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Sustainability Engineer

Unilin • Belgium • Added on Oct 1, 2026
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As a Sustainability Engineer at Unilin Panels, you will serve as the technical backbone for product-level environmental data within the R&D department. You will be responsible for conducting detailed Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and producing Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) that quantify the footprint of interior design and building materials. Beyond the numbers, you will act as an internal consultant, challenging innovation frameworks to ensure that new developments align with the company’s circular and low-carbon ambitions.

This role is vital because it transforms raw data into a competitive advantage for a global leader in construction materials. By managing certifications like Cradle to Cradle and EcoVadis, you directly influence how millions of square meters of flooring and panels are perceived in the market. Your work ensures that sustainability is not just a marketing claim but a verified, science-based technical standard that guides the entire product lifecycle.

This suits someone who possesses a master’s degree in a technical field and finds genuine excitement in bridging the gap between complex data analysis and real-world industrial application.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core mission involves executing Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for the Unilin Panels portfolio. You will be the primary technical lead for these assessments, ensuring all calculations meet rigorous international standards and regulatory requirements. Beyond data crunching, you will manage various sustainability certifications such as Cradle to Cradle and EcoVadis. You will also serve as a key advisor within the R&D Innovation Framework, where you will challenge new product developments to ensure they meet the company's long-term environmental objectives and 'One Home' strategy.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain deep expertise in EPD regulations and advanced LCA methodologies, staying at the forefront of European environmental standards. The role offers exposure to a wide variety of industrial materials and manufacturing processes, providing a unique perspective on circular economy principles in the building sector. Additionally, you will benefit from training at 'The Dive', Unilin's dedicated learning center. This environment fosters continuous development in technical sustainability skills, stakeholder management, and industrial innovation strategies.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in a scientific or technical field and brings prior experience in sustainability, quality, or R&D environments. A strong affinity for data-driven decision-making and material science is essential to succeed in this analytical role. While previous experience with LCA software is a significant advantage, a growth mindset and curiosity for numbers are equally valued. Fluency in Dutch and English is required, with a functional knowledge of French considered a strong asset for communicating across the group’s European locations.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

Focus your application on your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Highlighting any experience with technical certifications or environmental reporting standards will demonstrate your readiness for the rigor of Unilin’s R&D department. Showcase your entrepreneurial spirit by providing examples of where you have taken initiative to improve a process or solve a problem. Since this role involves acting as a consultant for sales and customers, demonstrating strong communication skills and a service-oriented mindset is key.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

This role is heavily focused on the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and the decarbonization of the product portfolio. You will work on projects that directly impact the circularity of panels and flooring, looking at bio-based materials and end-of-life recycling. You will also support supply chain transparency through EcoVadis and other reporting frameworks. By verifying the environmental claims of products, you help the company maintain its leadership in the green building market and comply with evolving EU environmental regulations.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be the data collection process, which requires persistence and precision when gathering information from various internal and external stakeholders. You must be able to maintain high accuracy while handling complex datasets from different production sites. Balancing technical accuracy with the commercial needs of the sales and marketing teams can also be challenging. You will need to explain technical environmental data in a way that is understandable and useful for customers without compromising scientific integrity.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing LCA data for a new panel prototype, followed by a meeting with the R&D team to discuss how to optimize the material composition for a lower carbon footprint. You might then shift to answering technical sustainability queries from the sales team via the dedicated service mailbox. In the afternoon, you could be coordinating with an external auditor for a Cradle to Cradle certification or researching new EPD standards to ensure the company remains compliant. The role is a mix of independent analytical work and collaborative consulting.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

There are significant paths for vertical and lateral growth within the broader Mohawk Industries group. As the company continues to integrate sustainability into its core business, this role could evolve into more strategic ESG management or specialized R&D leadership positions. Because Unilin emphasizes lifelong learning, you will have the opportunity to move into different business units or take on high-visibility projects that influence the global sustainability roadmap of the company.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact closely with R&D engineers and product developers to influence the design stage of materials. On the commercial side, you will be a vital resource for Sales and Marketing, providing them with the technical evidence needed to support sustainability claims. External interactions will include certification bodies, suppliers, and industrial customers. You will also work with the corporate sustainability team to ensure that the Panels division aligns with the overarching Mohawk Industries environmental strategy.

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