Is designing ships your passion and do you want to be part of the maritime future? Then you might be our new Naval Architect Vessel Design!
In an ever-changing political and economic landscape, Royal IHC enables its customers to execute complex projects from sea level to ocean floor in the most challenging of maritime environments. We are a reliable supplier of innovative and efficient equipment, vessels and services for the offshore, dredging and wet mining markets. With a history steeped in Dutch shipbuilding since the mid-17th Century, we have in-depth knowledge and expertise of engineering and manufacturing high-performance integrated vessels and equipment, and providing sustainable services. From our head office in The Netherlands and with 2,000 employees working from sites and offices on a global basis, we are able to ensure a local presence and support on every continent.
Naval Architect Vessel Design
As a Senior Naval Architect for Offshore Vessel Design, you will be part of the Offshore Design & Estimating team. You will work in agile, multidisciplinary project teams and collaborate with other technical and commercial disciplines such as marine engineering, cost estimation and supply chain management. Your primary responsibility will be to develop and specify conceptual designs that meet customer requirements and comply with international regulations. You will contribute to pre-contract phases, providing technical expertise to secure projects and lay the foundation for successful execution. The main focus will be on multi-objective optimization at the concept design stage to achieve the best balance between vessel performance, capital expenditure (CAPEX), and operational expenditure (OPEX), while minimizing emissions to meet sustainability targets and customer requirements. In accordance with rules and regulations in effect, you will make sure our customers' requirements are met by acting within IHC operating principles and engineering standards. Your approach should funnel the concept engineering process toward well-informed design decisions ensuring technical feasibility and commercial viability. In this way, you will contribute to the successful closing of the pre‑contract phase and generating the basis for the realisation of the order.
Within this role, you will be expected to carry out the following tasks and responsibilities:
- Lead the concept design of offshore vessels, ensuring optimal performance, cost-efficiency, and minimal environmental impact.
- Perform hydrostatic and hydrodynamic calculations.
- Create drawings including general arrangement plans and drawings for weight determination and construction.
- Ensure compliance with classification society rules, flag state requirements, and international safety and environmental regulations.
- Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments for new vessel concepts.
- Participate in discussions with shipping companies and subcontractors regarding the capabilities of the ship including loading capacity, speed, the ship's layout, and the products to be fitted, such as propulsion, cranes etc.
- Provide input for cost estimation and support the commercial team during tendering.
- Present and explain concept designs to customers and stakeholders globally.
- Drive innovation by developing new vessel concepts and contributing to R&D.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing within the team.
Requirements
- A bachelor or master degree in Naval Architecture.
- Both theoretical and practical knowledge of hydrostatics, stability, hydrodynamics, construction, and strength theory.
- Preferably at least five years of relevant experience in offshore vessel design.
- Proficiency in conceptual thinking.
- Creative mindset being able to both see restrictions, think beyond restrictions, and push new developments.
- Experience with calculation and drawing software.
- Insight into the feasibility of the customers' wishes and requirements and the ability to convert this into a concrete design.
- Familiarity with both national and international ship legislation and safety regulations.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written.
- Being able to travel if requested.
What We Offer
- A gross monthly salary between €5,700 and €7,085 + 8% holiday allowance (based on a fulltime working week).
- Good work/life balance with 40 vacation days for full‑time employment with the option to buy or sell (additional) leave.
- The possibility to work from home with associated expense allowance and/or to perform the work on the basis of flexible working hours (depending on the position).
- A salary pension scheme in which matters are properly arranged in the event of accidental death, incapacity for work or unemployment.
- Participation (on a voluntary basis) in the Social Fund, on the basis of which care and related costs are reimbursed that are not covered by your health insurance.
- A training budget of €1,500 every three years.
- Unlimited sporting in our own fitness room.
- €0.21 per kilometer commuting allowance.
- A profit‑sharing scheme.
About Us
Royal IHC is a leading supplier of maritime technology and expert craftsmanship. Driven by innovation, our dedicated experts provide a competitive edge to our worldwide customers in the dredging, offshore, mining and defence industries. However, Royal IHC is much more than vessels, equipment and services. We deliver reliable, integrated solutions that improve operational efficiency and create a platform for a more sustainable performance. As we navigate new waters, our aim remains unchanged: to discover the smartest and safest way forward for both our customers and our people. Together, we create the maritime future. In 2042 (when we exist 400 years) Royal IHC will be a fully sustainable company with a net‑zero portfolio.

Senior Naval Architect Offshore Vessel Design

Royal IHC