Principal Engineer – Foundation Engineering 

Lead groundbreaking offshore foundation projects that set new industry standards 

Your role in the story 

As a Principal Engineer - Foundation Engineering, you are a recognized technical authority and strategic advisor, acting as an ambassador for technology within and beyond Heerema Marine Contractors. You thrive at the intersection of engineering, innovation, and business strategy. Through leadership in design, execution, and thought leadership, you deliver added value while safeguarding and enhancing Heerema Marine Contractors technical reputation in the offshore industry. You will be working next to the lead discipline engineering of the foundation department.  

What you will be working on

• Lead the safe and validated execution of offshore foundation designs and procedures, both in fabrication yards and offshore environments. 

• Provide expert technology advice to Heerema and HMC management on complex, cross-disciplinary engineering challenges. 

• Define and deliver development and innovation initiatives that strengthen our long-term capabilities. 

• Manage approved budgets related to assigned engineering scopes and development programs. 

• Evaluate and recommend technical solutions considering our commercial position, risk appetite, reliability standards, and industry reputation. 

• Act as a company and industry-recognized expert in offshore foundation technologies and related disciplines. 

• Align technological directions with industry counterparts and represent us in relevant forums and partnerships. 

• Identify alternative technologies and propose creative engineering approaches that challenge conventional thinking. 

• Monitor our readiness in strategic technology areas, identify capability gaps, and initiate appropriate interventions. 

• Supervise external technical subcontract scopes, ensuring alignment with our strategic goals. 

• Inform HMC management of technology outcomes and provide visibility on the impact and opportunities of key initiatives. 

Here's why people love working with us

• Working on innovative and challenging projects worldwide;
• Strong compensation & benefits, including an annual bonus plan tied to company performance; bonus basis = your annual gross salary + 13th month + 8% holiday allowance;
• Future-proof pension: gross scheme covering base + 13th month + holiday allowance, with no mandatory contribution up to €70,719.48.
• 30 days off to recharge, with the option to buy 10 extra days;
• Free access to our in-house gym, including fitness classes;
• Activities to connect with colleagues (e.g., our Friday-afternoon get-together);
• A modern and easily accessible office in Leiden.

Key ingredients for success

• MSc or PhD in Civil, Geotechnical, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering. 

• Proven expertise in monopile foundation design, installation, and offshore geotechnical engineering. 

• Extensive experience in managing high-impact technology scopes and development programs. 

• Ability to translate deep technical challenges into business-relevant advice and innovations. 

• Strong commercial awareness, budget management skills, and stakeholder communication capabilities. 

• Fluent in English, with the ability to lead both technical content and cross-functional alignment. 

• A personal commitment to technology excellence, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing. 

Is this your dream job? Put in your application now! 

We are looking forward to hearing from you. We are interested in your CV, but we mainly want to find out more about your ambitions, your personality, and what is your motivation to succeed. So be sure to include a brief cover letter explaining why you are the perfect fit for this position. So hit the button, apply, and make the impossible possible with Heerema. We’d love to meet you! 

Are you ready to make the impossible possible?