Sr. Simulation Center Engineer

Heerema Marine Contractors; Leiden; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

13th month salary

Pension plan

30 days vacation

In-house gym

Modern Leiden office

Job summary

Heerema Marine Contractors is seeking a Senior Simulation Center Engineer to build digital twins of offshore vessels and projects. You will develop robust simulation models, integrate third-party vessel models, and create interactive components like cranes for client-ready demonstrations.

You will also facilitate trainings, support offshore crews, and keep digital assets current in collaboration with the asset department.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and a proactive mindset.
• Able to independently manage complex work preparation and planning.
• Collaborative, solution-oriented, and results-driven attitude.
• At least 5 years of experience within offshore industry.
• Bachelor's degree in Marine Technologies, Mechanical, Civil, or Aerospace Engineering; advanced knowledge in offshore operations, hydrodynamics, kinematics, and real-time systems development.
• Experience with API development, physics simulation, or related software tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust simulation models for offshore vessels and projects.
• Create and maintain digital twins and interactive simulation components including cranes.
• Facilitate trainings and simulation sessions for clients and offshore operators.
• Collaborate with asset department and project teams to ensure realistic simulations and up-to-date digital assets.
• Integrate third-party vessel models and APIs; work on real-time system development.

Skills

Communication

Planning

Collaboration

Proactive mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marine Technologies, Mechanical, Civil, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

API development

Physics simulation

Job description

Your role in the story

As a simulation center engineer you will make digital twins of our offshore vessels and projects for our simulation center. Your job goes beyond visualizing and mimicking offshore installation methods, you will develop and implement robust simulation models that incorporate complex physical behaviors of vessels, cranes, and equipment. In a senior role in the simulation team, you are also responsible for facilitating trainings / simulation sessions, as well as keeping the digital assets up to date in collaboration with the asset department.

The simulation center is used to show our clients our capabilities to efficiently and safely execute their projects in a virtual environment. Furthermore, you will play a key role in the support of our offshore crew and the development of new installation methods. You need to be able to build practical simulation models representing complex physical behavior of our ships and equipment. You will work together with the project teams delivering the scope input and offshore vessel operators during preparation and execution of the simulation. It is your responsibility to make sure that everything behaves as realistically as possible. This role involves deeper technical challenges, such as developing APIs, integrating third-party vessel models (including hydrodynamics), and creating interactive simulation components like cranes.

The duration from preparation of a simulation until execution is relatively short, taking place over 3-6 weeks. Every time you work towards an exciting moment, which is the simulation session with clients and operators. During a simulation, you really feel like you are offshore and there is supreme concentration. Is something unforeseen happening? You remain calm and focused on resolving the issue. You will get the opportunity to see your simulation in real time on board of our impressive crane vessels.

Is this job for you

• You have strong communication skills and a proactive mindset;
• You can independently manage complex work preparation and planning;
• You are collaborative, solution-oriented, and have a "let's get it done" approach;
• At least 5 years of experience within offshore industry
• You have a Bachelor's degree in Marine Technologies, Mechanical, Civil, or Aerospace Engineering, or a related field;
• You have advanced technical knowledge in offshore operations, supported by a strong foundation in disciplines such as hydrodynamics, kinematics, and real-time system development.
• Experience with API development, physics simulation, or related software tools is a plus.

Your future colleagues:

Among others, you will work with Thomas, Valentina, Samuele, Ronald, Joris and Geert. You will work closely with the visualization team who prepare the 3D models of the objects in the simulation. Input will come from the project teams, and the offshore operators will execute the operation in the simulation center. You create the required models and the simulation exercises to achieve the simulation goals and make the simulation to a success. As a Simulation Engineer you are responsible for technical set-up and execution of simulation.

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.