Do you want to make world-leading science more sustainable, by design? Are you an engineer who bridges technical depth with strategic thinking, and driven by sustainability as a design principle, not a compliance exercise?
If this resonates with you, then we offer an exciting opportunity. ASTRON is hiring a
Sustainability Engineer
UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL
ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, has been committed to sustainability for over a decade. We are now ready to take the next step: embedding sustainability by design into our core process of developing telescopes and enabling astronomical discoveries.
As Sustainability Engineer, you will design and lead ASTRON’s Sustainable Systems Pilot Program and define our Sustainable Science Strategy. This hands-on, strategic role sits at the intersection of systems engineering, environmental science and research infrastructure. Working from ASTRON’s completed Life Cycle Analysis of LOFAR and a growing R&D portfolio, you will build a coherent, fact-based strategy that translates feasibility studies into real implementation — across three key areas:
• Greening and future-proofing aging physical research infrastructure
• Driving climate-neutral, high-efficiency compute
• Introducing transformative sustainable operational practice
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy & Analysis
• Map the full environmental footprint of ASTRON's infrastructure
• Define and drive the Sustainable Science Strategy and technical roadmap
• Draw on best practices from comparable research infrastructures
Pilot Program
• Identify and prioritise sustainability opportunities
• Run feasibility studies and translate them into a concrete pilot program
• Build a framework to measure impact and secure funding
Engineering Collaboration
• Advise engineering and project teams on sustainable solutions
• Ensure findings translate to other telescope concepts and future projects
WHY ASTRON?
Everybody at ASTRON works at the forefront of innovation. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is technologically possible to make discoveries in radio astronomy happen. We care deeply about the wider impact of our work: we aim to innovate in a way that benefits society as a whole. This includes a genuine commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of our work, with a real focus on circular and green computing.
We believe that diversity is key to our success. We are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive workspace for everybody, and we are especially interested in applications from women and other traditionally under-represented groups. We are building an institute where you can work alongside international experts from a variety of fields in a culture of mutual respect and support. We want to see all of our staff, whatever their background or characteristics, thrive and grow in an inspirational environment.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US
• An inclusive, innovative and pleasant working environment with an international and inspiring work culture
• A multidisciplinary team environment spanning hardware, software and systems engineering — offering excellent opportunities to broaden and deepen your expertise
• Opportunities and encouragement to accelerate and develop yourself and your career
• The exceptional combination of astronomy, operations and engineering in one building
• Employment conditions tailored to your needs (part-time appointment, parental leave, working from home, etc.)
• A gross monthly salary in the range of €3.660 to €6. 722(full-time salary), based on relevant experience, an 8% holiday allowance, and an of 8.33% year-end bonus
• A temporary appointment of 1 year in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I)
• A competitive gross monthly salary based on relevant experience, an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.33% year-end bonus
• 42 vacation days per year on a full-time basis
CALLING ALL TALENTED SUSTAINABILITY ENGINEERS WHO:
Essential:
• Technical background in environmental or systems engineering, with strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Ability to translate findings into roadmaps and stakeholder communication
• Experience in multidisciplinary, multicultural environments
• Fluent written and spoken English
Advantageous:
• Hands-on experience with LCA, carbon footprinting or CSR frameworks
• Knowledge of project management or sustainability regulations
• Familiarity with HPC or scientific computing environments
• Working knowledge of Dutch and/or a network in sustainability or research infrastructure
LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR APPLICATION
Interested? Apply via www.jobsatastron.nl with your letter and CV. Candidates will be considered until the position is filled. For more information, contact Roelien Attema at attema@astron.nl, or Iris Bom (bom@astron.nl) for HR questions. The first closing date is 28th of May.
