Technical specialist ergonomics (interim)

Dredgingtoday; Nederland (TX); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary aligned with permanent staff

Travel allowance of 23 cents per kilometer

Flexibility to work from home up to two days a week

Challenging and innovative projects

Job summary

A leading naval construction firm is seeking a Technical Specialist Ergonomics to optimize designs for naval vessels. The role involves applying human factors engineering principles in collaboration with engineers and project teams. Ideal candidates have a relevant bachelor's degree and strong analytical skills, coupled with fluency in German and English. This position requires permanent EU citizenship due to military project regulations and offers an attractive salary with benefits like travel allowance and flexible working conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience working with engineers and project stakeholders on large-scale projects.
• Experience with hazard assessments and ergonomic standards within German frameworks.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute Human Factors Engineering (HFE) plans.
• Conduct ergonomic analyses of ship systems.
• Perform task-based assessments for design requirements.
• Advise on workspace and equipment design.
• Advise on workspace and equipment layout to reduce crew workload.
• Support integration of COTS equipment emphasizing usability.
• Identify and improve human‑machine interfaces in operations and information flows.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure ergonomic standards throughout projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Fluency in German

Fluency in English

English language

Travel readiness

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

IBM DOORS

3DX

Job description

We offer you an Ocean of Possibilities . Join our family.

About us

Hop aboard Damen Naval; the naval division of the family-owned Damen Shipyards Group, where 12,000 professionals work worldwide. Damen Naval delivers advanced naval vessels to clients all over the globe. By implementing the most innovative technological developments in practice, we continue to push the boundaries in the shipbuilding industry. You can be part of our team! Are you ready for duty?

The Role

As a Technical Specialist Ergonomics at Damen Naval, you will play a key role in applying human factors engineering (HFE) principles to the design and improvement of naval vessels and training environments. You will focus on optimizing the interaction between crew members and equipment by minimizing risks, enhancing system performance, and ensuring comfort, usability, and safety on board.

Your work will span multiple domains within ergonomics, including physical, cognitive, organizational, and linguistic aspects. You will collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and suppliers to ensure the ergonomic integrity of all systems, from design concept to implementation. Your expertise will directly contribute to the performance and well‑being of those operating Damen Naval platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Defining and executing Human Factors Engineering (HFE) plans in line with project needs.
• Conducting ergonomic analyses of ship systems and human‑machine interactions.
• Performing task-based assessments and deriving technical requirements for design.
• Applying Leitmerkmal methods and drafting Ergonomic Assessment Reports.
• Advising on workspace and equipment design to minimize crew workload and maximize efficiency.
• Supporting the integration of COTS equipment with a focus on usability and functionality.
• Identifying and improving human‑machine interfaces, especially in operational and informational contexts.
• Collaborating across departments to ensure ergonomic standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills & experience

• A relevant bachelor’s degree and experience working with engineers, suppliers, and project stakeholders on large-scale (preferably naval) projects.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with hazard assessments and ergonomic standards, ideally within German regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office, SAP, IBM DOORS, and 3DX.
• Previous experience in shipbuilding or the maritime sector is preferred.
• Fluency in German and English, both spoken and written.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Permanent EU citizenship and a permanent EU passport (requirement due to the military nature of our projects).
• Candidates with EU (work) visa or with (also) a non‑EU nationality and/or passport are not eligible given the requirements imposed by the military nature of our projects.

What we offer

At Damen Naval, we value our temporary team members and strive for a positive and successful collaboration. As a temporary professional on secondment basis, we offer you the following conditions:

• An attractive salary aligned with permanent staff.
• Travel allowance of 23 cents per kilometre.
• Flexibility to work from home up to two days a week.
• Challenging and innovative projects.

Application & information

This temporary assignment is exclusively offered on a secondment (detachering) or temporary employment contract basis.

If you are interested, please submit your application with the following details:

• Your CV and motivational letter.
• Indication of your expected hourly fee or gross monthly salary (based on full‑time work).
• Your availability (full‑time/part‑time and number of hours).
• Your notice period and preferred start date.

For more information about the vacancy or Damen Naval, please visit the Damen Naval website, the Damen Naval Career website or contact the Corporate Recruitment department via [phone].

Please note that due to the military nature of our projects, only candidates who have permanent EU nationality can be considered for vacancies at Damen Naval. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to process candidates who (also) have a non‑EU passport or nationality. A pre‑assignment and security screening and investigation form part of the recruitment process. Acquisition and introduction of candidates without a formal request is not appreciated and they will not be considered.