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Design & Proposal Engineer Defence & Security

GorinchemFull-timePosted Oct 23, 2026

Job description

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

ABOUT US

Damen Offshore & Specialized Vessels (OSV) designs, builds and delivers complex maritime projects for markets such as defense & security, offshore, public transport and dredging. We operate in an international, multidisciplinary environment and work closely with customers, suppliers, subcontractors, engineering teams and shipyards around the world.

For our Product Group Defense & Security we are looking for a Design & Proposal Engineer. THE ROLE As Design & Proposal Engineer within our Product Group Defense & Security, you translate customer requirements into technically feasible, competitive and attractive vessel solutions. In close cooperation with Sales, Tender Management, Product Specialists and engineering stakeholders, you prepare ship designs, technical specifications, scope definitions, cost calculations and delivery-time input during the commercial and tender phase.

You play an important role in shaping proposals for complex defense and governmental vessel opportunities. Depending on your level of experience, you may work on vessel concepts and proposal deliverables with guidance from senior colleagues, or take a leading role in optimizing existing designs, developing new vessel concepts and supporting colleagues in proposal work.

We are looking for the right person for the job and can shape the challenge to match your experience. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES In this role, you will: Translate customer, market and tender requirements into vessel concepts, proposal designs and technical solutions in line with Damen standards. Prepare and maintain ship designs, technical specifications, scope descriptions, assumptions, exclusions and proposal documentation.

Calculate cost price elements, determine technical feasibility and provide input for delivery time, planning and commercial decision-making. Support Sales and Tender Management during the bidding phase with technical input, presentations, clarifications and proposal reviews. Work closely with Product Specialists, Research, Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Services and other internal stakeholders to develop complete and reliable proposals.

Optimize standard and customer-specific designs to improve quality, reliability, functionality, competitiveness and manufacturability. Identify technical risks, interfaces, deviations and trade-offs, and document them clearly for internal decision-making and customer discussions. Contribute to proposal handovers, lessons learned, product improvements and further standardization of the Defense & Security portfolio.

Ensure that proposal activities are performed in line with Damen governance, HSSEQ, ethics, export-control, compliance and approval processes. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE To be successful in this role, you bring: A completed technical education, preferably in Shipbuilding, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering or a comparable discipline.

Relevant experience in ship design, naval architecture, proposal engineering, product development or a comparable technical environment. We are open to junior, medior and senior candidates. Affinity with complex vessels, defense and security markets, governmental customers and engineering-to-order projects. Good understanding of customer requirements, technical trade-offs, design standards, cost awareness and proposal processes.

Experience with ship design tools and engineering software; knowledge of 2D and/or 3D design tools is considered an advantage. The ability to combine technical accuracy with commercial awareness and customer focus. Strong communication skills in English; Dutch language skills are considered an advantage. A structured, proactive and collaborative way of working, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.

Willingness to travel occasionally to customers, shipyards or other Damen locations when required. COMPETENCIES You are a technically strong and customer-oriented engineer who enjoys working at the interface of design, sales and product development. You bring structure to complex questions, ask the right questions and are able to translate requirements into clear and realistic solutions.

You take ownership, work accurately and remain pragmatic when balancing customer wishes, technical feasibility, risk, cost and standardization. You communicate easily with different stakeholders, both technical and non-technical, and you are comfortable working in an international and multidisciplinary environment. You have a hands-on mentality, a can-do attitude and the curiosity to keep improving vessel designs, proposal quality and ways of working.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Damen, we invest today in the future of tomorrow—and we do this together. That’s why we continuously invest in your development, both professionally and personally, so that we keep learning and growing together. Damen offers (for a full-time position): A salary in line with the market and our collective labour agreement Metalektro.

The exact salary will depend on your knowledge and experience. A dynamic international working environment focused on technology and innovation; At least 27 vacation days and 13 additional ADV days; A strong focus on professional and personal development, among others through our Damen Academy; An active social network with events and sports activities within the Damen Group; Participation in a pension scheme; Travel expense reimbursement for commuting between home and work.

Why join Damen Offshore and Specialized vessels? At Damen, you’ll have the opportunity to develop yourself in an international, dynamic work environment. We offer a workplace where innovation, teamwork, and personal growth are at the forefront. Together, we’re shaping the future of the maritime industry! Ready to come on board?

Apply today and discover how you can contribute to the innovation of complex projects for different markets #LI-JD1 Recruiter: Gerard Eggink Email: [email protected] Please apply through the Apply Button. Due to GDPR reasons we cannot accept applications by email.

Description copied from Damen Naval's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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