Process Control Engineer

Do you enjoy working on complex automation systems and want to make a direct impact on vessels operating worldwide? Are you ready to apply your technical expertise in an environment where innovation, reliability and scale come together? As a Process Control Engineer at Van Oord, you work on systems that are critical to the performance of our fleet. From design to commissioning and optimisation, you ensure that automation not only works but continues to perform under the most demanding conditions. In doing so, you directly contribute to safe, efficient and future ready maritime operations.

The position

As a Process Control Engineer at Van Oord, you work at the core of our technical operations. You ensure that our vessels operate reliably, safely and efficiently by designing, developing and safeguarding OT systems on board hopper dredgers, installation vessels and other specialised ships.

From Ship Management, responsible for the management and availability of our fleet, you play a key role in improving technical processes. You guide systems throughout their full lifecycle, from design and commissioning to maintenance and optimisation. You combine a helicopter view with a hands on mindset and actively contribute to commissioning, modifications and troubleshooting on board.

You are part of the Process Control team within Electrical and Automation, together with ten specialists and in close collaboration with the Production Automation team. Within the department, a structured way of working is central. Systems are carefully designed and documented before implementation starts. We use standardised processes and smart tools such as data analysis and AI.

Your impact

In this role you translate technical complexity into reliable and future proof automation solutions and ensure that systems perform optimally across the entire lifecycle, from design to operations. You will:

• Translate operational needs into technical specifications and functional designs for PLC, SCADA and OT systems. These form the basis for implementation, acceptance testing and maintenance, for both internal teams and external suppliers.
• Integrate OT cybersecurity and network architecture as a standard part of your design and implementation work.
• Lead and coordinate automation projects within newbuild and upgrade programmes, safeguarding scope, planning, budget and risk while managing suppliers and ensuring alignment with departmental standards.
• Guide and document acceptance tests and supervise or execute commissioning of systems on board.
• Independently perform modifications and troubleshooting at PLC, SCADA and network level, including proper documentation and validation.
• Apply simulation, virtual commissioning and operational data analysis, and use AI where it adds value.
• Continuously innovate by actively exploring and implementing new technologies and methods.

About you

You are an independent and analytical professional with a strong technical foundation. You understand complex challenges and translate them into practical solutions. You enjoy working with different disciplines and can clearly communicate technical information, also to non technical stakeholders.

In addition, you bring:

• HBO level of working and thinking in Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or MAROF.
• At least 10 years of experience in automation, control systems or data driven industrial environments.
• Knowledge of PLC, HMI, SCADA, control engineering and OT networks across the full lifecycle.
• Experience with troubleshooting and fault finding in an industrial or maritime environment.
• Experience leading technical projects and managing suppliers.
• Knowledge of OT cybersecurity and network architecture.
• Affinity with data analysis, simulation and AI applications is a plus.
• Willingness to travel regularly to vessels, shipyards and project locations.
• Good command of the English language.
• Driving licence B.

We offer

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

• A competitive salary based on your experience and responsibilities.
• Additional allowances for working on board or at project locations abroad.
• Travel allowance (€0.31 per km) and home office allowance (€2.15/day).
• 32 leave days per year.
• Variable bonus.
• Pension scheme.
• Optional collective health insurance.
• Flexible hybrid working policy (2 days/week from home).
• Extensive learning and personal development opportunities, including online courses via GoodHabitz.
• Access to communities such as Young Van Oord, Van Oord Women, and the staff association.
• Participation in sports and social events, e.g., winter sports, sailing weekends, cycling tours, and motorcycle trips.

“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