Vacancy: R&I Junior officer or intern

Based in our offices in Brussels, CLEPA is looking to hire one intern or junior officer, ideally with an engineering or science background, to support our activities in the domain of research and innovation (R&I). The primary goal of CLEPA’s R&I department is to promote smart, safe and sustainable road transport through advanced vehicle technologies and mobility solutions.

What does the job involve?

The candidate will work primarily on activities related to ‘software-defined vehicles’, and on improving the safety and inclusiveness of road vehicles through automation and connectivity involving advanced technologies such as state-of-the-art sensors and AI-based decision-making. Their main tasks will be to support delivering on specific projects while helping to monitor and drive key technology developments in the automotive sector, facilitate the collaboration between members with respect to reaching shared positions on R&I-related themes, and be involved in preparing international meetings with technical experts and external stakeholders. Ideally the candidate would also have a strong interest in improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact through low-emission propulsion systems (eg. battery & fuel-cell electric and hybrid vehicles, and alternative, non-fossil fuels) and advanced materials including aspects of eco-design, circularity, and the life-cycle-assessment.

Scope of the work:

• Support and facilitate the daily organisation of the CLEPA team, and specifically the R&I Department, and various working/expert groups, including efficient and effective meeting preparation (agenda, minutes, research, follow-up);
• Manage CLEPA’s contribution to several on-going collaborative European R&I projects and new proposals, often involving dissemination, communication and out-reach activities;
• Monitor the development of European and international R&I policies and roadmaps in relevant domains;
• Monitor and contribute to the activities of various key stakeholder groups, including R&I Partnerships and Technology Platforms, and assess the coherency with respect to the strategic aims and R&I needs of CLEPA members;
• Help research, develop, and communicate the CLEPA’s positions to inform institutions and other stakeholder associations while maintaining good relations with government representatives such as colleagues working in the European Commission;
• Prepare and make primarily technical presentations to members and externals.

Who are we looking for?

For this exciting and varied role, we seek an individual with a clear interest in applied research and innovation within an international setting, an affinity with advanced automotive technologies, and a willingness to develop professionally in a rapidly-evolving context. Importantly, candidates are expected to have a genuine interest in road transport and mobility, particularly in terms of improving safety and inclusiveness while reducing environmental impact.

Although not mandatory, some relevant prior experience could be beneficial.

Desired profile:

• University degree(s) in Engineering or Science (ideally Automotive, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Aerospace or Physics)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (additional knowledge of other languages is a plus)
• Enthusiastic team player with ability to support groups in a consensus-oriented way
• Positive, pro-active and self-motivated attitude
• Availability to travel on short trips normally within the EU

What does CLEPA offer?

• A highly interesting and rewarding job or internship with the possibility to build extremely relevant experience in a dynamic international environment within one of the largest and most progressive industries in Europe and around the world;
• Excellent prospects for medium- to long-term engagement and career growth;
• The possibility to work remotely for part of the time.

CLEPA strives for a multi-lingual, multi-cultural, inclusive work environment and applies a policy of equal, non-discriminatory opportunities.

How and when to apply?

Please send your motivation letter and CV to recruitment@clepa.be as soon as possible, at the latest by 19 September 2025.