R&D Project Lead
Vacancy: R&D Project Lead
Weert, the Netherlands | Full-time (40 hours per week)
About Solarge
Solarge is an innovative scale-up specialising in the development and manufacture of sustainable, lightweight solar energy solutions. Our technology enables solar panels that are not only more sustainable and circular, but also suitable for applications where traditional panels are too heavy.
Our mission is to accelerate the energy transition by making solar energy more accessible, efficient and environmentally responsible. We combine advanced materials, scalable manufacturing processes and a strong commitment to sustainability to create next-generation solar solutions.
At Solarge, you will join an ambitious and hands-on team where innovation, entrepreneurship and impact go hand in hand.
About the role
We are looking for a hands-on and driven R&D Project Lead to join our growing Research & Development team. In this role, you will play a key part in the development and industrialisation of Solarge’s technology. You will lead R&D projects from concept through to validation and contribute directly to the optimisation of our products and manufacturing processes.
Working closely with the R&D Manager, you will operate with a high degree of independence in a dynamic environment where initiative and a sense of ownership are highly valued.
Key responsibilities
R&D Project Delivery
- Lead and carry out R&D projects from concept through to validation
- Design and conduct experiments (DOE) to develop and optimise materials and processes
- Analyse experimental data, draw conclusions, and translate findings into actionable recommendations
- Manage project timelines, deliverables and reporting
Process Development & Optimisation
- Develop, validate and optimise manufacturing processes for new and existing products
- Define, monitor and improve key process parameters and performance metrics
- Create and maintain process documentation, including work instructions and standard operating procedures
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the R&D and manufacturing workflow
Product Qualification and Certification
- Contribute to product qualification activities, including reliability testing and material evaluation
- Coordinate testing activities with external laboratories and certification bodies
- Support certification documentation and regulatory compliance initiatives
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with the Quality, Production and Engineering teams
- Collaborate with external suppliers, technology partners and research institutes
- Contribute to grant and funding applications, including the WBSO, TKI and Horizon Europe programmes
What you bring
Required Qualifications
- MSc degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
- At least 3 years’ experience in process development, R&D or manufacturing engineering
- Experience in photovoltaics, thin-film technologies, or related industries such as semiconductors, composites or coatings
- Practical experience with Design of Experiments (DOE), process validation and data analysis
- Proven ability to lead technical projects independently from start to finish
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- A practical, solution-oriented approach with a focus on results
Nice to have
- Knowledge of IEC certification standards or other product safety certification processes
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies
- Familiarity with R&D funding and grant schemes such as WBSO, TKI or Horizon Europe
- PhD in a relevant technical field (regarded as an advantage, not a requirement)
Who you are
We are looking for someone who is:
- Autonomous and proactive – takes the initiative to tackle problems without waiting for instructions
- Feels at home working in a small company where roles overlap and flexibility is essential
- Brings structure to work without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
- An effective communicator who can collaborate across disciplines
- Industry-focused – has worked in environments where results are measured by products, not academic papers
What we offer
- The opportunity to contribute directly to the energy transition through innovative solar technology
- A key role within a fast-growing and ambitious scale-up
- A high degree of autonomy, responsibility and influence
- A collaborative, informal and entrepreneurial working environment
- Competitive salary and attractive fringe benefits
- The opportunity to work with cutting-edge materials and manufacturing technologies that are shaping the future of solar energy
- Salary range: €4,500–€6,500 per month
Ready to make a difference to the energy transition?
Apply now using the form below.R&D Project Lead
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