Materials Engineer - Recycled Plastics & Painted Parts

Brussels - Contracting (permanent contract)

For our client specialised in the automotive sector, we are looking for a Materials Engineer for a dual-role mission focusing on recycled plastics and painted components. The role involves both technical investigation and development of sustainable materials as well as support for painted part validation across various vehicle programs.

Main Responsibilities:

1. Recycled Plastics & Sustainable Materials

• Conduct technological scouting and benchmarking of recycling and sustainability practices in the European market.
• Engage with suppliers, attend technical conferences, and maintain an internal technology database and map.
• Produce concise technical reports summarizing identified innovations and materials.
• Define internal specifications and requirements for sustainable materials.
• Develop and carry out validation plans for new plastic materials and technologies.
• Perform material testing (physical properties, emissions, ageing, etc.) and analyze results.
• Investigate non-conformities, identify root causes, and implement corrective measures.
• Support the implementation of recycled plastics in current vehicle models using internal visualization and tracking tools.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Design, Purchasing, Quality) to ensure successful integration.
• Maintain updated documentation and test databases.

2. Painted Parts Development

• Oversee the development and validation of painted parts (e.g. bumpers, instrument panels, ABS parts) with internal teams and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Manage painted part inventories, project timelines, and quality KPIs.
• Organize and follow up on testing procedures, analyze color and material test results, and ensure alignment with quality standards.
• Participate in project milestone meetings, color validation reviews, and supplier testing activities.
• Prepare technical reports following part validations and trials.

Profile:

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or a Master's in Chemistry with a specialization in Materials Science / Polymers.
• Strong background in polymer materials and coating technologies.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings (mechanical parts).
• Experience in material validation, testing, and failure analysis.
• Prior experience in a combined role covering recycled plastics and painting is highly valued.
• Professional working proficiency in English is required for internal and external communication.

Offer:

Jefferson Wells offers you a permanent contract as consultant with an attractive salary package and will give you access to trainings in technical matters and soft skills. We will be your career partner for each step along the way.

Are you interested in this job? Don't hesitate to apply !