Robotics / Mechantronics Engineer - Autonomous Systems

About us

Hop aboard Damen Naval; the naval division of the family-owned Damen Shipyards Group, where 12,000 professionals work worldwide. Damen Naval delivers advanced naval vessels to clients all over the globe. By implementing the most innovative technological developments in practice, we continue to push the boundaries of the shipbuilding industry. You can be part of our team! Are you ready for duty?

• Vlissingen
• Full time

The role

Currently, we are seeking a Robotics / Mechantronics Engineer - Autonomous Systems to strengthen our Research, Development & Innovation department. In this role, you will contribute to the development, integration, testing, and validation of advanced autonomous and automated systems for maritime applications.

You will work on innovative solutions for autonomous navigation, obstacle detection and avoidance, decision-making, situational awareness, and communication. Using technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, radar, lidar, sonar, and camera systems, you will help ensure that autonomous platforms can operate reliably and safely in complex maritime environments.

Key accountabilities

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

• Design autonomous above-water and underwater systems that can operate effectively and safely in maritime environments.
• Integrate and refine algorithms for autonomous navigation, obstacle detection and avoidance, and decision-making, using machine learning and computer vision techniques.
• Integrate sensors such as radar, lidar, sonar, and cameras to support navigation and situational awareness.
• Conduct testing, simulations, and validation activities to assess the safety, reliability, and performance of autonomous systems under different conditions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable maritime regulations and standards for autonomous systems.
• Analyse and resolve technical challenges that arise during the development, integration, and deployment of autonomous systems.

Skills & experience

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics or another relevant technical discipline, combined with at least three to five years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree combined with at least five to seven years of relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of autonomous-system concepts, technologies, and engineering practices.
• Experience in the development and integration of autonomous systems, preferably within a Defence / maritime environment.
• Affinity with software development and programming, preferably using Python, C++, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar engineering tools.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following areas: Mechatronic systems; Robotics and autonomous systems; Automation and control systems; Sensor integration and data processing; Navigation and guidance systems; System engineering; Modelling and simulation; Verification and validation.
• Knowledge of technologies related to autonomous navigation, sensor integration, machine learning, computer vision, and communication systems.
• A proactive and hands-on approach, combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent antecedents as a pre-employment security screening are a standard part of the recruitment procedure.

What we offer

At Damen Naval, we highly value our employees, and we will support your professional and personal development. We also provide our employees with:

• A competitive salary and 8% holiday pay.
• 27 holidays and 13 ADV days.
• Travel allowance of 23 cents per kilometre.
• PME-pension arrangement with an employer contribution of 60%.
• Profit sharing based on company results.
• Flexibility to work from home up to two days a week.
• Additional benefits including a bicycle plan and company fitness.

Damen has 35 shipyards on five different continents and operates in more than 100 countries. We are still growing and that gives you options. You contribute to this growth while benefitting from the diverse development and career opportunities that our company offers. We will continue to challenge you. With our extensive portfolio of products and solutions you will never get bored and never stop learning.