Technical Support / Expert Electronics and Embedded Software (1.0 FTE)

The Department of Industrial Design conducts research on and education in the design of systems with emerging technologies in a social context. We excel at integrating various academic disciplines, including engineering, design, business, and social sciences., We want to grow the technical support team and we are looking for a practical expert to support students and researchers in developing interactive prototypes - from wearables and connected devices to data-driven installations. Your role is to bridge electronics, embedded software, and physical prototyping, ensuring projects are technically sound and safe, well-documented, and aligned with design goals.

You'll work in the d.search Lab, a hands-on environment where ideas and concepts become fully working prototypes. Your focus will be on consulting, supporting hands-on, optimizing, and maintaining systems - while also helping others learn through workshops and one-on-one guidance. You will join a diverse team who is passionate about supporting next level design prototyping, building strong communities of practice, and mentoring young creative technologists., * Advise and support students and researchers with designing, building, and troubleshooting electronics, embedded and connected systems (e.g., sensor networks, wearables, IoT devices).

• Develop and optimize embedded software (C/C++, Python) and integrate hardware-software systems for functional prototypes.
• Document processes and solutions (code, schematics, tutorials) to improve knowledge sharing and enable reproducibility.
• Collaborate with other departments and build connections with external partners (alumni, industry) to expand lab capabilities and expertise.
• Research emerging technologies and translate insights into practical applications, including open-source hardware and software, tool-making and working with cutting-edge research infrastructure.
• Manage lab infrastructure: maintain equipment, stock, and facilities.
• Ensure safety compliance (electrical, data) for prototypes. Teach workshops and support courses and challenge-based learning at ID., * A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team (staffimmigration@tue.nl) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Do you have experience in Technical support?, Do you thrive on solving complex prototyping challenges? Bring your electronics & embedded software expertise to a multidisciplinary design research lab where you build, debug and iterate with researchers and students, turning ambitious ideas into working interactive prototypes., We are not just looking for a checklist of skills here - we want someone who can bridge electronics, embedded software, and connectivity to make prototypes work. You should have:

• At least an MBO-level degree in a relevant field (e.g., electrical engineering, mechatronics, computer science, embedded systems).
• Maker attitude: You build, test, and iterate.
• Patience for teaching and mentoring: Ability to guide students of all skill levels (from novice to advanced).
• Design affinity: You recognize that technical solutions must align with the practical goals of a prototype.
• Self-driven learner: Actively explore and adopt new technologies, tools, and methods to address novel challenges and expand lab resources.
• Academic affinity: Comfortable in a research-driven university setting.
• Proactive communication: Fluent in English; push back on unrealistic requests but help find alternatives.

Core skills: Electronics * Circuit design and debugging: Confident with schematics, PCB layout (KiCad/Altium), and signal integrity (noise, power, manufacturability).

• Prototyping and testing: Hands-on experience with soldering, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and safety compliance for prototypes.
• Microcontroller ecosystems: Arduino, ESP32, STM32, or similar platforms - not just plug-and-play, but diving into custom applications.
• Sensor / actuator integration: Experience with analog / digital interfaces (ADC/DAC, I2C, SPI) for wearables, IoT, or interactive systems.

Supporting skills: Software & Data

Strong electronics skills are essential, but these additional skills will make your application to stand out.

• Embedded programming: C/C++ and MicroPython for microcontrollers.
• Connectivity and IoT: Experience with wireless protocols (BLE, Wi-Fi, LoRa) or networked device communication.
• Version control: Git for tracking hardware / software iterations.
• Scripting & data handling: Experience with Python for automation, logging, and prototype control, including CSV, SQL, and data visualization.

Nice-to-have experiences:

• Relevant open-source contributions (e.g. libraries, tools, documentation).
• Self-driven projects demonstrating hands-on learning (e.g., prototypes, tutorials, or experiments).
• Experience teaching technical skills in an engaging way.

• A monthly salary of minimum €3,708 to maximum €5,538 for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 9-10 collective labour agreementfor Dutch Universities).
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact - today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community. The Department of Industrial Design conducts research on and education in the design of systems with emerging technologies in a social context. We excel at integrating various academic disciplines, including engineering, design, business, and social sciences. ID Labs Within the department of Industrial Design, the ID Labs are a network of make and research labs that enable research and education through accessible infrastructure, expert support, and realistic test environments. Across exploration, rapid prototyping, hardware/software development, and high-quality prototype and research-artefact production, the labs help turn ideas into validated prototypes, insights, and impact. You will join a close team of 8 colleagues with diverse expertise, working in a hands-on environment where making is both a core skill and a research practice, embedded in a department community of around 1,000 staff and students. URL: https://youtu.be/9oZMiuHIkGU