Senior Engineer Electrical & Automation (Interim)

Career at Damen

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 a Senior Engineer Electrical and Automation at Damen Naval, you will play a key role in modifying, integrating, and optimizing electrical systems on board Zr.Ms. Karel Doorman, the largest vessel of the Royal Netherlands Navy. In this project, you will work hands-on with existing designs and tooling to implement modifications, enhance system functionality, ensure reliability, and safeguard compliance with naval standards.

Your focus will be on the electrical domain, with involvement in automation interfaces where systems overlap. You will work within a small multidisciplinary team, both from the office and directly on board the vessel, in close collaboration with Damen Shiprepair as well as involved suppliers and subcontractors. Your work will help extend the operational performance of one of the most advanced support ships in the fleet.

Using tools such as Cadmatic, MicroStation, and Teamcenter, you will independently adapt and improve existing designs, provide technical guidance during installation and commissioning, and coordinate subcontracted work. This assignment is particularly suitable for independent professionals (ZZP) with strong technical ownership and problem-solving ability.

Key responsibilities

• Modifying and optimizing existing electrical designs for power distribution, lighting, automation interfaces, and control systems.
• Creating and maintaining engineering documentation and drawings using tools such as Cadmatic, MicroStation, and Teamcenter.
• Supervising and coordinating subcontractors’ activities on board the vessel.
• Collaborating closely with the Shiprepair team to support execution and integration work.
• Monitoring progress, quality, and technical compliance of subcontracted work.
• Providing hands-on support during installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Ensuring all designs meet Damen Naval and Class regulations.

Skills & experience

• At least 5 years of experience in designing, modifying, or maintaining complex electrical systems, preferably in the maritime or offshore industry.
• Proven ability to work independently in a small team and take full technical ownership within a project environment.
• Practical knowledge of shipboard systems, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with tools such as Cadmatic, MicroStation, and Teamcenter is a plus.
• Strong communication and coordination skills, especially for managing subcontractors and collaborating with shipyard teams.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Permanent EU citizenship and passport (a security screening applies due to the military nature of the project).

What we offer

• A competitive salary aligned with permanent staff.
• Travel allowance of €0.23 per kilometre.
• Flexibility to work from home up to two days a week.
• Opportunities to work on challenging and innovative projects in the naval sector.

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-assignment and security screening and investigation form part of the recruitment process.

Damen has 35 shipyards on five different continents and operates in more than 100 countries. 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.