Hydraulic Design Engineer

Design solutions that protect the Netherlands for generations to come. As a Hydraulic Design Engineer at Van Oord, you work on projects that strengthen dikes, improve water safety and create space for nature. You help shape a more resilient future while working with experts who trust your ideas and support your growth.

The Position

The Netherlands is facing one of its biggest challenges yet. Rising sea levels, changing river systems and climate change demand innovative solutions that keep our country safe while creating room for nature and sustainable development. At Van Oord, we turn these challenges into opportunities. As a Hydraulic Design Engineer within the Infra Land product line, you contribute to complex water safety projects from the first tender until execution. You work on integrated designs that balance safety, sustainability, feasibility and innovation. Together with colleagues from different disciplines, you develop solutions that make a lasting impact on people and the environment. Your work creates the foundation for successful projects and meaningful change.

Your Impact

Every design you create contributes to a safer and more climate resilient Netherlands. You combine technical expertise with creativity to develop practical solutions that can be built with confidence. Working closely with specialists in geotechnics, hydrology, ecology and construction, you help deliver projects that protect communities today and for generations to come.

• Design dikes, flood defences, earth structures and hydraulic engineering solutions.
• Translate project requirements, safety standards and specialist advice into integrated designs.
• Coordinate design interfaces with geotechnical, ecological and construction disciplines.
• Optimise designs for safety, sustainability, constructability and cost efficiency.
• Contribute to innovative solutions such as low emission construction, circular materials and nature inclusive designs.

You prepare design reports and technical substantiations and contribute to discussions with clients and project teams throughout every stage of the project.

Your Workplace

You become part of the Tendering & Engineering department within the Infra Land product line in Rotterdam. Here, engineers, designers and technical specialists work together on some of the Netherlands' most challenging infrastructure and water safety projects. Every project brings together different areas of expertise, creating an environment where knowledge is shared openly and everyone contributes to the best solution.

At Van Oord, we believe great results come from collaboration. We give you the trust, responsibility and freedom to make an impact from day one.

About You

You enjoy solving complex technical challenges and know how to connect different disciplines into one integrated design. You communicate clearly, take ownership of your work and enjoy working with colleagues towards a shared goal. You are motivated by projects that combine engineering excellence with positive environmental impact.

• A completed Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering or a comparable field.
• Experience as a designer, engineer or modeller within civil engineering, hydraulic engineering or infrastructure.
• Affinity with flood protection projects, water safety and complex earth structures.
• Interest in sustainability, ecology and innovative design methods.
• Good command of Dutch and English, both spoken and written.

We Offer

This role gives you the opportunity to design projects that make a lasting difference for the future of the Netherlands while developing your expertise alongside leading specialists in hydraulic engineering.

• Attractive travel allowance (€0.31 per km) and home working allowance (€2.40 per day).
• 32 holidays (of which a maximum of 7 are collective).
• Variable bonus, partly dependent on company results.
• Attractive pension scheme.
• Option for collective health insurance (Van Oord pays for your supplementary package).
• Extensive development opportunities, including a comprehensive online academy via GoodHabitz.
• Communities to join, such as Young Van Oord, Van Oord Women and the Van Oord staff association.
• Various events and sports activities, such as skiing, sailing weekends, cycling and motorcycling.

‘You come up with something at your desk and then see it actually working on a ship. That’s incredibly rewarding.’

Thomasz Engineer Production Automation