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Internship or graduation project Mechanical Engineering

Damen

Gorinchem
Full Time
Posted on: May 19 2026

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

The role

The objective of the proposed internship or graduation project is to design and develop dredging equipment, and their mechanical components. 

Key accountabilities

Dredging equipment is subject to harsh conditions. Exposure to maritime, saline environments is already demanding for most steel structures. In addition, the dredging process itself and the way the equipment is operated and maintained pose extra challenges to the design of the equipment.

Damen Dredging Equipment (DDE) designs and builds standardized product ranges of dredging equipment, as well as customized solutions designed to the client’s needs. A typical dredging vessel consists of a floating steel construction with highly loaded mechanical static and rotating equipment. The supporting systems (e.g. hydraulical, electrical, HVAC, fuel oil, cooling water, bilge and waste water and control systems) have to be integrated as well. Furthermore the design shall comply with all relevant Class Rules and International Standards.

Projects envisaged to be carried out in the near future are a.o.:

  • Design a modular deep suction dredger based on our DOP dredgepump
  • Design and build a testing and assembling facility for dredge valves
  • Remote control and data acquisition solutions for dredge equipment
  • Research and development of sustainable solutions for cutter suction dredgers (CSD’s)
  • Design of Class compliant CSD components, mainly regarding hull and machinery
  • Modelling, designing and testing rotating systems, such as electrically of hydraulically driven pumps and winches
  • Designing power distribution and (automated) control of electrical driven dredge pumps
  • Thermodynamic issues or sound related assignments
  • Modifications for increased safety on board

Details of above projects can be elaborated in a job interview with the candidate.

Description
An internship or graduation project typically consist of the following activities and results, but these items are depending per test objective, and the terms defined by the educational programme: 

  • Literature study;
  • Design and run analytical models of physical processes (by FEM, CFD, Matlab, MathCAD,…);
  • Negotiations with the supplier of components which are to be used;
  • Discussing the design with other departments, such as Purchase or Work Preparation;
  • CAD design and possibly (help) coordinate fabrication;
  • Coordination and execution of tests at our production facilities, in the Netherlands or abroad;
  • Reporting and demonstrations to stakeholders within the project;
  • Taking responsibility for your own project management.

Skills & experience

  • Bachelor or Master student in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Naval Architecture, Dredging Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, Material Physics, Thermal Engineering;
  • Autonomous, practically and result driven. Good communication skills;
  • Good command of Dutch and English.

What we offer

The project will be performed at the location Nijkerk. An allowance will be given for the duration of the assignment. If applicable a temporary accommodation or a compensation for housing will be provided. Flexible working hours can be discussed. Proper mentoring at HBO or academic level.

Other

Are you interested in the position of Mechanical engineer, and do you recognize yourself in the job description? Please respond directly via the Damen Career Portal.

Please note, that only candidates with a permanent EU citizenship together with a permanent valid EU work visa can be considered as viable candidates.

A pre-employment and security screening and investigation form part of the recruitment process.

Damen Dredging Equipment does not approve commercial, contractor and/or agency or other commercial use of this advertisement. Proposing candidates without invitation is not appreciated and will not be considered.


Recruiter:

Steven van Braak [C]

Email:

steven.van.braak@damen.com

Please apply through the Apply Button. Due to GDPR reasons we cannot accept applications by email.

About Damen
Damen logo

Are you ready to sail into a new adventure?

Damen was established by two brothers back in 1927. Today, with more than 12,000 employees, operating over 35 shipbuilding and repair yards, the Damen Shipyards Group has earned a leading position in the shipbuilding world. We are an international company that is, at heart, still a family business with family values and a deep respect for our maritime heritage. It is our aim to combine our proven standardisation with the innovations of digitalisation to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder

Newbuild

Damen has delivered more than 6,500 vessels in 100 countries and delivers some 175 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels on stock leads to short delivery times, low total cost of ownership and reliable performance. We offer a wide range of products including tugs, naval and patrol vessels, high speed craft, ferries, dredging, offshore vessels and superyachts.

Shiprepair & conversion

Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) has a worldwide network of 18 repair and conversion yards with drydocks ranging up to 420 x 80 metres. DSC yards have extensive experience – completing more than 1,300 projects every year, from normal drydockings for scheduled maintenance to damage repair, right up to extensive refit and conversion projects.

Services

Being active in the maritime industry demands continuous vessel reliability. For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of services, including maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and the transfer of shipbuilding know-how.

Components

Damen is also specialised in the design and production of various marine components including propeller nozzles, rudders, special towing winches, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.

Always looking for talent

At Damen we are always looking for professionals, starters and students with a passion for ships. We offer challenging jobs, internships, premium placements or graduation projects both locally and globally, in various job areas.

Investing in talent

As professionals we offer you the ideal environment to continuously develop yourself both technically and personally by coaching you on the job and through various programmes found in the Damen Academy.

We also offer students diverse unique opportunities to get to know the Damen Shipyards Group. Boost your personal development, even before beginning your professional career, through various events and activities.

“Damen has always been a company with a clear focus on innovation. From ground-breaking concepts such as standardised shipbuilding to advanced products such as the SEA Axe Hull, innovation has provided the means for Damen to grow into an established global group of companies.”

Oceans of opportunities

We are active across the entire maritime sector and offer jobs in different areas allowing you to grow, develop and define your own career. Whether you are looking for a job in Sales, Design & Proposal, Engineering, Research & Development, Yard Support or Project Management, we will do our best to find the right fit in our Newbuild, Shiprepair & Conversion, Services or Components activities.

Steer your own career

From the first day you join our company, you will have the freedom and responsibility to steer your own course. Damen stands for challenging jobs, personal and professional development and for numerous career opportunities. And, above all, it’s fun to work at Damen!

Are you up for the challenge? Are you a team player who likes to work independently and thinks critically and are you ready to take the lead? Then feel welcome at Damen and spend your future best years with us!

‘’We want to become the most sustainable shipbuilders in the world. Our ambitions lie in circularity and zero-emission sailing!’’

Facts about

  • Number of employees: 9.000+

  • Sector: Yacht building, Marine Energy, Maritime, Offshore, Shipbuilding & repair

  • Preferred educational level: Vmbo, Mbo, Hbo, Wo bachelor, Wo master

  • Career level: Student, Starter (< 3 years), Young professional (3-5 years), Professional (5-10 years), Senior professional (>10 years)

  • Preferred education: Marine technology, mechanical engineering, offshore engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, industrial engineering, marine officer, ICT, information technology

  • Open vacancies: Check career.damen.com