Royal IHC is looking for a Dynamics, Workability & Data Science Engineer to strengthen our Innovation & R&D team. In this role, you will work at the heart of our technology development and contribute directly to future-proof, sustainable maritime solutions.

We are looking for someone who is curious, quality‑driven and eager to make real impact. You enjoy working together, sharing ideas, and being part of a team where your voice is heard.

In this role, you will develop and apply advanced workability, operability and motion‑prediction methods for complex maritime, offshore, defence and dredging systems. You will combine physics-based models, data science, and operational insights to support engineering decisions across the full lifecycle.

You will work in a collaborative R&D environment, contributing to conceptual studies, numerical modelling, data analysis, tool development (Python, OrcaFlex), and validation through simulations or measurements. Your work will directly influence real projects and long‑term technology choices.

Your role and responsibilities

As a Dynamics, Workability & Data Science Engineer, you will be involved in:

Defining and calculating workability and operability limits for vessels and equipment.
Development, maintenance and application of dynamic and hydrodynamic models for motion prediction and operability assessment.
System-level analysis of vessel motions in relation to complex maritime, defense, offshore and dredging systems and operations.
Development and continued improvement of workability tools and workflows (e.g. OrcaFlex- and Python-based).
Analysis of large simulation and operational datasets to extract insights and support decision-making.
Design and implementation of data-driven, machine-learning or AI-based prototypes for engineering applications.
Integration of physics-based and data-driven models to improve prediction accuracy and efficiency.
Support of model validation through laboratory measurements and full-scale (sea) trials.
Technical support to engineering, sales teams and customers during project development.

Contribution to R&D projects and strategic technology developments related to workability, operability and onboard decision support. Through these activities, you directly contribute to IHC solutions that deliver safe, reliable and efficient operations that push the boundaries under demanding environmental conditions.

Due to the nature of this role, only candidates who are eligible to work in the European Union and hold a valid EU work permit will be considered.

Your profile

You bring a strong proactive engineering mindset combined with curiosity, analytical rigour and an interest in combining theory with operational reality.

You have:

A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics (or a related discipline).
A strong affinity with hydrodynamics, multi-body dynamics, vessel motions or offshore operations.
Interest in or experience with workability, operability criteria and metocean data (operational vs. extreme conditions).
Affinity with programming and data-driven engineering; experience with Python is required (MATLAB and/or OrcaFlex are strong advantages).
Interest in combining physics-based modelling with data science, machine learning or AI techniques.
Interest in translating complex analyses into practical engineering and operational insights.
Good command of English; Dutch is an advantage.

Please note that only candidates with valid EU work visa will be considered as viable candidates.

* These requirements give a direction to the profile we are looking. At Royal IHC, we warmly welcome anyone to join us, regardless of their background, disabilities or challenges. For example: research shows that male candidates apply if there is a 60% match and women only when there is a 100% match. Do you not meet all the requirements but do you think that this is the position for you? Then we would like to invite you to apply.

Royal IHC offers you:

A salary between €4500,- and €8000,- gross per month, plus 8% holiday allowance.
Plenty of time off: 40 vacation days for a full-time position, with the option to buy or sell additional leave.
A profit-sharing scheme that lets you share in Royal IHC’s success.
Flexible working: A home office allowance of €2.45 per day + a one-time payment of €750 to set up your workspace.
Travel allowance of €0.21 per kilometer for the days you commute to the office.
A solid pension plan through PME.
Room to grow: Numerous internal career opportunities and a training budget + access to our IHC Academy to support your development.
Health and energy: Unlimited access to our in-house gym (in exchange for the sustainable employability day).
Royal IHC takes care of things you’d rather not worry about, but that are still important—such as disability insurance, partner pension, and the option to have additional healthcare costs reimbursed through our Social Fund.

In 2050 (when we exist over 400 years) Royal IHC will be a fully sustainable company with a net-zero portfolio.

Our Technology department

IHC Technology is one of the enabling organizations for IHC’s Core and Potential Core to achieve its strategy “towards a sustainable future”. The unit consists of around 20 employees with different backgrounds, mostly at PhD or MSc/BSc level. Besides DAS, a R&D group. IP, Innovation Management Support and Subsidy Support. IHC Technology also operates a well-equipped test facility.

Royal IHC

Creating the maritime future

Anchored in a rich Dutch maritime history, Royal IHC is a leading supplier of maritime technology and expert craftsmanship.

With the right people and skills on board, and driven by innovation, we provide a competitive edge to our worldwide customers in the dredging, offshore, mining and defence industries. However, Royal IHC is much more than equipment, vessels and services. We deliver reliable, integrated solutions that improve operational efficiency and allow for a more sustainable performance.

All over the world, our people are deeply committed to technological innovation, supported by our long-standing experience in our core markets. Our experts work in close collaboration with multiple stakeholders to meet the specific needs of each customer.

With our continuous commitment to technological innovation, we seek to always meet the specific requirements of each individual client. IHC annually spends approximately 3% of its revenue on innovation, which places us in the top 15 Dutch companies in terms of R&D. We have branches in many different countries, giving us a truly international perspective.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Our business culture has a strong character and is based on collaboration, openness and respect. Perseverance is also a quality that runs through the veins of our organisation. At IHC we have a total commitment to improvement and innovation. Coming to work for us does not mean you have reached your destination. At IHC you will continue to grow and learn, and your expertise will continue onwards and upwards. That is not just a promise from us, but also a commitment we ask of you. Those who demonstrate independence and a strong feeling of responsibility are given a great deal of freedom, but that doesn’t mean you will be left to fend for yourself. Where needed, you can count on us for coaching and personal supervision.

MAXIMUM USE OF TALENT

IHC has a wealth of in-house talent. And we want to make the maximum use of it. That is why we have created development programmes. There are programmes for every level. If you have completed your preparatory secondary vocational education (VMBO) you can start at our in-house Technical Training Centre. We also have plenty of development opportunities for employees with senior secondary vocational education (MBO), higher vocational education (HBO) or a degree from a university (WO).

They can choose from the wide range of programmes, courses and other training opportunities. In addition to the development programmes, there is Young IHC. This programme of activities is especially for our young graduates to help them find their feet in our company. It makes it easy for them to get to know their colleagues in the various business units and creates a strong personal network.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Are you currently a student or have you just graduated? There are several ways for you to start a new career at IHC. We recognise the value of a strong link between industry and education, which is why ambitious students are always welcome at IHC for a traineeship or to do their graduation research. There are various options available, the choice is up to you!

“Let us build a career for you!”