Principal Engineer Mechanical - Port Equipment

Huisman brings its many years of experience in designing and building complex heavy construction equipment to the ports logistics sector. With solutions such as Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs), we develop automated systems for the efficient handling and temporary storage of containers. Our Port Equipment combines heavy engineering with smart automation, reliable technology and large-scale steel structures, designed for continuous 24/7 operation.

As Principal Engineer Mechanical, you ensure that the mechanical systems and structures of our complex Port Equipment function as one fully integrated system. You combine in-depth knowledge of Mechanical Engineering and structural design with a broad, system-level perspective. You look beyond your own area of expertise, understanding how mechanics, steel structures, hydraulics, electrical systems, controls and software interact, and translate this into a safe, reliable and cost-effective system architecture. Within our Port Equipment business, you work on complex, highly automated equipment, such as Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs) and Rail-Mounted Gantry Cranes (RMGs). Moving seamlessly between system-level design and technical detail, you act as the technical link between the various engineering disciplines.

You are responsible for the overall system design and system architecture, with a clear technical focus on Mechanical Engineering. You define and substantiate key technical decisions and ensure that mechanics, steel structures, hydraulics, electrical systems, controls and software come together seamlessly in a safe, reliable and cost-effective solution.
Drawing on your senior-level expertise, you act as a key technical sparring partner for engineers across different disciplines. You oversee requirements, interfaces, risks and technical quality, ensuring that designs are thoroughly validated and documented. At the same time, you actively contribute to engineering standards, best practices and the continued technical development of Mechanical Engineering within Port Equipment.

You are:

• An experienced engineer with a strong systems-thinking mindset;
• Able to translate complex technical challenges into clear system-level and design decisions;
• A knowledgeable technical sparring partner who brings engineers from different disciplines together;
• Able to move confidently between technical detail and the broader system-level perspective;
• Proactive and up to date with developments in Mechanical Engineering, structural design and complex machinery;
• A strong communicator, able to clearly and convincingly substantiate technical decisions;
• Customer- and results-oriented, without compromising on safety or quality;
• Practical and accustomed to taking ownership of complex technical challenges;
• Flexible and willing to occasionally work on-site at customer locations.

You have:

• A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Engineering or a comparable technical discipline;
• At least 8 years of relevant engineering experience working with complex technical systems or machinery;
• In-depth knowledge of Mechanical Engineering and structural design, preferably combined with experience in complex moving machinery and large-scale steel structures;
• Possess strong knowledge of fatigue design and assessment of complex machinery and welded structures, including load spectra, fatigue-critical details and relevant international standards;
• Extensive experience in designing and integrating complex mechanical systems and structures;
• Solid knowledge of system architecture, interfaces, requirements, technical validation and system integration;
• Experience with engineering design principles, technical calculations, and evaluating and substantiating design decisions;
• Broad technical knowledge, enabling you to understand the interfaces with hydraulics, electrical systems, controls and software;
• Experience in port equipment, material handling, heavy machinery, maritime, offshore or comparable complex machinery is a strong advantage;
• The ability to work across engineering disciplines and make multidisciplinary technical decisions at system level.

• An EU passport/valid work permit for the Netherlands;
• A good command of the English (and preferably Dutch) language verbally and in writing.

We design and produce in-house and deliver our turn-key products to clients worldwide. Our clients choose us for our entrepreneurial spirit, skills, reliability, and innovative solutions. Examples? Consider our Container Handling Cranes. So, if you join Huisman make sure you are equipped for impact. In other words, surprise us, our clients and… yourself! 

• Think big and make big, all in one location. At Huisman Schiedam, both our office and production facilities are based on a single site.
• An open, informal and no-nonsense culture with short lines of communication.
• An international working environment with ample opportunities for career progression and personal development.
• An excellent benefits package tailored to your experience and qualifications.
• Depending on your experience and knowledge, the salary ranges from € 4,400 to € 7,200 gross per month based on a 40-hour working week, with scope for further progression within the scale.
• A minimum of 29 holiday days (based on full-time employment) with the option to purchase an additional 10 days.
• Participation in a collective pension scheme in line with the Wtp.
• Eligibility for a bonus scheme.
• Access to collective health insurance, with Huisman contributing as your employer.
• Take advantage of tax benefits through our bicycle scheme.
• Huisman organises sporting activities, such as a ski trip, as well as various social events, including large-scale company parties where colleagues come together and get to know each other better.

Apply online for the position of Principal Engineer Mechanical using the application form at the bottom of this page. We are curious to see what kind of impact you will make.

Application deadline and process:

• Application deadline: no later than 30 November 2026. Please note: the vacancy may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.
• Selection: we review and assess candidates on a continuous basis, including before the closing date.
• First interview: selected candidates will be invited for an initial interview.
• References: in consultation with you, we may request references from your current and/or previous employer(s).
• Further process: in addition to a second interview, the selection process may also include an online assessment and a technical test.

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