Do you want to develop smart technology for research that helps move the world forward? Would you like to work with researchers to create innovative measurement and control systems and processor-driven electronics? Are you comfortable tackling technical programming challenges? Then we are looking for you!
At Wageningen University & Research, researchers work on solutions to some of today’s biggest challenges: sustainable food production, climate change, biodiversity, and a healthy living environment. Much of this research relies on technology that simply cannot be purchased off the shelf.
Within our Technical Workshop, we therefore develop unique measuring instruments, sensors, and research setups ourselves. As the demand for smart embedded systems continues to grow, we are looking for an Embedded Systems Engineer who understands both software and hardware. Someone who is curious, enjoys collaborating with researchers, and is energized by technical challenges that have no standard solution.
More information on Wageningen Technical Solutions can be found here.
What will you do?
As an Embedded Systems Engineer, you will develop embedded software for innovative research equipment. You will work closely with researchers and colleagues specializing in electronics, mechanical engineering, and software development.
No two days are the same: one moment you may be developing software for a portable measurement system, and the next you may be helping to build an automated research setup or an intelligent sensor system for field applications.
You will translate research questions into reliable technical solutions and be involved throughout the entire development process—from concept and design to testing and commissioning.
Your duties and responsibilities include:
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developing software for hardware designed by the department, as part of equipment custom-built for research and education. Examples include measuring instruments and control systems, ranging from small handheld devices to large-scale experimental setups;
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programming microcontrollers and embedded platforms such as Raspberry Pi, STM32, or similar systems. Writing PC-side software when the equipment is connected to a computer;
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integrating sensors, electronics, and communication protocols;
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collaborating with researchers to turn new ideas into functional prototypes;
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exploring and applying new technologies, including AI, to make development processes smarter and more efficient.
Your team
Wageningen Technical Solutions (WTS) is the instrumentation and workshop facility of Wageningen University & Research. Scientists and researchers often want to investigate new ideas but do not always have the appropriate equipment or experimental setups available. WTS provides the solution.
You will work here
Wageningen Technical Solutions is a unique WUR facility because we understand the needs of researchers and students and can translate those needs into advanced measuring instruments and experimental setups. These are essential for supporting high-quality research and education.
We achieve this through a unique combination of expertise in technology and equipment, together with knowledge of all WUR research domains. This makes our department an indispensable link in advancing both research and education.
We design equipment together with researchers and carefully consider the environments in which the equipment will be used. For example, we build systems for laboratories, climate chambers, and even equipment that must operate several meters below the surface of the sea.
Our instruments are often designed to be expandable and adaptable. Researchers can also come to us for technical problem-solving and equipment repairs.
Creating exceptional and unusual solutions is our strength. We enjoy developing unique devices and working on a highly diverse range of products. We build prototypes, one-off systems, and small production runs—always with robust designs, the right materials, and craftsmanship that is essential for a high-quality final product.
We would love to hear from you if you are inspired by comments from your future colleagues such as: “People often come to us with nothing more than an idea. That’s what makes it fun. A sketch on a beer coaster can sometimes be enough.” Or: “We build devices that don’t exist on the market. We come up with solutions that others would not immediately think of.”
You are someone who is passionate about technology. You enjoy writing software, but you also want to understand what is happening on the circuit board. You have a good understanding of hardware and know why software behaves differently in an embedded environment than it does on a PC.
You may have a degree in Embedded Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering. However, you may also have acquired your knowledge through another route. For us, your passion, experience, and curiosity are at least as important as your diploma.
You also possess:
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knowledge of, preferably, C#, C++, C, and Python;
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experience with development environments, particularly Visual Studio Code;
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strong experience with programming tasks related to hardware;
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affinity with and knowledge of electronics (essential);
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experience with both commercial hardware (such as Raspberry Pi) and custom-developed hardware (such as Microchip microcontrollers).
For this position, a Dutch proficiency level is required. In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level B2.
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
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sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
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there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
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a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
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excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €3381,-. and €5132,-. for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 8/9). Additionally, For this role a contract for 30 hours a week can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended, if possible within (company) organizational circumstances, on good performance.
We encourage development and internal mobility within our organization. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
For more information about the position, please contact Erwin Beckers by phone: 0317-482876 or by e-mail: [email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Evelien Janssen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: [email protected].
Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
You can apply up to and including 31 August 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 14 August 2026.
Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date.
Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.
Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.
