Data Science, AI & Autonomous Maritime Systems Engineer

Royal IHC is looking to strengthen its Technology and Innovation department with a Data Science, AI & Autonomous Maritime Systems Engineer. In this role, you will work at IHC Technology, the R&D and innovation centre of Royal IHC, based in Kinderdijk, the Netherlands.

At IHC, we design and build high-tech maritime equipment and vessels used worldwide in offshore energy, defence, mining and dredging. In this position, you will help shape the next generation of intelligent, autonomous and data-driven maritime systems.

Your focus will be on applying data science, artificial intelligence, computer vision and autonomy concepts to real-world maritime challenges — from perception and decision support to system integration and validation in operational environments. You will work closely with other data scientists, AI engineers and system specialists as part of a multidisciplinary R&D team.

What you will work on

As a Data Science, AI & Autonomous Systems Engineer, you will contribute to R&D projects such as:

• Developing and applying AI, machine learning and data-driven methods for maritime applications.
• Computer vision and sensor data processing (e.g. cameras, lidar, radar, drones and autonomous platforms).
• Supporting developments in autonomous perception, navigation and decision support.
• Data analysis, algorithm development and rapid prototyping, primarily in Python.
• Integrating AI and autonomy concepts into complex maritime systems and vessels.
• Validating concepts through simulations, laboratory testing and operational trials.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across Engineering, Product Market Groups and Operations.
• Translating innovative ideas into robust, scalable solutions for full-scale maritime systems.

You will not be confined to a single technology stack or product. Instead, you will work in an exploratory R&D environment, where experimentation, learning and real impact go hand in hand.

Why this role is different

• You work on full-scale, physical maritime systems—not only digital models—where AI solutions must perform under real operational constraints.
• You combine AI, software and data science with ships, machines, sensors and real-world operations, where reliability and safety matter.
• You see your work evolve from concept to prototype, testing and operational application, with clear ownership and accountability.
• You operate across laboratory, simulation and operational environments, gaining exposure to the full engineering and validation cycle.
• You are actively challenged on your ideas and expected to challenge others—good ideas are heard, tested and improved through engineering judgement.
• You receive guidance and coaching from experienced engineers, while being trusted to take responsibility and deliver results.
• You help shape how AI and autonomy are applied responsibly and pragmatically in the maritime domain—focused on value creation, safety and business impact.

Your profile

We are deliberately looking for a broad and diverse talent pool. You do not need to tick every box.

You have:

• A master’s degree in a technical field such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering (or a related discipline).
• Strong interest in AI, data science, computer vision and/or autonomous systems.
• Experience with Python and data-driven development.
• Curiosity about how algorithms interact with physical systems.
• Good communication skills in English (Dutch is a plus).

Please note that only candidates with valid EU work visa will be considered as viable candidates.

Royal IHC offers you:

• A salary between €4000,- and €5500,- gross per month, plus 8% holiday allowance.
• Plenty of time off: 40 vacation days for a full-time position, with the option to buy or sell additional leave.
• A profit-sharing scheme that lets you share in Royal IHC’s success.
• Flexible working: A home office allowance of €2.45 per day + a one-time payment of €750 to set up your workspace.
• Travel allowance of €0.21 per kilometer for the days you commute to the office.
• A solid pension plan through PME.
• Room to grow: Numerous internal career opportunities and a training budget + access to our IHC Academy to support your development.
• Health and energy: Unlimited access to our in-house gym (in exchange for the sustainable employability day).
• Royal IHC takes care of things you’d rather not worry about, but that are still important—such as disability insurance, partner pension, and the option to have additional healthcare costs reimbursed through our Social Fund.

Our Technology department

IHC Technology is one of the enabling organizations for IHC’s Core and Potential Core to achieve its strategy “towards a sustainable future”. The unit consists of around 20 employees with different backgrounds, mostly at PhD or MSc/BSc level. Besides DAS, a R&D group, IP, Innovation Management Support and Subsidy Support. IHC Technology also operates a well-equipped test facility.