Automation Engineer

Forexx Group; Netherlands; Hybrid; EUR 47,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Travel allowance

8% holiday pay

27 holidays and 13 ADV days

Job summary

Forexx Group is seeking an Automation Engineer to contribute to the development of a major European naval project, delivering advanced frigates with state-of-the-art automation. You will design and implement robust shipboard automation for safe and efficient operation, collaborating with international partners from concept to commissioning.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in automation design (PLC/SCADA), MBSE experience, and familiarity with V-model and cybersecurity standards for

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience designing and implementing complex automation systems (PLC/SCADA).
• Experience in maritime/defence sector preferred and MBSE with V-model.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity and safety standards for mission-critical systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop automation architectures for shipboard systems within the frigate project.
• Design control logic interfaces for PLC/SCADA per defence standards.
• Prepare specifications for automation hardware/software and ensure integration with electrical and mission systems.
• Collaborate with suppliers and international partners to align technical solutions.
• Participate in test plans and simulations across FAT/HAT/SAT.

Skills

PLC/SCADA

Cybersecurity awareness

MBSE

V-model

Systems engineering

Education

BSc in Automation

MSc in Electrical Eng

MBSE experience

Job description

Join a leading organization in the naval and defence sector, where professionals worldwide work together to deliver advanced vessels and systems. By applying the most innovative technological developments in practice, we continue to push the boundaries of modern shipbuilding and automation. You can be part of this dynamic team!

What you’ll be doing

As an Automation Engineer, you will contribute to the development of a major European naval project involving advanced frigates for anti-submarine warfare. You will 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 will ensure that all automation designs meet strict cybersecurity, safety, and military requirements – from concept to final commissioning.

What you bring to the table

• Developing functional descriptions and automation architecture for various shipboard systems within the frigate project.
• Designing and documenting control logic and interfaces for PLC/SCADA-based automation, in line with defence-grade standards and cybersecurity protocols.
• Preparing and maintaining technical specifications for automation hardware and software, ensuring integration with electrical and mission systems.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders, system suppliers, and international partners to align on technical solutions and interface definitions.
• Supporting the development of test plans and simulation environments to validate functionality across project stages (FAT, HAT, SAT).
• Reviewing vendor documentation, assessing compliance, and integrating their deliverables into the ship’s automation architecture.
• Contributing to the continuous development of automation standards and engineering practices within the programme.
• 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 are required due to the military nature of the project. Candidates with EU (work) visa or dual EU/non-EU nationalities are not eligible.

What we offer you

We highly value our employees and support their professional and personal development. The employment package includes:

• A salary between €3.900,- and €6.000,- depending on experience and knowledge
• 8% holiday pay.
• 27 holidays and 13 ADV days.
• Travel allowance of €0.23 per kilometre.
• Flexibility to work from home up to two days a week.

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