Key Skills

Job Description

About our client Our client is a global biotechnology leader dedicated to developing innovative medicines that help improve the lives of patients worldwide. Its advanced manufacturing facility in Breda plays a vital role in the production, packaging and distribution of life-saving medicines. Operating in a highly regulated, fast-paced environment, the site combines advanced packaging technologies, automated production lines and strict quality standards. Engineering and maintenance teams work closely together to ensure equipment reliability, operational excellence and continuous improvement. About the position We are looking for an experienced Senior Engineer in Mechatronics to strengthen the engineering team at a high-tech pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Breda. In this role, you will be the technical expert for critical packaging equipment, focusing primarily on second-line support, complex troubleshooting and improving equipment uptime. You will work closely with technicians, manufacturing, automation, quality and other engineering specialists to resolve recurring technical issues and prevent future downtime. This is a hands-on engineering position for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, taking ownership of technical improvements and sharing their expertise with others. Alongside operational support, you will contribute to equipment upgrades, engineering projects and continuous improvement initiatives. Responsibilities Provide second-line technical support to shopfloor technicians, resolving complex issues involving mechanical, electrical and automation systems. Troubleshoot critical packaging equipment, including identifying root causes of recurring failures and production interruptions. Lead structured investigations and implement sustainable corrective and preventive solutions to improve equipment reliability and uptime. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on technical performance, maintenance effectiveness and operational efficiency. Act as the technical system owner for assigned packaging equipment, ensuring performance and reliability throughout its lifecycle. Support the introduction of new equipment, product upgrades and engineering modifications. Plan and execute engineering and maintenance activities, including testing, technical evaluations and documentation. Develop and maintain technical protocols, assessments and reports. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Automation, Validation, Quality, Supply Chain and external equipment suppliers. Provide technical guidance and coaching to maintenance technicians, helping strengthen the team's troubleshooting capabilities. Participate in on-call support when required to maintain the reliability of 24/7 production operations. Requirements Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience. At least 7 years of relevant engineering experience, including a minimum of 5 years in manufacturing or operations. Strong hands-on troubleshooting experience with complex packaging or production equipment in a regulated manufacturing environment. Solid mechatronics knowledge across mechanical, electrical and automation systems. A specialist background in one discipline is welcome, provided you can troubleshoot across all three. Proven experience with second-line technical support, root cause analysis and structured problem-solving. Demonstrated ability to identify, lead and implement technical improvements that enhance equipment performance and reliability. Experience with system ownership, maintenance optimisation or continuous improvement methodologies. GMP experience is strongly preferred, ideally within pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to lead cross-functional investigations and improvement initiatives. Ability to coach and support technicians while working effectively in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Basic Dutch is preferred. Willingness to work fully on-site in Breda, and participate in on-call support.

Core Responsibilities

Provide second-line technical support and troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, and automation issues affecting critical packaging equipment. Lead investigations and reliability improvements, own assigned equipment systems, support upgrades and engineering projects, and coach maintenance technicians.

Requirements

A bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent practical experience, and at least seven years of relevant engineering experience are required, including at least five years in manufacturing or operations. Candidates should have hands-on experience with complex equipment in regulated manufacturing, strong mechatronics and problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead improvements and support technicians; GMP experience is preferred, as are basic Dutch skills.