Fleet Automation Architect | OT & AI-Driven

Van Oord; Rotterdam; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Travel allowance

Hybrid working (2 days from home)

Pension scheme

Health insurance option

Learning and development opportunities

Community programs

Job summary

Van Oord is seeking an Automation Architect to act as the technical owner of automation systems across the fleet. You will shape technical direction, design robust PLC, SCADA and OT solutions, and ensure reliability, security and future-readiness.

You will partner with projects and suppliers, standardize across the fleet, and oversee lifecycle from design to commissioning. The role requires strong automation expertise and travel to vessels and project locations.

Qualifications

• HBO level of education in Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Officer (MAROF) or a comparable field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in automation and control systems, preferably in an industrial or maritime environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLC, HMI, SCADA, control engineering and OT networks.
• The ability to translate specifications into functional descriptions.
• Experience with technical projects and managing suppliers.
• Knowledge of OT cybersecurity and network architecture.
• Affinity with data analysis, simulation, virtual commissioning and AI is a plus.
• Willingness to travel to vessels, shipyards and project locations.
• Good command of the English language and a driving license B.

Responsibilities

• Take technical ownership of automation projects and improvements, from new builds to upgrades.
• Provide direction for the automation strategy and architecture across the fleet, translating needs into technical requirements and functional designs.
• Develop functional specifications and critically review designs to align stakeholders, specialists and suppliers with Van Oord's technical standards.
• Ensure OT cybersecurity and network architecture are integrated into the design.
• Drive innovation by leveraging automation, data analysis, simulation, virtual commissioning and AI to improve performance and future-readiness.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Technical ownership

Cross-functional collaboration

OT cybersecurity knowledge

Data analysis interest

Education

HBO level in Industrial Automation or related field

Tools

PLC

HMI

SCADA

OT networks

Simulation

Job description

Van Oord is seeking an Automation Architect to act as the technical owner of automation systems across the fleet. You will shape technical direction, design robust PLC, SCADA and OT solutions, and ensure reliability, security and future-readiness.

You will partner with projects and suppliers, standardize across the fleet, and oversee lifecycle from design to commissioning. The role requires strong automation expertise and travel to vessels and project locations.