Lead Engineer Mechanics

At Barco IX (Immersive Experiences business unit) we have a heart for technology and a spirit for creativity. We immerse our audience in experiences they will never forget. The markets for our technologies range from live events, over theme parks and museums to flight simulators. Our IX R&D organization focusses on developing projection and image processing technologies to make these immersive experiences come to life for our customers all over the world. From inspiring people at the Gent Light Festival, through bringing digital art to galleries and museums worldwide, to providing visuals at world’s leading concert stages, your work will make it happen!

The function

Barco is seeking Lead Engineer Mechanics for its Immersive eXperiences Business unit in Kortrijk. 

If you're eager to apply your mechanical engineering talent to cutting edge solid state illumination products—laser, LED, and phosphor—that push the boundaries of projection technology, this role is made for you.

You'll join an international team of enthusiastic developers from Belgium, China, and USA.

Key responsibilities

We are looking for an experienced Lead Engineer Mechanics Engineer to take a leading role within our Immersive Experiences R&D team in Kortrijk.

In this position, you will lead and oversee the design, development and implementation of complex mechanical systems for next generation projection products. You will collaborate closely with optical, electrical, thermal, and manufacturing experts to translate functional and performance requirements into robust, scalable, and manufacturable designs for 1- and 3-chip DLP projection systems utilizing laser, LED, and laser-phosphor illumination technologies.

In this role, you will:

• Design and develop high-precision opto-mechanical assemblies for DLP projection systems, including alignment-sensitive components.
• Lead the mechanical design of complex modules and subsystems in projection platforms.
• Translate product requirements into mechanical concepts, system breakdowns, and detailed design strategies.
• Act as a domain expert in mechanical engineering, guiding decision-making during concept, design, verification, and industrialization phases.
• Create advanced 3D mechanical designs in Creo, ensuring structural integrity, precision, and manufacturability. 
• Lead design reviews, identify risks early, and guide mitigation strategies.
• Drive high-quality documentation, including detailed drawings and BoMs within Windchill and PLM workflows.
• Oversee integration of components produced through sheet metal, machining, plastics, die casting, and additive manufacturing.
• Perform and interpret simulations (thermal, mechanical, tolerance), using Pro/ENGINEER and FLOEFD.
• Define and validate mechanical performance criteria and ensure subsystem robustness under demanding environmental conditions.
• Oversee test planning, execution, and analysis for prototypes and pre production systems.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, sourcing, and industrialization teams to ensure seamless transition from concept to high-volume production. 
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical expertise and support.
• Drive DFM/DFA improvements and support suppliers during design handover and qualification.
• Act as a technical escalation point, resolving complex design challenges and supporting the project team under tight milestones.
• Provide maintenance, support, and continuous improvement for existing products.

Profile

• Master's degree in mechanical or electro-mechanical engineering.
• 6-8 years of experience in mechanical system design, product development, or related engineering roles.
• Proven expertise in bringing complex mechanical systems from concept to production.
• Solid understanding of mechanical tolerancing, thermal management, and alignment-critical designs. 
• Having some knowledge of spring calculations and the clamping of optical parts (like lenses and mirrors), as well as some knowledge of small moving mechanical components—whether mechanically or electronically actuated—is a plus.
• Experience in key manufacturing processes, including:
  o    Die casting
  o    Machining
  o    Spring characterization
• Proficiency in Creo for 3D modelling and detailed mechanical drawings. 
• Experience with Windchill for product data and lifecycle management. 
• Familiarity with ERP systems and their role in engineering/manufacturing workflows. 
• Ability to run simulations in Pro/ENGINEER and interpret test data (mechanical, thermal, etc…).
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and/or Dutch.

Soft Skills

• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Works with minimal supervision, with significant freedom to make decisions within established guidelines.
• A good team player and able to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Proactive, result-driven, and innovative thinker with analytical skills.
• Detail-oriented, quality-conscious, and cost-aware.
• Willing to travel occasionally to Barco locations, suppliers, or customers worldwide.

Our offer

You will work in an open and international culture.

In this stimulating and challenging environment, we offer you competitive compensation and benefits, including:

• A competitive salary package based on experience
• Bonus system
• Group insurance
• Health insurance
• Meal vouchers
• Hybrid working culture
• 20 legal holidays + 12 compensation days (Pro-rata)
• Continuous learning opportunities. 
• A modern and state-of-the-art working environment