Automation Engineer Digital Enablement Team

Heerema Marine Contractors; Leiden; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

13th month salary

8% holiday allowance

Pension scheme

30 days leave + option to buy 10 days

Gym access

Colleague events

Modern Leiden office

Job summary

Heerema Marine Contractors seeks an Automation Engineer DET to bridge Engineering and IT & Digital, driving automation initiatives across disciplines. You will enable citizen developers, develop Python-based tools, and build modular packages while ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability of offshore-ready solutions.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, code quality, and collaboration within a small, high-impact team, with a focus on engineering automation and future-proof

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or Computer Science.
• Deep expertise in Python; knowledge of C++ is a plus.
• Comfort automating physical concepts and engineering applications.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Engineer Enablement: support citizen developers with advice, reviews, documentation, examples and reusable components.
• Hands-on Development: build and refine automation tools, turning defined problems into tested solutions.
• Building Modules: develop Python packages and Lego blocks that fit into our wider ecosystem; ensure code is clean and reusable.
• The Flywheel Effect: own automation projects and drive them to completion.
• Pure Logic: break down complex physics or logistics into atomic functions addressing high-impact engineering pain points.
• Robust Engineering: write tests, validation, and clear documentation; ensure offshore tools work reliably.

Skills

Python

C++

Automation

Fluent English

Knowledge of knowledge graphs

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

Enable engineers to digitalize their work and turn valuable ideas into practical, sustainable solutions.

Your role in the story:

At Heerema Marine Contractors, innovation happens everywhere. Across our engineering disciplines, teams continuously identify opportunities to work smarter through automation, data, and digital solutions. But great ideas only create value when they fit within a scalable and sustainable digital landscape. As Automation Engineer DET, you are the bridge between Engineering and IT & Digital. You understand the needs emerging from our engineering disciplines and help translate them into solutions that align with Heerema Marine Contractors digital strategy and technology standards. You create visibility, bring structure, and ensure the right work ends up in the right place. Think of it this way: IT & Digital builds the roads; Engineering builds the vehicles. You help both sides move in the same direction. You guide teams in determining whether a solution can be developed within the discipline, supported through IT & Digital, or requires expertise from the Digital Enablement Team. In all cases, the discipline remains in the driver's seat.

While software development is not the primary focus of this role, you understand how engineering applications are built and how different technologies work together. You have the technical foundation to discuss solutions with developers, challenge design decisions, and support the development of reliable and maintainable applications.

By creating alignment, preventing duplicate development efforts, and ensuring ownership stays where it belongs, you help accelerate digital innovation across Engineering while keeping it scalable, maintainable, and future-proof.

What you will be working on

• Engineer Enablement: Supporting citizen developers through advice, reviews, documentation, examples and reusable components;
• Hands-on Development: Building and refining automation tools. You take a defined problem (e.g., a stability check or a data converter) and turn it into a working, tested solution;
• Building Modules: Developing specific Python packages and "Lego blocks" that fit into our wider ecosystem. You ensure your code is clean, reusable, and fits the architecture;
• The Flywheel Effect: Keeping momentum high. You take ownership of automation projects and drive them to completion, ensuring great ideas don't stall, but become reality;
• Pure Logic: Breaking down complex physics or logistical problems into clean, atomic functions that address, high-impact engineering pain points;
• Robust Engineering: Writing code that includes tests, validation, and clear documentation. You ensure that when a tool is used offshore, it works perfectly.

Key ingredients for success

• Education: A Master’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science with a heart for engineering;
• Coding Mastery: Deep expertise in Python (building packages/frameworks). Knowledge of C++ is a plus;
• Engineering Affinity: You enjoy the challenge of automating physical concepts;
• Enablement Mindset: You enjoy helping others solve problems, improve their digital skills and adopt better ways of working;
• Future-Ready Skills: Familiarity with concepts like RAG or Knowledge Graphs is a plus, as we use these to structure our engineering expertise;
• Builder Energy: You thrive on creating tools that didn't exist yesterday;
• Team Spirit: You enjoy working in a small, high-impact team where your work is immediately applied in the real world;
• Fluency in English: Both written and spoken.

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 an annual bonus plan tied to company performance;
• bonus basis = your annual gross salary + 13th month + 8% holiday allowance;
• Future-proof pension: gross scheme covering base + 13th month + holiday allowance, with no mandatory contribution up to €72.488,52.
• 30days off to recharge, with the option to buy 10 extra days;
• Free access to our in-house gym, including fitness classes;
• Activities to connect with colleagues (e.g., our Friday-afternoon get-together);
• A modern and easily accessible office in Leiden.

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

Are you ready to make the impossible possible?