Mechatronic Engineer

Vacancy closed

Mechatronic Engineer

BlueHeart Energy Alkmaar

What is required?

  • Completed technical college education
  • Extensive relevant work experience, gained in an organisation with its own R&D
  • Experience with VCA motor control and electrical drawing systems
  • Able to read electrical diagrams (PCB and wiring)
  • Knowledge of electronics and mechanics
  • Knowledge of sensors (pressure, temperature, positioning)
  • Good command of the English language, both verbally and in writing
  • Advisory, convincing, environment-conscious and result-oriented
  • Able and willing to work in a start-up environment, goal oriented and good adaptability

What will you get?

  • €3.500 - €5.000 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?

  • 30% Control design and development
  • 30% Performing safety and functional testing
  • 20% Building test controllers
  • 10% Advising Electronics & Software Architect
  • 10% Defining and manage specifications

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

Ask a question directly

Vacancy

As a Mechatronic Engineer at BlueHeart Energy, you are responsible for designing and developing the control box for both the heat pump and its test control. In consultation with the Research & Development department, you determine the specifications and requirements of the prototypes to be tested. On this basis, you design the control box by making schematic drawings. You determine which controls and sensors are needed for the measurement result and choose which connectors and wiring you need for this.

You will also be responsible for assembling the prototypes, connecting the sensors and ensuring that the test system (including the prototype) meets the required safety standards. You then test the system so that the Research & Development department can carry out performance tests on the prototypes. You have an advisory role to the Electronics & Software Architect on drawing systems and improved test controls, software design and architecture. Finally, you conduct research into new developments in the field of sensors, connectors and test controls that may be of interest to BlueHeart Energy's systems and devices.

You are part of the Electronics, Mechatronics & Software Development (EM&S team). In addition to you, this team consists of an Electronics and Software Architect and a Software Development Engineer. In this role, you report to the Electronics and Software Architect. You will also work in a multifunctional agile team on various projects within BlueHeart Energy. 

If you enjoy being technically involved in both design and development, 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

Mechatronic Engineer

On an enjoyable day, you'll work on electrical wiring schematics and have a productive meeting with the Lab Supervisor. You end the day with a nice drink with colleagues.

On a less enjoyable day, the specifications for a schematic diagram turn out to have changed after all, so you have to start designing the schematic diagram all over again. This makes you feel less satisfied.

  • 07:00
  • 08:00
  • 09:00
  • 10:00
  • 11:00
  • 12:00
  • 13:00
  • 14:00
  • 15:00
  • 16:00
  • 17:00
  • 18:00
    • Daily stand-up
    • Lunch
    • Registering and managing specifications
    • Making schematic drawings
    • Registering and managing specifications
    • Making schematic drawings
    • Advising Electronics and Software Architect
    • Daily stand-up
    • Lunch
    • Designing and developing test controller
    • Consultation with Lab Supervisor
    • Ordering hardware
    • Ordering hardware
    • Developing test controller
    • Daily stand-up
    • Designing and developing test controller
    • Administration
    • Building test controller
    • Advising Electronics and Software Architect
    • Ordering hardware

Firsthand experience

A test controller is needed to test a prototype. What do you do?

When you get a question like this, start by mapping out the requirements. What are the specific features of the prototype and what exactly needs to be tested? Based on this, you design the test control box and determine the sensors needed for the desired measurement result. Then you determine exactly which connectors and wiring are needed. You build the control box and make sure the wiring is connected. You build the sensors into the prototype, disassembling and reassembling the prototype. You ensure that the test system meets the required safety standards and test the complete system, allowing the Research & Development Department to conduct performance testing of the prototype.

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.

Mechatronic 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.

  • 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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