Drift Museum Amsterdam Exhibition Head

Van Gendt Hallen; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40-hour week

Holiday allowance

Professional development

Studio Drift collaboration

Dynamic environment

Job summary

Drift Museum Amsterdam is seeking an Exhibition Head to oversee the daily technical operation of artworks and exhibitions, ensuring safety, reliability and alignment with artistic and technical requirements.

You will lead a team of technicians and specialists, collaborating with the Technical Director, Studio Drift engineers and curatorial staff to translate vision into precise technical execution, while developing preventive maintenance procedures for long-term reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering or related technical field.
• 5-7 years of experience in exhibition engineering, museums, live entertainment or similarly complex environments.
• Strong hands-on expertise in mechanical, electrical and software-driven systems.

Responsibilities

• Exhibition Operations: Ensure continuous, safe, and reliable operation of artworks, installations and exhibition systems.
• Artistic Integrity: Safeguard artistic intent and technical specifications during operation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Technical Leadership: Lead, coordinate and support exhibition technicians and specialists, including daily planning and supervision.
• Maintenance & Reliability: Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules, coordinate repairs and maintain technical documentation and maintenance records.
• Troubleshooting & Escalation: Identify and resolve technical issues, coordinate interventions and elevate risks to the Technical Director.
• Collaboration: Work with the Technical Director, curatorial team and Studio Drift's engineers on execution, installation, testing and calibration.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Software systems

Public safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Automation systems

SCADA

Job description

At Drift Museum Amsterdam, art and technology come together in a unique museum environment. As Exhibition Head, you are responsible for the daily technical operation of the museum's artworks and exhibitions, ensuring they operate safely, reliably and in line with their artistic and technical requirements.

You lead a dedicated team of technicians and specialist operators, oversee exhibition operations and develop the maintenance procedures needed to ensure long-term reliability. Working closely with the Technical Director, the museum's technical team and Studio Drift's engineers, you play a key role in translating artistic vision into consistent technical execution.

Key Responsibilities

Exhibition Operations: Ensure the continuous, safe and reliable operation of artworks, installations and exhibition systems. Oversee daily technical checks, start-up and shutdown procedures.

Artistic Integrity: Safeguard the artistic intent and technical specifications of the artworks during operation, maintenance and troubleshooting.

Technical Leadership: Lead, coordinate and support exhibition technicians and specialist operators, including daily planning and supervision.

Maintenance & Reliability: Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules, coordinate repairs and maintain technical documentation and maintenance records.

Troubleshooting & Escalation: Identify and resolve technical issues, coordinate necessary interventions and elevate critical risks to the Technical Director.

Collaboration: Work closely with the Technical Director, curatorial team and Studio Drift's engineers on technical execution, installation, testing and calibration.

Your Profile

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering or a related technical field.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in exhibition engineering, museums, live entertainment or similarly complex technical environments.
• Strong hands-on expertise in mechanical, electrical and software-driven systems.
• Experience with kinetic installations or complex automated systems.
• Knowledge of technical safety procedures and compliance requirements in public environments.
• Strong technical leadership skills and the ability to coordinate and support a team.
• An analytical, practical and solution-oriented approach, with attention to quality and detail.
• The ability to collaborate with different disciplines and remain calm under pressure.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required.

What We Offer

• A key technical leadership role within Drift Museum Amsterdam, with responsibility for the daily technical operation of its exhibitions.
• The opportunity to lead and develop a technical team in a unique museum environment.
• A full-time position of 40 hours per week.
• A salary aligned with your experience and responsibilities.
• A benefits package including holiday allowance and professional development opportunities.
• Collaboration with the museum's multidisciplinary team, Studio Drift and external technical specialists.
• A dynamic working environment where art, technology and engineering come together.