Job opening: Research and Innovation Officer

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Application deadline: 31 May 2026

Application email: recruitment@clepa.be

About CLEPA

We are the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, representing the voice of an innovative industry driving safe, smart, and sustainable mobility across Europe.

The position

For this exciting and varied role, we seek an individual with an affinity with advanced automotive technologies and a propensity for applied research and innovation within an international setting, together with the ambition to develop professionally in the rapidly evolving automotive sector.

Importantly, the candidate must have a strong, genuine interest in improving the sustainability and reducing environmental impact of road vehicles 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.

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

Key responsibilities

• 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, etc.);
• 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.

Candidate profile

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

What CLEPA offers

• A highly visible role shaping the future of European mobility, within a dynamic team
  and competitive compensation package.
• Hybrid working conditions and an inclusive, collaborative work environment.
• The opportunity to build solid experience at the interface between industry and policy.
• Excellent prospects for medium to long-term career development.

How to apply

Send your CV and a brief cover letter to recruitment@clepa.be as soon as possible, and by 31 May at the latest, with the subject: “Research & Innovation Officer – [Your Name]”.