Mechatronics Engineer

As a mechatronics engineer, you will work in the overlapping discipline between the electrical and mechanical domain. Put bluntly: things that move, light up or have to sense something all need both mechanical mechanisms and electrical power or processing. Naturally, a car has a vast amount of such multidisciplinary parts, such as air conditioning, cooling control, tire pressure sensors, rain wipers, integrated jack stands and so on. 

Most of these systems were not part of our solar cars before and most projects are yet to be defined. Your job would be to research which mechatronical systems are necessary to operate within the rally car and maintain these interfaces between the electronics and mechanical subteams. Each part will need clear requirements to be built or bought according to these specifications. Most systems will likely require a hands-on approach, producing our own products in-house. Delicately integrating all these systems into the car is a task in itself as well.

Are you interested in both electrical and mechanical mechanisms? Are you often seen with either a soldering iron or a spanner in hand? Are you able to see the big picture of all parts together and communicate with others about it? Then a mechatronics position might be for you!

The experience of Jelle

Cars, electrical engineering, working in a passionate team, and racing: a dream combination I was made for. I am Jelle de Haan and I joined the 2023 team as an Electrical Engineer, just 19 years old after two years of EE at Uni. It seemed like a fantastic challenge to gain practical experience in such a dynamic team, a pressure cooker for skills, life lessons, and beautiful memories.

Out of an interest in new experiences, I've been involved in all sorts of things. I like to get my hands dirty rather than pure electronics, so I took a lot of interest in everything that moves or lights up. Parts like the motor, rear-view camera, lighting and brake sensor have a huge number of interfaces with other disciplines. Juggling my dual role as Head of ELS and "Motorman", I worked on several mechatronical aspects of the electrical system and couldn't even resist the temptation to become a driver of our own solar car. 

This allows you to experience so many wonderful and varied moments: Driving the first meters in the mock-up with your self-built electromotor. Racing against shorttrackster Yara van Kerkhof and Solar Boat along the Twente canal. Hearing the "wow" from the audience when you unveil the latest Jasmine -nicknamed "Jasmini"- at the car reveal. Being able to open the throttle on the banked track in Lelystad to feel RED X at high speed. Looking back, it's surreal to experience this as a student.

The race in Australia was the final climax of that fantastic shared adventure. A year and a half of great moments alternated with intense setbacks and long nights. Yet, that's precisely what makes such an edition so special, educational, and memorable.