Vessel Solution Architect

Are you excited about the opportunity to take vessel IT and OT infrastructure to the next level, enabling a process-driven, data-centric, and digitally empowered company? As a Vessel Solution Architect, you will play a key role in modernising and securing our fleet’s digital capabilities. This role is positioned within Van Oord's Ship Management Department (SMD), supporting our global operations by ensuring our vessels are equipped with future-proof IT and OT infrastructures.

The Position

At Van Oord, we are an ambitious and entrepreneurial organization with core values: We create, We care, We work together, and We succeed. As a Vessel Solution Architect, you will contribute to our purpose:

“To create a better world for future generations by delivering Marine Ingenuity”.

Based in Rotterdam, you will support a diverse fleet of vessels, each with unique characteristics. Our vessel landscape is undergoing a major transformation, driven by:

• New cybersecurity legislation (E26 & E27)
• The need for enhanced operational excellence
• Becoming a fully data-driven organization
• Expanding our digital capabilities

While we are transitioning our headquarters' IT landscape to a platform- and cloud-based environment, our vessels remain floating hubs that require continuous improvement in security, standards, and communication technologies (LEO). Your mission is to bridge the gap between onshore and offshore environments.

Your Impact

As a Vessel Solution Architect, you will develop a vision for onboard information architecture. Working closely with the IT department and the Electrical & Automation team (responsible for OT architecture), your role is pivotal in standardizing and modernizing vessel infrastructure.

• Your key responsibilities include:
• Developing and maintaining a roadmap for continuous improvement and lifecycle management of vessel IT infrastructure;
• Designing solution architectures for IT and OT systems on board, optimizing complexity;
• Creating and maintaining blueprints for standardized vessel infrastructure;
• Translating business and vessel requirements into a structured backlog for strategic planning;
• Acting as a key liaison with the IT architecture department;
• Designing and implementing cybersecurity measures for vessel environments;
• Driving innovation, complexity reduction, and cost optimization;
• Establishing and maintaining standards, guidelines, and frameworks.

Currently, we are executing a major infrastructure replacement project to define a new secure architecture for our vessels. You will actively participate in this initiative, ensure knowledge retention, and drive further improvements beyond the project’s completion.

This position is available within the multi-disciplinary SMD Information Management and Support team. This team consists of 15 people. You will get a buddy to help you find your way into the company. You can learn a lot from your colleagues, and we value an open learning environment.

About You

We believe you will thrive in this role if you have:

• A master’s degree or work level experience;
• At 3-5 years’ experience as senior (solution) architect in networking, infrastructure and cybersecurity, preferable in an IT/OT environment;
• Convincing based on knowledge, personality, and seniority - rather than relying on the role itself;
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, but driving for a practical outcome;
• A natural willingness / eagerness to drive change;
• Comfortable with creating visualizations, diagrams, and communication materials;
• Thought leadership seniority and mentality;
• Experienced in working within a business-critical Vessel environment;
• Knowledge of the impact of using satellite communication is a pré;
• Certification in GICSP, TOGAF and ITIL or comparable;
• Fluent in both Dutch and English.

We Offer

A challenging position in which you will play an important role in the further development of the Ship Management Department. You will have the opportunity to further develop this position within Van Oord and we offer you the freedom to further develop your personal competences.

• A salary that matches your responsibilities and experience;
• 32 holidays (of which a maximum of 7 are collective);
• Attractive pension scheme;
• Option for collective health insurance (Van Oord pays for your supplementary package);
• Flexible home working arrangement: on a full-time basis, you can work from home 2 days a week;
• 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

Ready to make an impact?

Join us in shaping the future of vessel IT and OT infrastructure.

'Show what you can do and where your ambition lies, and you’ll get every opportunity to act on it. That’s something I’m proud of!' Renske Category Manager Engineering