Vacancy: Lead Engineer

Rotterdam Engineering BV; Rotterdam; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Training programs

Social impact projects

Office in Rotterdam

Job summary

Rotterdam Engineering BV is seeking a Lead Engineer to tackle challenging energy and infrastructure projects, focusing on underground pipeline networks, heat networks, storage, gas, hydrogen, and water systems. You will perform essential calculations and analyses, leading teams and collaborating with engineers, drafters, and managers to ensure high-quality results.

The role offers a clear growth path from Lead to Senior Lead Engineer, with mentorship and hands-on development of technical and

Qualifications

• 3+ years of engineering experience.
• HBO or WO level in a technical engineering field such as mechanical, civil, chemical, engineering physics, mathematics, or aerospace.
• Flexible and curious with the ability to manage complexity.
• Proactive, solution-focused and able to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform calculations and analyses (strength, hydraulic, geotechnical, route studies).
• Collaborate with engineers, drafters and project managers; lead smaller projects and contribute on larger teams.
• Provide high-quality technical input critical to project success.
• Manage project expectations and deliverables in multidisciplinary settings.

Job description

Are you an experienced Lead Engineer seeking the opportunity to take on challenging projects in energy and infrastructure? We have an excellent position for you!

What will you do?

As a Lead Engineer, you will work on diverse projects in underground pipeline infrastructure, including heat networks, thermal energy storage (ATES), natural gas, hydrogen, and drinking water systems. You will independently perform calculations and analyses, such as:

• Strength and stress calculations
• Hydraulic calculations
• Geotechnical analyses
• Route studies for underground pipeline corridors

You will collaborate proactively with other engineers, design drafters, and project managers. You will manage smaller projects independently; on larger projects, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team. You will deliver high-quality technical input that is critical to the success of our projects.

Your growth path as an Engineer

Within our organization, you will have clear opportunities for career development as a Lead Engineer, depending on your interests and aspirations. You will receive comprehensive mentorship, training, and hands-on experience to develop your technical and leadership capabilities. A typical engineering career progression looks like this:

Phase 1 - Lead Engineer

With growing experience, you will manage complex calculations, mentor junior engineers, and help shape the technical direction of projects. As a Lead Engineer, you will lead teams and coordinate closely with project managers.

Phase 2 - Senior Engineer / Senior Lead Engineer

You will assume technical responsibility for projects, oversee quality assurance, and manage technical risks. As a Senior Lead Engineer, you will coordinate large teams and ensure integrated technical alignment across disciplines.

Phase 3 - Specialist or Strategic Advisor

You will develop into a subject‑matter expert or strategic advisor. You will contribute to innovation, standards development, and policy consultation, and will represent the organization in national and industry forums.

What we offer

• A rewarding, diverse role in a future-proof sector
• A clear career path with advancement opportunities toward technical expertise or leadership (project management)
• Mentorship from experienced colleagues and access to internal and external training programs
• Projects with real social impact, such as sustainable energy and water management
• Great colleagues, excellent coffee, and an inspiring office in the heart of Rotterdam

Who are we looking for

• You have 3+ years of experience as an engineer
• You hold a technical degree (HBO or WO level), such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, engineering physics, mathematics, or aerospace engineering
• You are flexible and curious
• You are able to maintain overview and manage complexity
• You work proactively and solution-focused
• You can work both independently and as part of a team

Are you looking for a people-oriented organization with a passion for technology?

A company where your personal and professional development take priority? Where we collaborate to tackle the most exciting technical challenges in underground infrastructure?

We are the joining force in the Energy Transition - the bridge between source and consumer. Our focus lies with projects that recognize the importance of sustainability and social interests.

What do we do?

Rotterdam Engineering is a member of UPA, a collective of engineering firms leading in the field of underground infrastructure and transport pipeline systems. We are involved in the entirety of the engineering process, from conceptual design to the coordination of execution and implementation. We work with municipalities, water authorities, energy companies, network operators, and contractors. We have expertise in a wide range of disciplines: Hydrogen, Heat, CO2, Steam, Drinking Water, Green Gas, Natural Gas, and Pressurized Sewer Systems. In our projects, we strive to create strong and conscientious designs that integrate technology, environmental considerations, costs, and practical feasibility.

By fostering a work environment that ensures the following 5 principles:

Empowering you to make the right decisions

At RE, we focus on identifying and developing your strengths.

We have seen how this stimulates motivation and generates successful outcomes. Effectively playing to your strengths and interests will yield the best results, and in turn be of the greatest benefit to the organization.

Your professional and personal development is central

Rotterdam Engineering provides you with not only the opportunity, but the tools to achieve your personal goals, address your needs, and realize your ambitions both in and out of the office. The way to do great work is to be passionate about what you do. This is what allows us to continually grow as an organization.

A young organization with ample opportunity for freedom and responsibility.

Together, we help you to identify the responsibilities you can and want to take on. You are given the freedom and trust to demonstrate your capabilities.

As a young organization, we prioritize trust and are committed to supporting your contributions and creativity by leveraging our extensive knowledge and experience to ensure quality.

A typical pragmatic Rotterdam attitude

Action speaks louder than words. We approach our work with a pragmatic focus on results, fully engaged and ready to tackle challenges head‑on. We believe in learning through experience and remaining committed until we achieve our goals. While mistakes are a part of the process, the true failure lies in not learning from them. It's essential to concentrate on how to recover and move forward after setbacks.

We value team connection

Our motto is 'Work hard, play hard.' We believe that alongside hard work, it's important to create space for relaxation. Our office provides various opportunities to unwind, helping everyone return to work feeling rejuvenated. We also prioritize team bonding through group outings and activities. After all, we achieve our goals together.

Interested in joining our team?

What if you became part of our team? What ambitions would you like to pursue? What career dreams can we help you realize? Reach out, and let's talk about how we can turn those aspirations into reality.

Society of Engineers

Rotterdam Engineering is part of a network of engineers. Together we form Society of Engineers. A brand of UPA Group.