R&D Engineer – Mechanical
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 Mechanical Engineer, you will take a leading role in designing, developing, and validating mechanical modules that form part of integrated equipment solutions. You will apply advanced engineering principles to solve complex challenges, and ensure that all mechanical designs meet performance, safety, manufacturability, and regulatory requirements.
This role demands proactive collaboration across mechanical, electrical, PLC software, supply chain, service, and manufacturing teams to deliver innovative, production-ready products.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent,.
8-10+ years of relevant industry experience in mechanical design and product development
Solid track record of leading design cycles from concept to production
Experience in material‑handling or conveying systems is a strong advantage.
Proficiency in FMEA, FEA, CE compliance, and mechanical design standards.
Advanced CAD expertise in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA.
Working knowledge of Agile methodologies (SCRUM / SAFe).
Core Responsibilities
Translate complex functional and customer requirements into clear design specifications.
Lead mechanical component/assembly selection ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and cost.
Develop high‑quality CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
Perform engineering calculations, FEA assessments, and design validation reviews.
Manage product development and maintenance projects, ensuring on-time and high-quality delivery.
Collaborate closely with electrical, PLC software, supply chain, manufacturing, and service teams for seamless integration.
Present design concepts, technical findings, and project progress to internal and external stakeholders.
Lead prototyping activities and ensure testing aligns with design intent and performance targets.
Analyze test outcomes, drive corrective actions, and recommend design improvements.
Support manufacturing and service teams in optimizing designs for production, quality, and lifecycle performance.
Drive adoption of new materials, technologies, and sustainability-focused practices.
Support continuous improvement initiatives through root-cause analysis and best‑practice implementation.
Maintain complete documentation for designs, changes, testing, and verification.
Participate in technical discussions and help resolve complex design challenges.
Desired Attributes:
Strong leadership capability with experience mentoring and developing others.
Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Clear, confident communication with the ability to explain technical concepts at all levels.
High attention to detail, quality-driven mindset, and commitment to design excellence.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a dynamic engineering environment.
Proactive, collaborative, and self-motivated with a passion for innovation and learning.
Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports and parcel sectors. Its extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realisation of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology.
The company focuses on the optimisation of its customers’ business processes and competitive positions. Through close cooperation, it strives for the improvement of their operational activities and the expansion of their logistical achievements.
Established in 1949, Vanderlande has more than 11,000 employees and a turnover of 2.3 billion euros.
Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) acquired Vanderlande in 2017 to cement its global leading position within material handling. It aims to achieve this by increasing its presence in all integrated and automated projects, and capitalising on the synergies between the organisations and the added value they offer to the market.
TICO therefore launched the Toyota Automated Logistics Group (TALG), which consists of Toyota L&F, Bastian Solutions, Vanderlande and viastore. TALG is a global partner for integrated logistic process automation, with its group companies collaborating under the guiding principle: for every challenge, a reliable solution.
In May 2025, Vanderlande completed the acquisition of Siemens Logistics' operations outside the USA and in doing so welcomed more than 2,000 new employees. The acquisition supports the company’s strategic ambition to accelerate its growth in automated logistics, particularly strengthening its capacity to deliver baggage, cargo and digital airport solutions.
