Principal Engineer Drive & Automation - Port Equipment

Huisman; Schiedam; On-site; EUR 49,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Bonus scheme

Company events

Job summary

Huisman in Schiedam seeks a Principal Engineer Drive & Automation to ensure the electrical and control systems of port equipment operate as a single integrated system. You combine expertise in Electrical Engineering, Hydraulics, and Control Systems with a broad perspective on system-level interactions.

You will lead system-level design, make critical technical decisions, and coordinate across disciplines to deliver safe, reliable, and cost‑effective solutions for automated cranes and RMGs, with

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 with complex technical systems.
• In-depth knowledge of Electrical Engineering and/or Control Systems, preferably with 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.
• Strong understanding of system architecture, interfaces, requirements, validation and integration.
• Broad technical knowledge to interface with mechanical engineering, hydraulics and software.
• Experience in port equipment, material handling, heavy machinery, maritime or offshore contexts is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Own the overall system design and architecture with focus on Electrical & Control Systems.
• Define system architecture and substantiate key technical decisions.
• Ensure integration of electrical systems, controls, software, mechanics and hydraulics safely and cost-effectively.
• Act as a technical sparring partner for engineers across disciplines.
• Oversee requirements, interfaces, risks and technical quality and document designs.
• Contribute to engineering standards and ongoing Drive & Automation development.

Skills

Systems thinking

Translate complex challenges

Technical sparring partner

Cross-disciplinary coordination

Electrical Engineering

Control Systems

Industrial automation

Effective communication

Safety and quality focus

On-site readiness

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering/Control Systems/Automation/Mechatronics

Job description

Vacancy: Principal Engineer Drive & Automation - Port Equipment 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

Huisman brings its many years of experience in designing and building complex heavy construction equipment to the ports and logistics sector. With solutions such as Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs), we develop automated systems for the efficient handling and temporary storage of containers. Our Port Equipment combines heavy engineering with smart automation, reliable technology and large-scale steel structures, designed for continuous 24/7 operation.

“By building strong multidisciplinary teams, we turn ideas into robust products and successful projects.”

Mike van Wingerden, Engineering Manager Products

About the position of Principal Engineer Drive & Automation - Port Equipment

As Principal Engineer Drive & Automation, you ensure that the electrical and control systems of our complex Port 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.

Within our Port Equipment business, you work on complex, highly automated equipment, such as Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs) and Rail-Mounted Gantry Cranes (RMGs). 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 in port equipment, material handling, heavy machinery, maritime, offshore or comparable complex machinery 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 Container Handling 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.

Application Deadline And Process

• Application deadline: no later than 31 October 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.

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.