Specialist - concept exploration

Do you want to help shape the future of maritime innovation? At MARIN, we are looking for a specialist to join our Concept & Exploration team, where concept exploration and digital development come together. In this role, you will develop tools, models, and processes that turn new ideas into practical solutions for the maritime sector. Your work will contribute directly to smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s oceans.

Who are we looking for?

We’re seeking a multidisciplinary engineer to build innovative tools and methods for maritime research and concept design. The role is primarily desk-based and highly collaborative across disciplines.

• Experience in ship modelling, simulation, and/or systems design (maritime preferred).
• Affinity or experience with data science.
• Clear, proactive communicator; comfortable with global, cross-cultural teams and clients.
• Flexible problem-solver who can move from concept to practical delivery.
• Excellent command of English (Dutch recommended but not required).
• Master's in a relevant field (e.g., Marine, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, Computer Science).
• Strong Python development skills.
• Experience with modern web frameworks and cloud infrastructure is a plus.

What will your work involve?

You will be building integrated toolchains that connect ship concept assessment, voyage and scenario simulations, and optimization methods within a cloud-based infrastructure.

• Explore and implement early-stage ship design concepts.
• Develop, enhance, and maintain tools for ship/fleet design, analysis and operations.
• Work with colleagues to identify challenges and deliver improvements through tools, workflows, and simulations.
• Contribute to development and project execution across contractual research, European/joint-industry, and internal R&D projects.

Who will your colleagues be?

You’ll join the Ships department, a team of 100+ professionals working in smaller, specialized groups. Your direct colleagues are a diverse, multidisciplinary mix of software developers, simulation experts, marine systems specialists, naval architects, and data scientists. Each brings unique expertise, making the team a vibrant environment focused on solving challenges in early-concept ship design.

What do we offer?

• A stimulating environment which will allow you to develop while maintaining the freedom to choose your own path.
• An attractive salary and benefits package, including our annual profit sharing and excellent pension scheme.
• A gross monthly salary of €4.200 – €6.500, depending on experience and education, based on a 40-hour working week.
• Lifecycle allowance of 5.55% of your gross monthly salary.
• 29 vacation days (fulltime) + 5 scheduled days between Christmas and New Year.
• Development through training courses, further education and coaching.
• Flexibility in working hours and a hybrid working arrangement, to support your work-life balance.

Who are we?

MARIN is a globally recognised institute in maritime research, based in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Our mission is ‘Better Ships, Blue Oceans’: We are committed to the sustainable, safe, and secure use of the oceans for a thriving maritime sector. We do this as an independent knowledge partner for the maritime sector, governments and society. We work with around 450 specialists in various fields who are proud of an open and collaborative culture in which you can explore your own ideas and take initiative.