Technical specialist ergonomics

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 Technical Specialist Ergonomics at Damen Naval, you will play a key role in applying human factors engineering (HFE) principles to the design and improvement of naval vessels and training environments. You will focus on optimizing the interaction between crew members and equipment by minimizing risks, enhancing system performance, and ensuring comfort, usability, and safety on board.

Your work will span multiple domains within ergonomics, including physical, cognitive, organizational, and linguistic aspects. You will collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and suppliers to ensure the ergonomic integrity of all systems, from design concept to implementation. Your expertise will directly contribute to the performance and well-being of those operating Damen Naval platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Defining and executing Human Factors Engineering (HFE) plans in line with project needs.
• Conducting ergonomic analyses of ship systems and human-machine interactions.
• Performing task-based assessments and deriving technical requirements for design.
• Applying Leitmerkmal methods and drafting Ergonomic Assessment Reports.
• Advising on workspace and equipment design to minimize crew workload and maximize efficiency.
• Supporting the integration of COTS equipment with a focus on usability and functionality.
• Identifying and improving human-machine interfaces, especially in operational and informational contexts.
• Collaborating across departments to ensure ergonomic standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills & experience

• A relevant bachelor’s degree and experience working with engineers, suppliers, and project stakeholders on large-scale (preferably naval) projects.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with hazard assessments and ergonomic standards, ideally within German regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office, SAP, IBM DOORS, and 3DX.
• Previous experience in shipbuilding or the maritime sector is preferred.
• Fluency in German and English, both spoken and written.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Permanent EU citizenship and a permanent EU passport (requirement due to the military nature of our projects).
• Candidates with EU (work) visa or with (also) a non-EU nationality and/or passport are not eligible given the requirements imposed by 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.