Technical Lead USV Automation

Fugro; Nootdorp; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Work from home option

Job summary

Fugro is seeking a Technical Lead to advance our Automation Platform for Uncrewed Surface Vessels. You will guide a multidisciplinary team, oversee Autopilot and PLC‑based control modules, and ensure scalable, reusable automation across USV classes.

You will work with Product Owner, Project Manager, and external partners to source components, while driving agile practices and rigorous safety/cybersecurity standards. A strong track record in industrial automation and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• A degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, embedded systems, or marine control systems.
• Strong hands‑on PLC programming experience with CODESYS, e!COCKPIT, IEC 61131‑3.
• Proven leadership experience in a technical or team lead role.
• Familiarity with NMEA, CAN, Modbus, MQTT, and agile development methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary engineering team developing PLC‑based control systems and Autopilot modules.
• Collaborate with Product Owner and Project Manager to align technical decisions with roadmap.
• Coordinate with distributed teams to ensure seamless integration of USV systems.
• Drive continuous improvement in development processes, tools, and architecture.

Skills

Leadership

PLC programming

Industrial protocols

Agile methodologies

Communication skills

Education

Software Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Automation Engineering

Tools

Codesys

e!COCKPIT

IEC 61131-3

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for an inspiring and technically capable Technical Lead to elevate the development of our Automation Platform for Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs). In this role, you combine strong technical leadership with people‑management, guiding the development of our autopilot and PLC‑based control platforms. You will build and lead a team that delivers robust, scalable, and reusable automation solutions across multiple USV classes.

Your role

• You work closely with the Product Owner and Project Manager to align technical decisions with product goals and roadmap priorities.
• You collaborate with external suppliers and partners to source and integrate essential software components and systems.
• You coordinate with geographically distributed teams to ensure seamless integration and reliable functionality of USV systems.
• You lead and mentor a multidisciplinary engineering team developing PLC‑based control systems, overseeing modules such as Autopilot, Propulsion Control, and Joystick Control.
• You ensure platform scalability and reusability across different USV classes.
• You drive continuous improvement in development processes, tools, and system architecture, facilitating sprint planning, code reviews, and technical decision‑making.
• You ensure compliance with safety, cybersecurity, and marine standards.

Your track record

• A degree in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field, plus 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, embedded systems, or marine control systems.
• Strong hands‑on experience with PLC programming (CODESYS, e!COCKPIT, IEC 61131‑3).
• Proven leadership experience in a technical or team lead role.
• Familiarity with communication protocols such as NMEA, CAN, Modbus, and MQTT.
• Experience with agile development methodologies (Scrum, SAFe, etc.).
• Excellent communication and coordination skills, hands‑on experience during testing, commissioning, or integration, and a proactive mindset with ownership and decision‑making ability.

What Fugro Offers

• A diverse and inclusive working environment.
• A competitive salary.
• 29 holidays per year (full‑time), of which 4 are appointed by Fugro management, plus the option to purchase 12 additional days.
• Extensive career and training opportunities.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home in alignment with your manager and corporate policies.
• Commuting allowance.
• Modern pension scheme.
• Collective health insurance.
• Good parking facilities.
• Access to our corporate fitness plan.
• Coaching options through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

After you have applied

• You will receive an automated confirmation email of the receipt of your application.
• When we see a match, we will invite you for the first interview within a couple of days. Of course, you will also receive a message if we will not invite you;
• After a successful first round, you will be invited for the second round.
• If we are both still positive after the second interview, we will make you an offer, and with that we hope to welcome you at Fugro!

Disclaimer For Recruitment Agencies

Fugro does not accept any unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Acquisition to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated.

If you have any further questions, please contact Umit Nesar, Talent Acquisition Partner, tel. [phone]