Manager Test & Integration

Join Damen Naval and Lead the Future of Naval Vessel Integration

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?

The role

As the Manager Test & Integration at Damen Naval, you hold the crucial responsibility for leading the end-to-end integration and testing programme for our cutting-edge, one-off naval vessels. This comprehensive scope spans the full lifecycle, from inspection planning and production testing through to final sea trials. You personally ensure every stage rigorously adheres to stringent technical, quality, and security requirements.

You act as the critical bridge connecting engineering disciplines, suppliers, and project stakeholders. You are responsible for driving follow-up on deviations, coordinating compliance activities, and steering the overall Test & Integration strategy. Success in this role demands a deep understanding of both internal processes and the complex contractual compliance requirements of the end-customer. Your team is responsible for setting up detailed test specifications, explicitly demonstrating adherence to demanding technical documentation (such as PdL, LTGUA, etc.). You serve as the primary point of contact for all T&I matters for internal and external stakeholders, reporting directly to the Manager Services.

Key accountabilities

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

• Lead and coordinate the project integration and test programme in line with design, progress, and project milestones.
• Develop, implement, and improve processes, templates, work instructions, and tools in cooperation with line management.
• Prepare and execute inspection plans and manage follow-up actions in case of deviations.
• Develop, execute, and steer test and trial plans, including FAT, HAT, and SAT stages.
• Facilitate cross-functional engineering reviews and integration activities with suppliers and project teams.
• Define and align supplier, client, and class compliance strategies, ensuring documentation in sVCRM and VCRM.
• Approve test specifications and manage compliance demonstration via physical tests and verification activities.
• Monitor and report on compliance, progress, budgets, and performance of third parties, intervening when necessary.
• Deliver status reports during production, tests, and trials, covering process, technical, and cost aspects.
• Manage department resources, including planning external capacity to ensure required expertise is available.

Skills & experience

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor or Master degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline combined with IPMA C or equivalent.
• Proven experience in manufacturing and commissioning complex new build ships in the Netherlands and abroad.
• Strong background in subcontract management of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Expertise in integrating electrical, automation, and mechanical systems, including combined propulsion installations.
• Familiarity with requirements management, configuration management, and quality management tools.
• Excellent command of English, with Dutch or German as a plus.
• Ability to work in the Damen Naval location in Vlissingen, The Netherlands.
• Excellent references, as a security screening is part of the hiring process.
• Permanent EU citizenship and passport are both required. Candidates with EU (work) visa or with both an EU and non-EU nationality and/or passport are not eligible in accordance with the requirements imposed by the military nature of our projects.

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.

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 is 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.