System Architect/Lead Engineer Autonomous Maritime Systems

Shape the future of autonomous maritime operations

The maritime industry is on the threshold of a new era. Autonomous vessels, remote operations, AI-driven decision-making, and intelligent mission systems are fundamentally changing the way complex tasks are performed at sea.

At Royal IHC, we develop the next generation of autonomous maritime solutions for the defense, offshore, dredging, and mining sectors. For this position, a significant part of the work will focus on projects within Defense.

To further shape this transformation, we are looking for an experienced System Architect / Lead Engineer - Autonomous Maritime Systems.

This is a unique opportunity for a systems thinker who feels at home at the intersection of technology, engineering, and strategy. Someone who can bring together software, autonomy, control systems, and physical installations into a coherent vision that delivers actual operational value.

As System Architect / Lead Engineer, you will play a key role in defining the system architecture, technology roadmap, and development strategy for future autonomous and semi-autonomous maritime platforms.

You will work closely with management, engineering teams, customers, and technology partners to develop solutions in which the following come together:

• Autonomous vessels
• Remotely controlled systems
• Mission management platforms
• AI- and data-driven operational systems
• Sensor integration and perception technologies
• Deployment, support, and operational infrastructures

This is not a traditional role within shipbuilding, nor is it a purely software-oriented role. It requires someone who understands how complex machines, intelligent software, and operational requirements converge in successful autonomous systems.

You will lead the development of high-level system architectures and establish technological roadmaps for autonomous maritime solutions. By translating strategic business opportunities into practical technical concepts, you will help direct investments and development priorities for the coming years.

Creating connections between different engineering disciplines

You connect software, control systems, electrical engineering, mechanical systems, and operational technology into integrated solutions. Your ability to oversee both the bigger picture and the technical details is essential to making complex systems work together successfully.

Together with technology companies, suppliers, knowledge institutes, and customers, you will assess new technologies and determine whether we develop, procure, or collaborate. You will play an important role in technical due diligence processes, strategic partnerships, and product development initiatives.

In addition to engineering, you will contribute to product portfolio development, business cases, and the long-term strategy surrounding autonomy. You understand how technical choices translate into commercial value, competitive advantage, and operational impact.

You are a systems thinker who can handle complexity and uncertainty well. You derive energy from structuring challenging issues and translating them into concrete plans and actionable roadmaps.

Experience as a Site Reliability Engineer or in a similar role.

• A strong systems engineering mindset
• Experience with complex physical systems and installations
• Experience with software-intensive systems
• Knowledge of multiple fields, such as:
  • Robotics and autonomous systems
  • Control systems
  • Artificial intelligence and data systems
  • Sensor fusion and perception technology
  • Mission management systems
  • Remote operations
• The ability to collaborate effectively across different engineering disciplines
• Strong communication skills towards both technical and managerial stakeholders
• A pragmatic attitude combined with strong technical curiosity

*Additionally, due to involvement in Defense projects, you must reside in the Netherlands, hold Dutch nationality , and be eligible for a Certificate of Security Clearance (VGB).

One or more of the following fields:

• Autonomous maritime systems
• Robotics
• Defense systems
• Offshore systems
• Heavy installations and industrial machinery
• Autonomous vehicles
• Mission systems
• Control rooms and remote operations

This position offers a unique combination of technical leadership and strategic influence.

You will get the chance to:

• Shaping the future autonomous strategy of a global maritime technology leader
• Working on technologies that will fundamentally change maritime operations
• Building and further developing a new autonomous systems capability
• Exerting influence on key technology and investment decisions
• Collaborating with leading industry partners, customers, and research institutions
• Having significant ownership, visibility, and impact within the organization