Shock Specialist

Career at Damen

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 in the shipbuilding industry. You can be part of our team! Are you ready for duty?

The role

As a Shock Specialist at Damen Naval you will focus on the design and validation of naval vessels and onboard systems against underwater shock loads caused by explosions such as mines or torpedoes. You will ensure ships and components meet naval shock standards through advanced engineering, simulations, and testing. Your work will involve shock analysis, structural resistance, mounting design, and full-scale testing to guarantee safety, reliability, and mission readiness.

In this role you will collaborate with internal engineering teams, suppliers, and clients, while also contributing to R&D projects aimed at developing new methods for naval shock engineering. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge shipbuilding projects where your expertise directly impacts naval performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the design of shock-resistant ship structures and mounting systems.
• Performing shock calculations, simulations, and underwater explosion assessments using tools like FEMAP, ANSYS, and 6-DOF.
• Defining and negotiating shock requirements and naval standards (e.g. STANAG, Class) with customers and classification societies.
• Supporting production with shock testing and onboard validations, including full-scale trials.
• Advising project teams and clients on the impact of shock loads on ship design.
• Contributing to R&D projects in naval shock engineering and system resilience.

Skills & Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Proven knowledge of shock engineering, underwater explosion effects, and ship shock resistance.
• Experience with engineering tools such as FEMAP, ANSYS, 6-DOF.
• Familiarity with naval and international standards (STANAG, Class).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A good command of the English language, both written and verbal.
• Excellent references, as a security screening is part of the hiring process.
• Permanent EU citizenship and passport (EU work visas or dual nationalities are not eligible due to the military nature of our projects).

What we offer

• 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.

Please note that due to the military nature of our projects, only candidates who have permanent EU nationality can be considered for vacancies at Damen Naval. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to process candidates who (also) have a non-EU passport or nationality.

A pre-employment and security screening and investigation form part of the recruitment process.

Why Damen?

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. We offer you a world of possibilities.
Working at Damen means contributing to the highest quality in shipbuilding, with an eye to the future and future generations. We want to make the world a better place by becoming the most sustainable maritime solution provider. For that, we need you. Become part of our family.

About Us

We are Damen. We’re a family company that has been building ships for almost 100 years. However, our focus is not on the past, however – we’re looking forward. Our ambition is to become the most sustainable and connected maritime solutions provider there is. To achieve this, we combine digital technology with our philosophy of standardised shipbuilding to offer a portfolio of services that takes care of vessels throughout the entire lifecycle. Working at Damen offers the best of several worlds. Active in more than 100 countries, with over 30 shipyards, we are internationally renowned for quality. And we are still growing, still innovating. Which means we will continue to challenge you. You will never stop learning, and you will never get bored – we promise you that. We offer you an ocean of possibilities. Join our family.