Automation Engineer

Do you enjoy working on complex automation systems and want to directly contribute to vessels operating around the world? Would you like to apply your technical knowledge in an environment where innovation, reliability and technology come together? As an Automation Engineer at Van Oord, you work on the automation systems across our fleet. You will have the opportunity to further develop your technical knowledge and contribute to challenging projects involving PLC, SCADA and OT systems.

THE POSITION

As an Automation Engineer, you will work within the Process Control team of Electrical & Automation. Together with experienced colleagues, you will work on the development, improvement and reliability of automation systems on board our vessels.

You will be involved in different phases of a project, from design and specification to testing, commissioning and improvements to existing systems. You analyze technical issues, contribute to solutions and work closely with colleagues, specialists and suppliers.

You will get to know Van Oord’s systems and processes and gradually take on more responsibility as your experience grows. In doing so, you will develop both your technical expertise and your ability to work within complex projects.


You will work with PLC, HMI, SCADA and OT systems and learn to translate technical challenges into clear functional descriptions. You ask the right questions, critically assess designs and contribute to solutions that are reliable, safe and maintainable.

Within the team, we work in a structured and data-driven way. We increasingly use technologies such as simulation, data analysis and AI to continuously improve our automation systems.

YOUR IMPACT

In this role, you contribute to reliable, safe and future-proof automation solutions for the Van Oord fleet. You:

  • Contribute to automation projects, upgrades and technical improvements, from design through commissioning.
  • Help translate operational needs and implement them in PLC, SCADA and OT systems.
  • Analyze technical issues or malfunctions and work with colleagues and specialists to find practical solutions.
  • Work with internal stakeholders and external suppliers and contribute to effective technical coordination.
  • Contribute to the reliability, cybersecurity and maintainability of automation systems.
  • Support the testing, commissioning and documentation of systems.
  • Keep up to date with developments in automation and new technologies and think about how these can be applied across the fleet.
  • Gradually take on more responsibility within projects and develop towards becoming an independent specialist.

You have a broad perspective, while also enjoying getting into the technical details. This allows you to increasingly understand how different systems and disciplines on board a vessel work together.

ABOUT YOU

You have a technical background and have gained experience in automation or a similar technical field. You are interested in understanding how complex systems work and want to further deepen your knowledge.

You are analytical, curious and practical. You enjoy working with others, ask the right questions and actively contribute to technical solutions. You can work independently, while also knowing when to involve the expertise of a colleague or specialist.

In addition, you bring:

  • HBO level of education in Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Officer (MAROF) or a comparable technical field.
  • 3 to 5 years of work experience in automation, control engineering or a similar technical field.
  • An interest in or experience with PLC, HMI, SCADA, control engineering and OT networks.
  • An analytical and practical mindset.
  • An interest in technical projects and working with different disciplines.
  • Affinity with data analysis, simulation, virtual commissioning or AI is a plus.
  • The motivation to further develop yourself within industrial and maritime automation.
  • Willingness to travel to vessels, shipyards and project locations.
  • Good command of the English language.
  • A driving license B.

Experience with specific PLC or SCADA systems is a plus, but not a requirement. We are mainly looking at your technical foundation, your initial work experience and your motivation to continue developing yourself.

WE OFFER

At Van Oord, you play an important role in our mission: building a better world for future generations. In addition, we offer:

  • A competitive salary, depending on your experience and responsibilities.
  • Additional allowances for work on board or at project locations abroad.
  • Travel allowance (€0.31 per km) and a home working allowance (€2.15 per day).
  • 32 days of annual leave.
  • Variable bonus.
  • Pension scheme.
  • The option to participate in a collective health insurance scheme.
  • Flexible hybrid working (2 days per week from home).
  • Extensive learning and personal development opportunities, including online training through GoodHabitz.
  • Guidance and knowledge sharing with experienced colleagues within the Process Control team.
  • Access to communities such as Young Van Oord, Van Oord Women and the staff association.
  • Participation in sports and social activities, such as ski trips, sailing weekends, cycling tours and motorcycle tours.


INTERESTED? Would you like to apply your technical knowledge to automation systems on board vessels around the world and further develop yourself in a technically challenging environment?
Then apply via the application form below.

If you have any questions, please contact Valerie Bisterbosch.
#LI-VB1

THE POSITION

As an Automation Engineer, you will work within the Process Control team of Electrical & Automation. Together with experienced colleagues, you will work on the development, improvement and reliability of automation systems on board our vessels.

You will be involved in different phases of a project, from design and specification to testing, commissioning and improvements to existing systems. You analyze technical issues, contribute to solutions and work closely with colleagues, specialists and suppliers.

You will get to know Van Oord’s systems and processes and gradually take on more responsibility as your experience grows. In doing so, you will develop both your technical expertise and your ability to work within complex projects.


You will work with PLC, HMI, SCADA and OT systems and learn to translate technical challenges into clear functional descriptions. You ask the right questions, critically assess designs and contribute to solutions that are reliable, safe and maintainable.

Within the team, we work in a structured and data-driven way. We increasingly use technologies such as simulation, data analysis and AI to continuously improve our automation systems.

YOUR IMPACT

In this role, you contribute to reliable, safe and future-proof automation solutions for the Van Oord fleet. You:

  • Contribute to automation projects, upgrades and technical improvements, from design through commissioning.
  • Help translate operational needs and implement them in PLC, SCADA and OT systems.
  • Analyze technical issues or malfunctions and work with colleagues and specialists to find practical solutions.
  • Work with internal stakeholders and external suppliers and contribute to effective technical coordination.
  • Contribute to the reliability, cybersecurity and maintainability of automation systems.
  • Support the testing, commissioning and documentation of systems.
  • Keep up to date with developments in automation and new technologies and think about how these can be applied across the fleet.
  • Gradually take on more responsibility within projects and develop towards becoming an independent specialist.

You have a broad perspective, while also enjoying getting into the technical details. This allows you to increasingly understand how different systems and disciplines on board a vessel work together.

ABOUT YOU

You have a technical background and have gained experience in automation or a similar technical field. You are interested in understanding how complex systems work and want to further deepen your knowledge.

You are analytical, curious and practical. You enjoy working with others, ask the right questions and actively contribute to technical solutions. You can work independently, while also knowing when to involve the expertise of a colleague or specialist.

In addition, you bring:

  • HBO level of education in Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Officer (MAROF) or a comparable technical field.
  • 3 to 5 years of work experience in automation, control engineering or a similar technical field.
  • An interest in or experience with PLC, HMI, SCADA, control engineering and OT networks.
  • An analytical and practical mindset.
  • An interest in technical projects and working with different disciplines.
  • Affinity with data analysis, simulation, virtual commissioning or AI is a plus.
  • The motivation to further develop yourself within industrial and maritime automation.
  • Willingness to travel to vessels, shipyards and project locations.
  • Good command of the English language.
  • A driving license B.

Experience with specific PLC or SCADA systems is a plus, but not a requirement. We are mainly looking at your technical foundation, your initial work experience and your motivation to continue developing yourself.

WE OFFER

At Van Oord, you play an important role in our mission: building a better world for future generations. In addition, we offer:

  • A competitive salary, depending on your experience and responsibilities.
  • Additional allowances for work on board or at project locations abroad.
  • Travel allowance (€0.31 per km) and a home working allowance (€2.15 per day).
  • 32 days of annual leave.
  • Variable bonus.
  • Pension scheme.
  • The option to participate in a collective health insurance scheme.
  • Flexible hybrid working (2 days per week from home).
  • Extensive learning and personal development opportunities, including online training through GoodHabitz.
  • Guidance and knowledge sharing with experienced colleagues within the Process Control team.
  • Access to communities such as Young Van Oord, Van Oord Women and the staff association.
  • Participation in sports and social activities, such as ski trips, sailing weekends, cycling tours and motorcycle tours.


INTERESTED? Would you like to apply your technical knowledge to automation systems on board vessels around the world and further develop yourself in a technically challenging environment?
Then apply via the application form below.

If you have any questions, please contact Valerie Bisterbosch.
#LI-VB1

Interested in this 

vacancy?

You can apply by clicking ‘Apply’. If you have any questions please contact our recruiter that can tell
you more: 

Valerie Bisterbosch

Corporate Recruiter
'You come up with something at your desk and then see it actually working on a ship. That’s incredibly rewarding.'

Thomasz

Engineer Production Automation

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