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?

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

In this role, your key responsibilities are:

• Develop functional descriptions and automation architecture for various shipboard systems in the context of the ASWF frigate.
• Design and document control logic and interfaces for PLC/SCADA-based automation, aligned with defence-grade standards and cybersecurity protocols.
• Prepare and maintain technical specifications for automation hardware and software, ensuring integration with electrical and mission systems.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, system suppliers, and international partners to align on technical solutions and interface definitions.
• Support the development of test plans and simulation environments to validate functionality across various project stages (FAT, HAT, SAT).

• Review vendor documentation, assess compliance, and integrate their deliverables into the ship’s automation architecture.Contribute to the continuous development of automation standards and engineering practices within the ASWF programme and Damen Naval.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• At least 2 years of experience in the design and implementation of complex automation systems (PLC/SCADA), preferably in the maritime or defence sector.
• Experience with systems engineering and multidisciplinary projects involving multiple stakeholders and subcontractors.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity and safety standards relevant to military or mission-critical systems is a strong asset.
• Experience working in a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) environment, preferably using the V-model.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Technical Automation, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Excellent references, as a security screening is part of the selection process.
• Permanent EU citizenship and passport, as required by the military nature of the ASWF project. Candidates with EU (work) visa or dual EU/non-EU nationalities are not eligible.

THE ROLE

As the Automation Engineer at Damen Naval, you contribute to the development of the new Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates (ASWF), a flagship project within European naval defence. You design and implement automation solutions for complex onboard systems, enabling safe and efficient control and monitoring across the platform. Working in a multidisciplinary team and in close collaboration with international partners, you ensure that all automation designs meet strict cybersecurity, safety, and military requirements – from concept to final commissioning.

In this role, your key responsibilities are:

• Develop functional descriptions and automation architecture for various shipboard systems in the context of the ASWF frigate.
• Design and document control logic and interfaces for PLC/SCADA-based automation, aligned with defence-grade standards and cybersecurity protocols.
• Prepare and maintain technical specifications for automation hardware and software, ensuring integration with electrical and mission systems.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, system suppliers, and international partners to align on technical solutions and interface definitions.
• Support the development of test plans and simulation environments to validate functionality across various project stages (FAT, HAT, SAT).
• Review vendor documentation, assess compliance, and integrate their deliverables into the ship’s automation architecture.Contribute to the continuous development of automation standards and engineering practices within the ASWF programme and Damen Naval