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Researcher in Smart Automation

On-site in Derio·Added 5 months ago (last checked 12 Oct)

Tecnalia

15 open roles

Overview

Work mode
On-site, Derio
English
Required
Other languages
German
Education
University degree

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Skills

Nice to have

This job advert was originally written in Spanish.

Requirements

What we're looking for

  • Education: Degree and/or Master's in Industrial Engineering, Automation, Control, Robotics, or a related technical degree. A Master's in Industry 4.0, AI, robotics, or digital transformation will be positively valued.
  • Experience:
    • Having carried out academic projects, Bachelor's/Master's theses, or professional internships related to the programming and integration of industrial or collaborative robotics.
    • Interest and initial approach to the deployment of autonomous systems (AGVs, AMRs) or process automation.
    • Demonstrated skills in solving technical problems through the integration of hardware and software (e.g., use of PLCs, sensors, or microcontrollers in an educational or professional environment).
  • Technical Knowledge:
    • Robotics and Automation: knowledge of the operation of industrial robots and cobots.
    • Industrial Communications: Theoretical or practical knowledge of network protocols (such as OPC-UA, MQTT, Profinet, or Modbus TCP).
    • AI and IIoT: Notions regarding the application of Artificial Intelligence in industry and basic concepts of real-time data capture (IoT).
    • Systems and Infrastructure: Familiarity with industrial systems architecture (PLCs, SCADA) and basic concepts of virtualization or Cloud or Edge services.
    • Cybersecurity: Interest or basic knowledge in information security applied to industrial environments.
    • Knowledge of assembly, welding, and stamping will be positively valued.
  • Languages:
    • Proficiency in spoken and written English.
    • Knowledge of German will be valued.
  • Skills:
  • Global vision and analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proactive attitude and ability to learn.
  • Teamwork, collaborative attitude, and effective communication.
  • Innovative spirit and orientation towards achieving objectives and results.

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

  • Continuous training plan in AI applied to industry and new technologies.
  • You will have the opportunity to work in a team with a promising future in this field, in a dynamic and flexible work environment.
  • Opportunity to work on real cutting-edge technological projects (Industry 4.0).
  • You will have work-life balance measures available.

The role

At TECNALIA, we want to strengthen our "Next Generation Factories" Business Area team, whose mission is to generate new business opportunities derived from the new challenges the Industrial sector must face to address the transition toward the new Proactive Factory: a conscious, flexible, and connected factory where digital transformation plays a key role. To this end, we are looking for an Engineer eager to grow, with a background in industrial environments, automation, and robotics. The objective of this position is to integrate the world of traditional control engineering with new Artificial Intelligence technologies. We are looking for someone with a junior profile, but with learning capacity, technical curiosity, and the potential to become a reference person in the organization's OT/IT convergence.

What you'll do

Your main functions will be oriented towards the design and deployment of intelligent systems in an industrial environment evolving towards factories capable of anticipating:

  • Industrial AI Development: Implementation of AI agents (vision, time series, optimization) to close the control loop of factory equipment (presses, welding, robots, etc.) and optimization of operating processes (intelligent SPC). Coordination of cyber-physical and multi-robot systems.
  • Advanced Logistics Management: Design and integration of intelligent logistical flows (AGVs/AMRs, cobots, and humanoids) integrated with plant management systems.
  • Automation Engineering: Conversion of manual tasks into automatic sequences and design of robotized workstations.
  • Vision Systems and Digitization: Integration of computer vision and AI strategies for quality control and predictive maintenance.
  • Collaborate on complex research projects that integrate (robots + humanoids + AGVs + cranes + vision + PLCs + AI + IIoT) and automate complete production flows along with their maintenance and quality controls.

About Tecnalia

Tecnalia is Spain's largest applied research and technological development center, operating as a private foundation. It focuses on generating measurable business value through innovation across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, energy, health, digital transformation, and urban development. With a team of over 1,400 researchers and experts, Tecnalia collaborates with companies and public institutions to drive competitiveness and sustainability, positioning itself as a key player in the European research landscape.

Tecnalia is headquartered in Donostia-San Sebastian, in the Basque Country, and has a strong presence throughout Spain, with offices in Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Madrid. The organization offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment where international researchers can engage in cutting-edge projects, from quantum sensing with diamond NV centers to robotics and smart automation. For international professionals, Tecnalia provides an opportunity to work in a globally connected research network, with a strong emphasis on talent development and cross-border collaboration, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to advance their careers in applied research and technology.

Industry
Research and Technology
Founded
2011
Employees
1,000–5,000
Headquarters
Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
In Spain
Donostia-San Sebastian, Bilbao, Madrid and 1 more

Good to know if you are moving

  • Tecnalia is Spain's largest research and technology center, offering a wide range of research opportunities across multiple disciplines.
  • The organization is headquartered in Donostia-San Sebastian, a vibrant city in the Basque Country known for its high quality of life and strong international community.
  • Tecnalia actively participates in European research projects, providing opportunities for international collaboration and career growth.
  • The company values diversity and often seeks international talent for specialized research roles, with many positions requiring English proficiency.
  • Spain's research sector is growing, and Tecnalia offers a stable, well-funded environment for researchers, with access to advanced laboratories and facilities.

In their own words

About the company & team

Come on and join TECNALIA!! At TECNALIA, we drive sustainable growth and tackle humanity's greatest technological challenges by transforming them into opportunities. We help society and companies grow through technological innovations. We are committed to equality and diversity, and we promote the reconciliation of personal and professional life. You will work in a highly qualified team of technological excellence, in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

Additional information

We positively value applications from people with a disability certificate equal to or greater than 33%, in compliance with current legislation, the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and their social inclusion (LGD).

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See all 15 jobs