Junior Hardware Engineer

Department: Hardware

Employment Type: Permanent employee

Schedule: Full-time

Seniority: Entry level

Location: Delft Headquarter

As a Junior Hardware Engineer, you will join our hardware team in Delft and contribute to the development, testing, and improvement of the physical components of our kite power systems. This is a hands-on, learning-oriented role where you will work closely with experienced engineers and gain exposure to mechanical, electrical, and mechatronic systems.
You will support the design and testing of systems such as the Kite Control Unit (KCU), ground station hardware, and mechanical subsystems, with direct impact on how our technology performs in flight and how much energy it generates.

What you will be doing 

Hardware & Mechanical Support
•    Assist in the design and modification of mechanical parts and assemblies
•    Create concept-level CAD designs (Onshape) and support iteration toward production
•    Support basic finite element analysis (FEA) and apply safety factors
•    Design and manufacture parts using 3D printing, including material selection
•    Perform hands-on assembly, repair, and mechanical troubleshooting using common tools

Electrical & Electronics Support
•    Assist with PCB assembly, including soldering SMD components
•    Troubleshoot electronic boards following schematics and assembly instructions
•    Perform basic electrical installations, following wiring diagrams and safety procedures
•    Support system-level integration of sensors and actuators

Testing & Validation
•    Execute predefined test procedures and accurately record results
•    Assist with setting up test benches and experiments
•    Support troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical issues
•    Help maintain clear documentation of tests and hardware changes

You will work on
•    Airborne robotics
•    Electromechanical power conversion hardware
•    Test setups and procedures
•    Mechanical and mechatronic subsystems
•    Hardware that is rapidly tested and deployed in real-world conditionsRequired qualifications
•    Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field
•    Strong interest in hands-on hardware development
•    Basic experience with CAD design
•    Familiarity with mechanical fabrication, electronics assembly, or testing (internships, projects, or student teams count)
•    Ability to follow technical procedures and work safely
•    Motivation to learn, take feedback, and grow in a multidisciplinary environment

Nice to have
•    Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping
•    Basic knowledge of FEA or structural analysis
•    Programming experience in Python (for testing or automation)
•    Familiarity with embedded systems or electronics projects
•    Interest in renewable energy or aerospace-related systems
•    Experience from student teams (e.g. Formula Student, solar teams, UAVs)At Kitepower, we believe that changing the world should be an exciting and rewarding journey. We invest in our team members' growth and well-being, offering a package that includes: 

• An attractive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. 
• A key role in a pioneering company at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution. 
• High impact: the direct opportunity to see your work materialize and make a tangible difference in accelerating the world's transition to clean energy. 
• A dynamic culture: a flat, open, and collaborative work environment where your ideas are valued and your voice is heard. 
• Innovation-driven work: the chance to tackle unique, complex challenges with cutting-edge technology, from simulation to flight. 
• Professional growth: continuous learning opportunities in a multidisciplinary field that blends aerospace, mechatronics, power systems and software.