Technical Support / Expert Electronics and Embedded Software (1.0 FTE)

Introduction

Do you thrive on solving complex prototyping challenges? Bring your electronics & embedded software expertise to a multidisciplinary design research lab where you build, debug and iterate with researchers and students, turning ambitious ideas into working interactive prototypes.

Job Description

We want to grow the technical support team and we are looking for a practical expert to support students and researchers in developing interactive prototypes - from wearables and connected devices to data-driven installations. Your role is to bridge electronics, embedded software, and physical prototyping, ensuring projects are technically sound and safe, well-documented, and aligned with design goals.

You’ll work in the d.search Lab, a hands-on environment where ideas and concepts become fully working prototypes. Your focus will be on consulting, supporting hands-on, optimizing, and maintaining systems - while also helping others learn through workshops and one-on-one guidance. You will join a diverse team who is passionate about supporting next level design prototyping, building strong communities of practice, and mentoring young creative technologists.

Key responsibilities

• Advise and support students and researchers with designing, building, and troubleshooting electronics, embedded and connected systems (e.g., sensor networks, wearables, IoT devices).
• Develop and optimize embedded software (C/C++, Python) and integrate hardware-software systems for functional prototypes.
• Document processes and solutions (code, schematics, tutorials) to improve knowledge sharing and enable reproducibility.
• Collaborate with other departments and build connections with external partners (alumni, industry) to expand lab capabilities and expertise.
• Research emerging technologies and translate insights into practical applications, including open-source hardware and software, tool-making and working with cutting-edge research infrastructure.
• Manage lab infrastructure: maintain equipment, stock, and facilities.
• Ensure safety compliance (electrical, data) for prototypes.
• Teach workshops and support courses and challenge-based learning at ID.
  
  

Job Requirements

We are not just looking for a checklist of skills here - we want someone who can bridge electronics, embedded software, and connectivity to make prototypes work. You should have:

• At least an MBO-level degree in a relevant field (e.g., electrical engineering, mechatronics, computer science, embedded systems).
• Maker attitude: You build, test, and iterate.
• Patience for teaching and mentoring: Ability to guide students of all skill levels (from novice to advanced).
• Design affinity: You recognize that technical solutions must align with the practical goals of a prototype.
• Self-driven learner: Actively explore and adopt new technologies, tools, and methods to address novel challenges and expand lab resources.
• Academic affinity: Comfortable in a research-driven university setting.
• Proactive communication: Fluent in English; push back on unrealistic requests but help find alternatives.

Core skills: Electronics

• Circuit design and debugging: Confident with schematics, PCB layout (KiCad/Altium), and signal integrity (noise, power, manufacturability).
• Prototyping and testing: Hands-on experience with soldering, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and safety compliance for prototypes.
• Microcontroller ecosystems: Arduino, ESP32, STM32, or similar platforms - not just plug-and-play, but diving into custom applications.
• Sensor / actuator integration: Experience with analog / digital interfaces (ADC/DAC, I2C, SPI) for wearables, IoT, or interactive systems.

Supporting skills: Software & Data

Strong electronics skills are essential, but these additional skills will make your application to stand out.

• Embedded programming: C/C++ and MicroPython for microcontrollers.
• Connectivity and IoT: Experience with wireless protocols (BLE, Wi-Fi, LoRa) or networked device communication.
• Version control: Git for tracking hardware / software iterations.
• Scripting & data handling: Experience with Python for automation, logging, and prototype control, including CSV, SQL, and data visualization.

Nice-to-have experiences:

• Relevant open-source contributions (e.g. libraries, tools, documentation).
• Self-driven projects demonstrating hands-on learning (e.g., prototypes, tutorials, or experiments).
• Experience teaching technical skills in an engaging way.

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements sufficiently, but the job does excite you, then be sure to respond, we would love to look at your profile.

Conditions of Employment

An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• A monthly salary of minimum €3,708 to maximum €5,538 for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 9-10 collective labour agreementfor Dutch Universities).
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The Department of Industrial Design conducts research on and education in the design of systems with emerging technologies in a social context. We excel at integrating various academic disciplines, including engineering, design, business, and social sciences.

ID Labs

Within the department of Industrial Design, the ID Labs are a network of make and research labs that enable research and education through accessible infrastructure, expert support, and realistic test environments. Across exploration, rapid prototyping, hardware/software development, and high-quality prototype and research-artefact production, the labs help turn ideas into validated prototypes, insights, and impact. You will join a close team of 8 colleagues with diverse expertise, working in a hands-on environment where making is both a core skill and a research practice, embedded in a department community of around 1,000 staff and students.

URL: https://youtu.be/9oZMiuHIkGU

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact the hiring manager Nita Virtala-Wetzels, Head of Labs, n.h.virtala@tue.nl.

For questions about the application process or the conditions of employment, please contact Eleni Tzouvaras, HR Advisor, HRadvice@tue.nl or +31 40 247 3385.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications. Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please note 

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team (staffimmigration@tue.nl) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.