About this role
Be part of something bigger!
As the world and the way people live is changing, we at Bekaert believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to finding new solutions for the future. With a 140+ year old heritage of excellence, innovation, and a future-focused mindset, we strive to create value for our customers and society. We aim to do this through innovative solutions and sustainable practices. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of steel wire transformation and coatings whilst also leveraging our expertise to develop innovative solutions with new materials and services in a safe, smart, and sustainable way. Our focus extends to markets such as new mobility, low-carbon construction, and green energy.
As a dynamic and growing company with over 19 000 employees worldwide, 75 nationalities, a retention rate above 90% and € 3,7 billion in combined revenue in 2025, we are looking for someone like you to join our team as we continue to shape a safer, more efficient, and connected world!
Purpose and Mission
BITC Laboratory Technical Leadership, Operations & Capability Development
- BITC Laboratory comprises Static & Fatigue Testing, Adhesion Testing, Material Characterization and Tyre Forensic Analysis capabilities supporting product development, customer requirements and technical problem solving across steel cords, filaments, tyre components and other technical samples.
- The role provides technical leadership for laboratory operations and capability development, ensuring timely and reliable testing, sound interpretation of results and technically robust conclusions. The position is responsible for building laboratory expertise, developing and improving test methods, identifying trends and failure mechanisms, and strengthening laboratory capabilities to support product and technology development. The role also develops team capability and ensures high standards of safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Key Activities and Responsibilities
Lab Management & QMS Implementation
- Develop and communicate the laboratory strategic roadmap, including capability development, infrastructure and investment priorities, and future growth requirements.
- Establish, implement and maintain laboratory processes in line with the Quality Management System (QMS) and Environmental Management System (EMS) requirements.
- Contribute to BITC and laboratory scorecards by ensuring reliable, timely and high-quality test delivery, while building the pipeline of future testing and capability requirements.
- Analyze and interpret laboratory test results, correlate findings with material/product behavior and failure mechanisms, and provide technically sound conclusions and recommendations for product development and problem solving.
- Drive continuous improvement in laboratory processes, methods and performance using structured approaches such as PDCA and Six Sigma.
- Plan and execute laboratory audits and MRMs, ensuring timely closure of actions and compliance with quality standards.
- Build team competency through training, knowledge sharing and performance dialogues, fostering a culture of safety, quality, collaboration and technical excellence.
- Oversee equipment calibration and verification, and drive the development, validation and standardization of test methods.
Product & Application Technical Expertise
- Develop and strengthen technical knowledge of steel cord applications in tyres, including product performance and application requirements.
- Contribute to technical and innovation projects that generate insights for new product and technology development, while independently leading assigned sub-projects from planning through execution.
- Support customer projects by developing relevant testing capabilities and new test methods, translating customer requirements into robust technical approaches and actionable test results.
Core Expertise & Lab Projects
- Develop and maintain specialized technical expertise in Mechanical Testing, Adhesion Testing, Material Characterization, and Tyre Forensics establishing these as core laboratory competencies.
- Build in-depth knowledge in selected technical domains through literature reviews, market and technology research, technical conferences and engagement with external technical networks.
- Independently lead assigned sub-projects related to technical development, problem solving, core laboratory expertise and test method development, from planning and execution through analysis and technical conclusions.
Essential Skills & Competencies
Must Have
- Master’s degree in Engineering, preferably in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
- Minimum 5 years of experience in an R&D environment, with demonstrated expertise in laboratory testing and capability development
- Strong logical, analytical and data interpretation skills
- Structured and systematic approach to technical problem solving
- Good command of English, both written and spoken
- Strong sense of ownership and responsibility, with the ability to work independently and effectively within a team
- Strong interest in technical investigation, experimentation and research-oriented work
Prefer to have
- Experience in laboratory management, technical team supervision and capability building
- Strong knowledge of mechanical testing and fundamental principles of mechanics
- Experience in developing or improving testing methods, processes and laboratory capabilities
- Broad technical interests and willingness to explore emerging testing techniques and technologies
Authorization
- Prioritize and schedule laboratory testing activities based on project, customer and business requirements.
- Define and approve laboratory test methods, testing approaches and technical conclusions within the scope of the role.
- Recommend and initiate improvements to laboratory processes, methods, equipment and capabilities.
- Allocate laboratory resources and assign work to technicians and analysts to ensure timely execution.
- Identify laboratory capability, equipment and investment requirements and recommend priorities to the Head of BITC.
- Stop or escalate testing activities where safety, quality, equipment reliability or test-result integrity is at risk.
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Be bold and take the leap!
We're looking for individuals who are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas. If you are passionate about personal growth and bringing your authentic self to work, we want you on our team!
At Bekaert, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
To learn more about us and our exciting career opportunities, visit Bekaert Careers