Principal Engineer Drive & Automation

Huisman Equipment B.V.

Schiedam

On-site

EUR 49,000 - 80,000

Full time

47 hours ago
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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance
Pension scheme
Bonus scheme
Holiday entitlement
Bicycle plan
Career progression

Job summary

Huisman is seeking a Principal Engineer Drive & Automation in Schiedam to design and integrate complex electrical and control systems for automated cranes and equipment. You will bridge electrical, hydraulic, mechanical and software disciplines, ensuring a safe, reliable and cost-effective architecture.

You will lead system-level decisions and drive technical excellence across engineering teams. The role requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field, 8+ years of experience, and strong

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics or a comparable technical discipline.
  • At least 8 years of relevant engineering experience working with complex technical systems.
  • In-depth knowledge of Electrical Engineering and/or Control Systems, preferably combined with experience in drive systems and industrial automation.
  • Experience in designing and integrating complex electrical and control systems.
  • Proven expertise in designing fully automated systems and developing algorithms.

Responsibilities

  • Owns the overall system design and system architecture with a focus on Electrical & Control Systems.
  • Defines system architecture and substantiates key technical decisions.
  • Ensures electrical systems, controls, software, mechanics and hydraulics integrate safely and cost-effectively.
  • Acts as a technical sparring partner across disciplines and guides standards and best practices.
  • Oversees requirements, interfaces, risks and technical quality and supports system integration.

Skills

Systems thinking
Electrical Engineering
Control Systems
Industrial automation
Multidisciplinary teamwork
Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Vacancy: Principal Engineer Drive & Automation who is ‘equipped for impact’

Do you want to be part of a globally operating team of innovators? Do you have what it takes to push the boundaries of lifting and handling technology? And are you ready to make an impact with meaningful, high-tech solutions? Then we might be looking for you. Find out more about our vacancy for a Principal Engineer Drive & Automation.

About our organisation

We are Huisman. We develop step changing technical solutions and translate these into the design and construction of the largest onshore and offshore installations. For decades, we have been working all over the world for offshore wind, geothermal energy, oil & gas, leisure, civil and port logistics industries.
With our passionate workforce and worldwide production, service & sales facilities we are equipped for impact in these times of energy transition.

“Systems engineering and risk management are at the core of our approach; they form the foundation of both our equipment design and project management.”

About the position of Principal Engineer Drive & Automation

As Principal Engineer Drive & Automation, you ensure that the electrical and control systems of our complex cranes and equipment operate as one fully integrated system.
You combine in-depth knowledge of Electrical Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering and Control Systems with a broad, system-level perspective. You look beyond your own area of expertise, understanding how electrical systems, controls, software, mechanics and hydraulics interact, and translate this into a safe, reliable and cost-effective system architecture.
At Huisman, you work on complex, highly automated cranes and equipment used in demanding environments. Moving seamlessly between system-level design and technical detail, you act as the technical link between the various engineering disciplines.

What do we expect of you?

You are responsible for the overall system design and system architecture, with a clear technical focus on Electrical & Control Systems. You define the system architecture, make and substantiate key technical decisions, and ensure that electrical systems, controls, software, mechanics and hydraulics come together seamlessly in a safe, reliable and cost-effective solution.
Drawing on your senior-level expertise, you act as a key technical sparring partner for engineers across different disciplines. You oversee requirements, interfaces, risks and technical quality, ensuring that designs are thoroughly validated and documented. At the same time, you actively contribute to engineering standards, best practices and the continued technical development of Drive & Automation.

Wondering if you are 'equipped for impact'?

You are:

  • An experienced engineer with a strong systems-thinking mindset;
  • Able to translate complex technical challenges into clear system-level decisions;
  • A knowledgeable technical sparring partner who brings engineers from different disciplines together;
  • Able to move confidently between technical detail and the broader system-level perspective;
  • Proactive and up to date with developments in Electrical Engineering,
  • Control Systems and industrial automation;
  • A strong communicator, able to clearly and convincingly substantiate technical decisions;
  • Customer- and results-oriented, without compromising on safety or quality;
  • Practical and accustomed to taking ownership of complex technical challenges;
  • Flexible and willing to occasionally work on-site at customer locations.

You have:

  • A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics or a comparable technical discipline;
  • At least 8 years of relevant engineering experience working with complex technical systems;
  • In-depth knowledge of Electrical Engineering and/or Control Systems, preferably combined with experience in drive systems and industrial automation;
  • Experience in designing and integrating complex electrical and control systems;
  • Proven expertise in designing fully automated systems and developing algorithms;
  • Solid knowledge of system architecture, interfaces, requirements, technical validation and system integration;
  • Broad technical knowledge, enabling you to understand the interfaces with mechanical engineering, hydraulics and software;
  • Experience with complex cranes, heavy machinery, maritime, offshore or comparable complex equipment is a strong advantage;
  • The ability to work across engineering disciplines and make multidisciplinary technical decisions at system level.
Some practical things we need you to have:
  • An EU passport/valid work permit for the Netherlands;
  • A good command of the English (and preferably Dutch) language verbally and in writing.
More about Huisman

We design and produce in-house and deliver our turn-key products to clients worldwide. Our clients choose us for our entrepreneurial spirit, skills, reliability, and innovative solutions. Examples? Consider our renewed series of Subsea Knuckle Boom Cranes . So, if you join Huisman make sure you are equipped for impact. In other words, surprise us, our clients and… yourself!

What do we have to offer?
  • Think big and make big, all in one location. At Huisman Schiedam, both our office and production facilities are based on a single site.
  • An open, informal and no-nonsense culture with short lines of communication.
  • An international working environment with ample opportunities for career progression and personal development.
  • An excellent benefits package tailored to your experience and qualifications.
  • Depending on your experience and knowledge, the salary ranges from € 4,400 to € 7,200 gross per month based on a 40-hour working week, with scope for further progression within the scale.
  • A minimum of 29 holiday days (based on full-time employment) with the option to purchase an additional 10 days.
  • Participation in a collective pension scheme in line with the Wtp.
  • Eligibility for a bonus scheme.
  • Access to collective health insurance, with Huisman contributing as your employer.
  • Take advantage of tax benefits through our bicycle scheme.
  • Huisman organises sporting activities, such as a ski trip, as well as various social events, including large-scale company parties where colleagues come together and get to know each other better.
Does this sound like you?

The application process and deadline follow below:

  • Application deadline: no later than 30 November 2026. Please note: the vacancy may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.
  • Selection: we review and assess candidates on a continuous basis, including before the closing date.
  • First interview: selected candidates will be invited for an initial interview.
  • References: in consultation with you, we may request references from your current and/or previous employer(s).
  • Further process: in addition to a second interview, the selection process may also include an online assessment and a technical test.
Still need a bit more info or looking for something that suits you better?

Please contact us via our contact form for more information or sign up for our job alert to receive details of new opportunities in your inbox.

Disclaimer for recruitment and selection agencies

We don’t accept any unsolicited applications or CVs from recruitment and selection agencies. Proposing candidates without invitation is not appreciated and will not be considered by Huisman. Applications received are property of Huisman. We don’t appreciate acquisition and this also applies to Huisman colleagues or associated Huisman companies.

  • Full-time
  • Professional
  • Schiedam, NL
  • Full-time
  • Professional
  • Schiedam, NL

Contact person for this vacancy Michella Oudshoorn “Connecting people and working together towards the next step drives me. Let’s connect and discover how Huisman can be the next step in your career.” moudshoorn@huisman-nl.com

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