(Graduation) Internship Fluid-Structure Interaction - Hydrodynamics
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 14, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 30, 2026. Damen scores B on the Alion truth index.
We offer you an Ocean of Possibilities. Join our family.
ABOUT US
Get on board with Damen Naval, along with more than 1,200 professionals based in The Netherlands, Romania, and Germany. We are the naval division of the family-owned Damen Shipyards Group which employs 12,000 professionals globally. Damen Naval designs and builds advanced naval vessels for customers all over the world. With a passion for technological innovation and sustainable solutions, we continue to push the boundaries in naval shipbuilding. You can be part of our team! Are you ready for duty?
APPLICATION DETAILS
The internship is full-time and takes place on-site in Vlissingen. If you're interested in starting a student project related to hydrodynamics, please submit your application. Ensure your application includes your CV, a curriculum detailing your achieved grades, and a motivation letter. Additionally, provide the following information:
- Requested position (internship or graduation assignment)
- Your (preferred) topic or suggestions for topics.
- Availability (fulltime / part-time / number of hours).
- Notice period / possible starting date.
- List of grades to provide insight in the subjects you have followed.
THE ROLE
At Damen Naval, we are revolutionizing ship design by leveraging advanced computational analysis over traditional methods. With the rapid increase in computational power, our structural designs now rely on direct analysis rather than just experience and classification society regulations.
To address floating-structural issues, we couple hydrodynamic pressures predicted by seakeeping software with various structural models to compute structural responses. Ongoing research focuses on developing next-generation ship structures for naval vessels and optimizing fluid-structure interaction models.
Join our cutting-edge projects and contribute to the future of naval engineering through innovative research and advanced analysis.
We offer a range of graduate research and internship projects, all supported by industry experts. Possible topics include:
- Predicting wave-induced loadings using time domain methods (potential flow or CFD).
- Assessing the impact of operational conditions on fatigue and global strength.
- Applying statistical methods to predict sea-induced loadings.
- Evaluating the effects of higher-order wave theories on loadings.
- Using in-house fatigue analysis tools for "Seakeeping frequency domain coupling to FEA (1-way coupling)" and "Seakeeping time domain coupling to FEA (1-way coupling)".
- Coupling CFD to FEA models of the structure (1-way and 2-way hydro-elasticity).
- Comparing frequency vs time domain methods for "1-way hydro-structural coupling regarding fatigue".
Combine different subjects or propose your own specific topic of interest. Join us to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in naval engineering.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
As an intern or graduate student at Damen Naval, you are expected to:
- Select or develop the analysis methods and engineering tools needed to achieve your research goals.
- You will be responsible from day one for the planning and execution of your research project.
- You are expected to deliver a detailed in-depth analysis of your research problem and meanwhile be able to communicate the results and conclusions to other departments.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:
- Top-tier Master's student in Mechanical, Marine, Aerospace Engineering, or Naval Architecture. Other relevant fields considered based on the assignment topic.
- Passionate about ships, shipbuilding, and navy ships or military hardware.
- Independent, curious, analytical, and proactive.
- Familiar with hydrodynamics and ship structures (e.g., fatigue, strength, ocean waves, ship motions, statistics, probability).
- Basic experience with simulation tools (e.g., CFD, Comflow, Seacal, Pretti, Ansys Aqwa, Ansys Workbench/APDL, Femap, LS-Dyna) or a strong motivation to quickly learn.
- Proficient in programming tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
- Capable of effective stakeholder communication.
- Capable of planning and project management.
- Fluent in Dutch and English, both written and verbal.
- Excellent references, as a security screening is part of the hiring process.
- Permanent EU citizenship and passport are both required. Candidates with EU (work) visa or with both an EU and non-EU nationality and/or passport are not eligible in accordance with the requirements imposed by the military nature of our projects.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Damen Naval, we highly value our interns, and we will support your professional and personal development. We also provide our employees with:
- A monthly allowance for the duration of the assignment.
- Proper mentoring will be available throughout the project.
- The ability to test and enhance your professional- and social skills
- Acquired experience at a top tier company to add to your reference list.
OTHER
Are you interested in this internship opportunity, please submit your application with your CV and cover letter, along with an indication of:
- Requested position (internship or graduation assignment)
- Your (preferred) topic or suggestions for topics.
- Availability (fulltime / part-time / number of hours).
- Notice period / possible starting date.
- List of grades to provide insight in the subjects you have followed.
For more information about this vacancy or Damen Naval, please visit the Damen Naval website, the Damen Naval Career website or contact the Corporate Recruitment department via +31 118 485 000.
A pre-employment and security screening and investigation form part of the recruitment process.
Acquisition and introduction of candidates without a formal request is not appreciated and they will not be considered.
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