Design Engineer Propulsion Controls and System Engineering

Wärtsilä; Vaasa; Hybrid; EUR 34,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Wärtsilä in Drunen, Netherlands offers a Design Engineer role to strengthen the Propulsion Controls and System Engineering team. You will work on cutting-edge control systems for Wärtsilä and client equipment, leading design efforts across global projects and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

The role supports hybrid work after onboarding, with potential base in Italy as well. Candidates should have a BSc/MSc in Industrial Automation and 5+ years in control system design for maritime

Qualifications

• Educational degree in industrial automation or equivalent required.
• Minimum 5 years designing control systems in maritime or industrial automation.
• Experience with propulsion control systems and integrated automation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design engineering efforts for advanced propulsion control systems.
• Oversee production and subcontractors to ensure high quality and compliance.
• Answer technical questions and provide expert advice to customers.
• Develop testing procedures and lead factory acceptance tests.
• Support sales with on-site surveys, specs, and cost estimates.
• Contribute to product development and continuous improvement.
• Mentor new engineers and train customers in propulsion control usage.

Skills

Electrical hardware design

Software design

Communication networks

Error handling

Analog technology

Pneumatic & hydraulic control

Strong communication

Education

BSc or MSc in Industrial Automation

Tools

MODBUS

CANbus

Profibus

NMEA

PLC based programming

Job description

Wärtsilä is an innovative technology company known for being a forerunner in the Marine and Energy markets. Every day, we – Wärtsilians - put our hearts and minds into turning Wärtsilä’s purpose of enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality. Our ultimate aim is to provide increased value to both our customers and society. New, game-changing ideas and continuous improvement have been part of our DNA since 1834. Together, we can create new business opportunities and more sustainable future that we can all be proud of.

We want to transition the world towards a decarbonised and sustainable future. By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we can make it work. We are always on the lookout for future-oriented talent – want to join the ride?

We are now looking for a

Design Engineer

to strengthen our Propulsion Controls and System Engineering team. You will work on challenging and diverse global projects, delivering cutting‑edge control and automation systems for both Wärtsilä and non‑Wärtsilä equipment. Every project is different — from retrofits and redesigns to new integrations — and you'll be part of a multidisciplinary team that brings expertise, creativity, and problem‑solving to complex systems.

As a Design Engineer Controls Retrofit, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of maritime technology. Join our team and be part of a company that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement and lead the way in transforming maritime propulsion systems!

We are recruiting for several levels of seniority, so some expectations listed may apply primarily to more advanced candidates. We value expertise at all levels and are happy to match responsibilities to your experience.

The position is preferably based at our office in Drunen, with a hybrid work model possible after the onboarding period. However, another major Wärtsilä office may also be considered as the employee’s base office.

What are your main tasks and responsibilities?

• Design & Development: Lead the design engineering team in creating Be part of the design engineering team responsible for creating advanced propulsion control systems, ensuring seamless integration with existing interfaces and spaces.


• Production Supervision: Oversee subcontractors during the production phase, guaranteeing adherence to agreements and high‑quality output.


• Technical Expertise: Answer technical questions from subcontractors and provide specialized advice to customers, ensuring efficient and effective solutions.


• Testing & Troubleshooting: Develop and maintain testing procedures, lead Factory Acceptance Tests, and perform accurate troubleshooting during production, installation, and commissioning.


• Sales Support: Conduct on‑site surveys, create technical specifications, and provide cost estimations during the sales phase. Lead technical discussions with international customers and stakeholders.


• Product Development: Contribute to the continuous improvement and development of the product portfolio, carrying out research within specified program requirements and budgets.


• Training & Mentorship: Mentor new Design Engineers and train customers in the operation and proper use of the propulsion control systems.

What do we expect from you?

• Education: BSc or MSc in Industrial Automation or equivalent.


• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in designing control systems in the maritime industry or industrial automation.

Skills:

• Electrical Hardware Design: Expertise in designing and reviewing hardware for customized propulsion control systems according to class rules and customer specifications.


• Software Design: Proficiency in software development (C, C++, C#, SQL, etc.) and programming (PLC based).


• Communication Networks: Knowledge of communication protocols (MODBUS, CANbus, Profibus, NMEA, etc.) and network topology and security.


• Error Handling: Ability to perform fault finding analysis in both software and hardware.


• Analog Technology: Understanding of thyristors, amplifiers, and other analogue technologies.


• Pneumatic and Hydraulic Control: Knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic control systems.


• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills to translate complex technical topics for stakeholders.

The primary location for this role is Drunen, the Nethelands, but this role can also be based in Italy where the annual salary range would be 34 226 EUR – 46 503 EUR in accordance with the salary provisions in the National Collective Labor Agreement for workers in the metalworking and plant installation industry (CCNL Metalmeccanico).

Why you and us?

We at Wärtsilä believe in empowerment, ownership and taking responsibility of our work. We support each other’s growth and co‑creation is the true basis of our innovation. We have courage to see opportunities and take initiative.

We are authentic and honest, and we strongly believe in that by being your own true self you can accomplish so much more. We don’t always get it right the first time, and if mistakes are made, we make sure to learn and grow from them. We want everyone to voice their opinions freely. That is why we have built an environment that empowers you and everyone around you, and where you can feel safe and cared for. Are you eager to be part of this ambition?

We have an amazing team and we are excited about our work and the impact it has on building sustainable societies. We are looking to find a colleague with this shared passion for smart technologies and a sustainable future.

Last application date: 31/08/2026

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job‑relevant merits and abilities.

Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

This is Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals, in more than 230 locations in 77 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com.