3rd Engineer / Third Engineer

Heerema Marine Contractors; Netherlands; Remote; EUR 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Offshore allowance

Bonus structure

Pension & Insurance

Cabins & facilities

Safety & sustainability

5 weeks on / 5 weeks off

Job summary

Heerema Marine Contractors is seeking an Assistant Engineer to begin a mechanical career aboard our crane vessels. You will be mentored by Engineers 1 and 2 to maintain mechanical equipment and automation systems, diagnosing and repairing malfunctions.

Training sessions will help you grow toward Engineer roles. You will work with the engine room team to inspect and service systems, support lifesaving and safety devices, and report unsafe conditions while adhering to safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Recent vocational or bachelor’s degree from a Maritime School or equivalent technical qualification.
• Strong practical mindset with a hands-on approach.
• Excellent reporting and a structured way of working.
• Valid STCW Certificate of Competence A-III/1 or higher.

Responsibilities

• Inspecting, maintaining, and repairing engine room systems and auxiliary equipment.
• Assisting in operation and maintenance of lifesaving and safety systems.
• Reporting unsafe conditions and ensuring compliance with safety procedures.

Skills

Practical mindset

Hands-on attitude

Reporting skills

Structured working

Dutch & English communication

Education

Vocational or Bachelor’s degree (Maritime School)

STCW Certificate A-III/1 or higher

Job description

Ready to power the world’s offshore giants?

Join Heerema and become the driving force behind the world’s largest crane vessels, where teamwork, technology, and adventure meet.

Your role in the story:

As Assistant Engineer you can start your mechanical career and will be trained and guided by Engineers 1 and 2 to maintain the mechanical equipment and automation systems on board of our crane vessels and to detect and repair malfunctions. You are the ship's trouble‑shooter when it comes to various mechanical issues and challenges. We will make sure that you will receive plenty of training sessions and courses to help you master the systems and keep your knowledge up‑to‑date to develop yourself to an Engineer 2 or 1 or maybe eventually even higher?

What you will be working on:

• Inspecting, maintaining, and repairing engine room systems and auxiliary equipment


• Assisting in the operation and maintenance of lifesaving and safety systems


• Reporting unsafe conditions and ensuring compliance with safety procedures

Key ingredients for success:

• You have recently obtained your Vocational or Bachelor’s degree at a Maritime School or hold an equivalent technical qualification.


• You possess a practical mindset and a flexible, hands‑on attitude.


• You have excellent reporting skills and a structured way of working.


• You communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, in Dutch and English.


• A must:you hold a valid STCW Certificate of Competence A-III/1 (Officer in charge of an Engineering Watch) or higher (e.g. A-III/2 Second Engineer Unlimited).

Your future colleagues:

In this position you will work closely with our experienced and professional Engineers who will guide you in your development.

Curious to meet your future crew? On our SSCV’s, the engine room is the beating heart of the operation. At Heerema, on our SSCV’s, the engine room hierarchy is clearly defined to ensure smooth and efficient offshore operations:

All positions, except for the Assistant Chief Engineer and Chief Engineer, are divided per shift to guarantee continuous 24/7 operations.

In addition to the engine room crew, you’ll work closely with our Electrical Team, which consists of Assistant Electricians (2x) → Electricians 3 (3x) → Electricians 2 (2x) → Electricians 1 (2x) → Marine Automation Engineer (1x) → Chief Electrician, and with the Stores Department, including Chief Storekeeper (1x) → Storekeeper 1 (1x) → Storekeeper 2 (2x).

Your Foundation for Success

At our core, we champion an entrepreneurial spirit and a relentless pursuit of growth. We seek individuals who excel in personal development, seize opportunities where others see challenges, and turn them into success. Whether you're a creative problem-solver, an ambitious go‑getter, or someone who thrives in collaboration, we cultivate a culture of passion, dedication, and continuous improvement. Personal leadership and initiative are non‑negotiable: you own your growth and the impact you make. If you tackle challenges with a creative yet practical mindset, drive goals with determination, and add value to diverse teams, you'll thrive with us. Together, we create impact and drive meaningful change, always focused on results.

Here’s why people love working with us

• Strong compensation & benefits, including offshore allowance, bonus structure, and strong pension and insurance packages


• Comfortable cabins, fitness facilities, excellent catering, and onboard recreation


• A high focus on safety and sustainability


• 5 weeks on / 5 weeks off rotation schedule (subject to project needs)

Is this your dream job?

The application process consists of two interviews, an online assessment, and an employment offer.

The first interview will be conducted via Microsoft Teams with the Chief Engineer, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the technical aspects of the role and life on board our vessels.
The second interview will take place at our office in Leiden, where you’ll meet additional team members and get a better feel for our culture and working environment.

As part of the process, you will also complete an online assessment, which will take place either before or immediately after the first interview.

Are you ready to make the impossible possible?

At Heerema Marine Contractors, we deliver the world’s most challenging offshore projects in the energy sector. From designing and engineering to transporting, installing, and removing offshore structures, we make the impossible possible — safely and sustainably.

Our success is built on the expertise and dedication of our diverse team, working together across offshore, onshore, and office‑based roles. We value teamwork, innovation, and a can‑do mindset, and we are proud of our culture where colleagues support and inspire each other to achieve excellence.

Join Heerema and become part of a world‑class team shaping the future of the offshore industry.

Information at a Glance

Highlights

At Heerema Marine Contractors, we offer offshore jobs, engineering careers, and office opportunities worldwide. Join our team and make the impossible possible.

Job Location: HMC Leiden Business area: Offshore Engine Room Job Level: Entry/Junior Req Id: 779