Automation Architect

THE POSITION
As an Automation Architect at Van Oord, you are the technical owner of various automation systems across the fleet. You determine the technical direction, translate it into concrete solutions and design systems that ensure PLC, SCADA and OT systems are reliable, secure and future-proof.

You are the technical sparring partner for colleagues, projects and suppliers. You look beyond individual systems and focus on standardization, optimization and innovation across the fleet. From design and upgrades to commissioning and lifecycle management, you oversee the bigger picture and make well-founded technical decisions.

You work with complex automation and OT systems and are able to translate technical challenges into functional specifications. You ask the right questions and provide direction to specialists and suppliers to ensure the right solutions are developed.

You will be part of the Process Control team within Electrical & Automation and work closely with Production Automation. We work in a structured and data-driven way and use technologies such as simulation, data analysis and AI to continuously improve our automation systems.

YOUR IMPACT
In this role, you translate operational and business needs into reliable, scalable and future-proof automation solutions. As an Automation Architect, you are responsible for the design, quality, development and long-term performance of automation systems throughout their entire lifecycle. You

Take technical ownership of automation projects and improvements, from new builds to upgrades.

Provide direction for the automation strategy and architecture across the fleet. You translate operational needs into technical requirements, system concepts and functional designs for PLC, SCADA and OT systems. You ensure that solutions are robust, standardized and designed with long-term reliability and maintainability in mind.

Develop functional specifications, critically review designs and proposals, and ensure good alignment between internal stakeholders, specialists and external suppliers, while safeguarding Van Oord's technical standards.

Ensure that OT cybersecurity and network architecture are an integral part of the design.

Look ahead and drive innovation by leveraging developments in automation, data analysis, simulation, virtual commissioning and AI to identify opportunities and continuously improve the performance, efficiency and future-readiness of the Van Oord fleet.

About You
You are an independent, analytical and forward-thinking professional with a strong technical foundation in automation. You naturally take ownership, enjoy understanding how complex systems work together and are able to make and document well-founded technical decisions.

You are comfortable operating at both a strategic and technical level. You know how to assess technical solutions, ask the right questions and provide direction to specialists and suppliers towards the right solution. You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary environment and can translate complex technical topics into clear advice for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Above all, you are curious about new technologies and continuously look for opportunities to further improve the automation systems across the fleet.

In addition, you bring

HBO level of education in Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Officer (MAROF) or a comparable field.

At least 10 years of relevant experience in automation and control systems, preferably in an industrial or maritime environment.

Strong knowledge of PLC, HMI, SCADA, control engineering and OT networks.

The ability to translate specifications into functional descriptions.

Experience with technical projects and managing suppliers.

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