf (27) - Research Engineer

Why did you decide to work for this company?
I started working at BlueHeart through my traineeship at Talent for Transition. I studied technical physics and I want to use my knowledge to contribute to the energy transition. At BlueHeart, I have the opportunity to do this as part of a team.

What did you study?
Student Technical Physics

What do you do in your spare time?
Reading and propagating plants

Roelof Schuitema (49) - Technical Sales Manager

Why did you decide to work for this company?
I was involved in multiple renewable energy projects including Blue Heart Energy's heat pump. When the project spun off into a startup, I seized the opportunity to work full time at Blue Heart. My work brings innovation, development and the application of sustainable technology together, with the entire company operating as a team. That's the ideal working environment for me, and that's what makes working at Blue Heart so great.

What was your previous job?
Operationeel manager at Teamwork Technology.

What do you do in your spare time?
Hiking, camping en spending time with my kids.

Haico Halbesma (53) - Chief Financial Officer

Why did you decide to work for this company?
Blue Heart's Energy goal to green the built environment in terms of heating and cooling appealed to me greatly. This combined with the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team on the complex challenge of applying this clean solution widely, bringing it to the market on a large scale and getting it produced in the Netherlands.

What was your previous job?
Director.

What do you do in your spare time?
Sailing.

Adam Zeman (24) - R&D Intern

Why did you decide to work for this company?
I was introduced to the field of thermoacoustic during one of the university lectures and got instantly hooked. Since we were required to do a mandatory internship as a part of our studies, I instantly knew where to look. Blue Heart Energy was the company that caught my attention from the very beginning due to the range of possible hands-on topics that I could work on.

What was your previous job?
Mechanical Trainee

What do you do in your spare time?
Sports (fencing, climbing, ...), Reading, Board Games

Roel Verhagen (43) - Lead Designer

Why did you decide to work for this company?
I chose to work at Blue Heart Energy because I sought to make a tangible impact in my work. The company's startup environment provides an opportunity to contribute to the development of a truly innovative product at the intersection of science, product development, and mass production. Working in a diverse team where roles are flexible keeps the work engaging and dynamic.

What was your previous job?
Product Developer

What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy engaging in active activities with my children, as well as attending festivals, independent films, and theater performances.

Application process

First interview (by phone)
Personal interview + requirements
Deepdive on knowledge
You've got the job!

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