Technical specialist ergonomics

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About us

Hop aboard Damen Naval; the naval division of the family-owned Damen Shipyards Group, where 12,000 professionals work worldwide. Damen Naval delivers advanced naval vessels to clients all over the globe. By implementing the most innovative technological developments in practice, we continue to push the boundaries in the shipbuilding industry. You can be part of our team! Are you ready for duty?

The Role
As a Technical Specialist Ergonomics at Damen Naval, you will play a key role in applying human factors engineering (HFE) principles to the design and improvement of naval vessels and training environments. You will focus on optimizing the interaction between crew members and equipment by minimizing risks, enhancing system performance, and ensuring comfort, usability, and safety on board.

Your work will span multiple domains within ergonomics, including physical, cognitive, organizational, and linguistic aspects. You will collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and suppliers to ensure the ergonomic integrity of all systems, from design concept to implementation. Your expertise will directly contribute to the performance and well-being of those operating Damen Naval platforms.

Key responsibilities
In this role, your responsibilities will include:

• Defining and executing Human Factors Engineering (HFE) plans in line with project needs.
• Conducting ergonomic analyses of ship systems and human-machine interactions.
• Performing task-based assessments and deriving technical requirements for design.
• Applying Leitmerkmal methods and drafting Ergonomic Assessment Reports.
• Advising on workspace and equipment design to minimize crew workload and maximize efficiency.
• Supporting the integration of COTS equipment with a focus on usability and functionality.
• Identifying and improving human-machine interfaces, especially in operational and informational contexts.
• Collaborating across departments to ensure ergonomic standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills & experience
We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• A relevant bachelor's degree and experience working with engineers, suppliers, and project stakeholders on large-scale (preferably naval) projects.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with hazard assessments and ergonomic standards, ideally within German regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office, SAP, IBM DOORS, and 3DX.
• Previous experience in shipbuilding or the maritime sector is preferred.
• Fluency in German and English, both spoken and written.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Permanent EU citizenship and a permanent EU passport (requirement due to the military nature of our projects).
• Candidates with EU (work) visa or with (also) a non-EU nationality and/or passport are not eligible given the requirements imposed by the military nature of our projects.
  

What we offer
At Damen Naval, we highly value our employees, and we will support your professional and personal development. We also provide our employees with:

• A competitive salary and 8% holiday pay.
• 27 holidays and 13 ADV days.
• Travel allowance of 23 cents per kilometre.
• PME-pension arrangement with an employer contribution of 60%.
• Profit sharing based on company results.
• Flexibility to work from home up to two days a week.
• Additional benefits including a bicycle plan and company fitness.

Application & information

Are you interested in this position, please submit your application including your CV and cover letter, along with an indication of:

• Your (preferred) monthly gross salary based on fulltime work.
• Availability (fulltime/ part-time/ number of hours).
• Notice period / possible starting date.

For more information about the vacancy, please visit the Damen Naval website, the Damen Naval Career website or contact the Corporate Recruitment department via .

Please note that due to the military nature of our projects, only candidates who have permanent EU nationality can be considered for vacancies at Damen Naval. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to process candidates who (also) have a non-EU passport or nationality.

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

Acquisition and introduction of candidates without a formal request is not appreciated and they will not be considered.