Lead Engineer - New Builds

We ARE Renewables; Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

We ARE Renewables is seeking a Lead Engineer- New Builds based in Belgium for a permanent staff position within the offshore wind sector. You will lead the engineering scope for new build vessels and asset projects, driving concept development, feasibility studies, detailed design, and construction support.

You will coordinate multidisciplinary teams (naval architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical drives, and control & automation) and act as the technical counterpart to the Project

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering and at least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Strong polytechnical mindset with ability to integrate multiple engineering domains.
• Experience coordinating engineering teams or projects and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.
• Excellent communication with technical teams and project stakeholders.
• EU Passport holder due to travel requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate engineering activities for new build vessels and asset development.
• Serve as primary technical counterpart to the Project Manager across scope, timing and performance.
• Coordinate naval architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
• Manage internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure timely delivery.
• Ensure designs are buildable and align with operational requirements for construction.
• Identify risks and drive mitigation actions to safeguard objectives.
• Support transition from design to construction with shipyards and contractors.
• Take ownership of smaller projects and guide a team of engineers.

Skills

Team leadership

Project coordination

Multidisciplinary integration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Industrial)

Job description

We ARE looking for a Lead Engineer- New Builds, for one of our clients, an EPCI contractor in the offshore wind industry, to be based in Belgium on a permanent/staff basis.

You will lead the engineering scope for new-build vessels and asset projects—from concept development and feasibility studies through to detailed design and construction support. You'll coordinate multidisciplinary teams and external partners, acting as the technical counterpart to the Project Manager on larger projects while independently managing smaller ones. You'll ensure designs are buildable and aligned with business needs, guide a team of engineers, and make occasional shipyard visits during construction.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the engineering activities for new build vessels and asset development projects, ensuring technical consistency and quality throughout the project lifecycle.
• Act as the primary counterpart of the Project Manager, translating project requirements into feasible engineering solutions and ensuring delivery in line with scope, timing, and performance expectations.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering activities across domains such as naval architecture, structural engineering, mechanical systems, electrical drives, and control & automation systems.
• Manage and steer both internal stakeholders and external partners (e.g. design offices and suppliers), ensuring alignment and timely delivery of engineering outputs.
• Ensure that the developed design reflects the operational and technical requirements and can be successfully translated into execution during construction.
• Identify technical risks and interface challenges early on, and drive mitigation actions to safeguard project objectives.
• Support the transition from design to construction by actively engaging with shipyards and contractors, providing clarification and ensuring proper understanding of the design intent.
• Take ownership of smaller projects, managing the full engineering scope independently, including planning and coordination of resources.
• Guide and coach a team of engineers (typically 2 to 10), ensuring effective collaboration and high-quality deliverables.
• Maintain a structured approach to engineering planning and follow-up, ensuring milestones are met and interfaces between disciplines are properly managed.

Requirements/Your profile:

• Master’s degree in Engineering (Civil or Industrial Engineer), with a strong interest in multidisciplinary engineering projects.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in complex engineering environments; this role is not suited for entry-level candidates.
• Broad technical affinity (“polytechnical mindset”) and are able to understand, connect, and challenge multiple engineering disciplines.
• Experience in coordinating engineering teams or projects, with a strong focus on integration across technical domains.
• Able to structure complex problems, identify interfaces, and drive solutions in a pragmatic and efficient way.
• Have strong communication skills and are comfortable interacting with both technical experts and project stakeholders.
• Capable of leading a small team of engineers and guiding external partners towards common objectives.
• Willing to travel occasionally to shipyards and partners within Europe and internationally to support project execution.
• You combine analytical thinking with a hands‑on approach and a strong sense of ownership.
• EU Passport holder (due to travel requirements outside HQ)

Location: Belgium (relocation is mandatory)

Contract type: Permanent/Staff

Start: ASAP (in consultation with client)