R&D Engineer

TOMRA Food is a multinational organisation and a leading provider of sensor-based sorting, peeling and integrated post-harvest solution for the food industries. Transforming global food production to maximise food safety and minimise food loss by making sure Every Resource Counts™, has been our strength for over 50 years.

At TOMRA, we want people to innovate, show passion in their work and be responsible. We encourage the freedom to innovate and take risks that result in breakthroughs that challenge the status quo. We value passion that focuses and commits to meeting success. We believe in a responsible and safe mindset that takes care of our customers, products, and fellow employees.

Join the resource revolution!

At TOMRA Food, our Systems & Sensors Team are responsible for the development of illumination, optical-imaging, and classification technologies. We integrate these innovations with mechanical and software components to enhance TOMRA’s cutting-edge sorting platforms. Join us as a Systems Engineer, in our in office in Leuven, in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment that values creativity and technical excellence.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Drive the research and development of optical systems and sensor technologies for our sorting machines.
• Design, test and validate prototypes, and performance benchmarking.
• Analyse data, build test setups, and share insights to refine our solutions.
• Swiftly troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges.
• Collaborate closely with R&D engineers across diverse disciplines.
• Work cross-functionally to deliver solutions that meet customer needs.

Every day brings new challenges as you work across diverse technical fields, including optics, automation, spectroscopy, multivariate analysis, and machine learning. You'll have the opportunity to deliver real-time solutions to customers and contribute to impactful long-term R&D projects.

About You:

• Doctorate, Master's, or equivalent experience in Engineering, Physics or a related Science field.
• Skilled in one or more of the following areas: automation, vision systems, optics or spectroscopy.
• Proficient in basic data analysis, programming & modelling tools (e.g., python, matlab, zemax, optic studio).
• Strong analytical mindset with a methodical approach to problem-solving.
• Hands-on, enthusiastic, and eager to tackle complex challenges.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Team player thriving in high-performance, multidisciplinary teams.
• Able to work effectively in an international and culturally diverse working environment.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for prototype validation.

Why Work for Us?

At TOMRA Food, we offer a long-term career. Here’s what you can expect when you become part of our team:

• Access to our share purchase program.
• Bonus on personal and company performance, meal vouchers, eco-cheques.
• Be part of a mission to transform how we all obtain, use, and reuse the planet’s resources to enable a world without waste.
• Inclusive company culture that values diversity, well-being, and strong camaraderie among our teammates.
• Global career opportunities with a strong record for promoting internally.
• Professional training and development: We are passionate about people and seeing them succeed.
• We love innovation, a collaborative environment where idea sharing and being creative is encouraged.

How to Apply:

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! All applications will be managed in the strictest confidence.  

TOMRA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, parental or pregnancy status, marriage and civil partnership, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristics. Reasonable accommodations will be made and will be provided as requested by candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.