Principal Engineer – Foundation Engineering

Lead groundbreaking offshore foundation projects that set new industry standards

Your role in the story

As a Principal Engineer - Foundation Engineering, you are a recognized technical authority and strategic advisor, acting as an ambassador for technology within and beyond Heerema Marine Contractors. You thrive at the intersection of engineering, innovation, and business strategy. Through leadership in design, execution, and thought leadership, you deliver added value while safeguarding and enhancing Heerema Marine Contractors technical reputation in the offshore industry. You will be working next to the lead discipline engineering of the foundation department.

What you will be working on:

• Lead the safe and validated execution of offshore foundation designs and procedures, both in fabrication yards and offshore environments.
• Provide expert technology advice to Heerema and HMC management on complex, cross-disciplinary engineering challenges.
• Define and deliver development and innovation initiatives that strengthen our long-term capabilities.
• Manage approved budgets related to assigned engineering scopes and development programs.
• Evaluate and recommend technical solutions considering our commercial position, risk appetite, reliability standards, and industry reputation.
• Act as a company and industry-recognized expert in offshore foundation technologies and related disciplines.
• Align technological directions with industry counterparts and represent us in relevant forums and partnerships.
• Identify alternative technologies and propose creative engineering approaches that challenge conventional thinking.
• Monitor our readiness in strategic technology areas, identify capability gaps, and initiate appropriate interventions.
• Supervise external technical subcontract scopes, ensuring alignment with our strategic goals.
• Inform HMC management of technology outcomes and provide visibility on the impact and opportunities of key initiatives.

Key ingredients for success:

• MSc or PhD in Civil, Geotechnical, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven expertise in monopile foundation design, installation, and offshore geotechnical engineering.
• Extensive experience in managing high-impact technology scopes and development programs.
• Ability to translate deep technical challenges into business-relevant advice and innovations.
• Strong commercial awareness, budget management skills, and stakeholder communication capabilities.
• Fluent in English, with the ability to lead both technical content and cross-functional alignment.
• A personal commitment to technology excellence, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing.

At Heerema Marine Contractors, we excel in engineering and executing complex offshore projects for the energy sector. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, we deliver pioneering solutions that shape the future of offshore construction. Our unique fleet, in-house engineering expertise, and commitment to excellence allow us to tackle the most challenging projects worldwide. We believe in empowering our people, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and driving progress through technology. Whether it's installing offshore wind foundations or decommissioning legacy platforms, we take pride in doing things our way, safely, responsibly, and with integrity.

Here's why people love working with us

• Working on innovative and challenging projects;
• Strong compensation and benefits package, including a bonus system
• Free access to our in-house gym, including fitness classes;
• Activities to socialize with colleagues outside your team, such as our Friday-afternoon get together;
• 30 days off to fully recharge;
• A modern and easily accessible office in Leiden.