Production Automation System Engineer

Are you an experienced PLC/OT Engineer with a passion for industrial automation and PLC systems? Would you like to play a key role in the migration to a new, future-proof PLC platform? Then we are looking for you!

The position

As a System Engineer, you are responsible for the design, migration of existing functionality, and integration of the new PLC system into Van Oord’s automation landscape. You will work closely with a team of around 10 colleagues to establish the right software structure. Key elements include a uniform and intuitive setup, standardization, flexibility, and maintainability.

You will have the freedom to explore and evaluate different options and solutions within the department. In addition, you will collaborate with the (OT) software department to ensure the new platform can be properly integrated. You will develop tooling around the platform and document standards and ways of working for the rest of the department.

Your impact

You will contribute to:

• System architecture: What does a robust, scalable, and maintainable PLC landscape look like?
• Functional migration: How do you translate existing functionality to the new platform without compromising reliability?
• Technical standards: Which programming principles, libraries, and structures ensure uniformity and reusability?
• Future readiness: How do you ensure the platform is flexible enough for future expansions?

What will you do in practice?

• Design and implement software modules within the new PLC platform;
• Analyze and translate existing functionality into the new system;
• Prepare technical documentation and migration plans;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external suppliers;
• Test, validate, and support commissioning activities.

About you

• Bachelor’s or Master’s level (HBO/WO) in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or similar;
• Experience with PLC programming (e.g. Siemens, Beckhoff, Allen-Bradley, Bachmann);
• Knowledge of (PLC) software architecture and its implementation;
• Affinity with industrial automation and production environments;
• Strong analytical skills and a structured way of working;
• Good communication skills in both Dutch and English.

We offer

• Attractive travel allowance (€0.31 per km) and work-from-home allowance (€2.15 per day);
• Additional allowances for working on board or at project locations abroad;
• 32 vacation days (up to 7 collective);
• A variable bonus, partly depending on company results;
• An attractive pension scheme;
• Option for collective health insurance (Van Oord covers your supplementary package);
• Flexible remote working policy (up to 2 days from home on a full-time basis);
• Extensive development opportunities, including access to a comprehensive online academy via GoodHabitz;
• Communities to join, such as Young Van Oord, Van Oord Women, and the staff association;
• Various events and sports activities, including winter sports, sailing weekends, cycling, and motorcycling.

‘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