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Internship or Graduation: General Autonomous Shipping

Damen

Gorinchem
Full Time
Posted on: March 31 2026

We offer you an Ocean of Possibilities. Join our family.

About us

The Research, Development & Innovation department of Damen helps the company to become the most sustainable and digitally connected shipyard in the world. We give support to the business in the development of an innovative product portfolio and offer pro-active advice with the aim of further improving the quality and performance of the Damen products and services.

The RD&I department is divided into Research, Development, and Enabling Technologies branches. There are six research teams.

Damen invests substantially in its own internal R&D projects. Moreover, we are also very active in collaborative R&D projects with industry partners, as well as academia and knowledge institutes, both nationally and internationally.

The role

As a student working for the automation research team, you will work on novel technologies related to autonomous shipping. This includes both full autonomy and captain support systems, which are steppingstones towards full autonomy. Autonomous shipping is a relatively broad knowledge area, including topics such as vessel dynamics and control, sensing and sensor fusion, machine learning, collision avoidance, remote command and control, IT and telecom, simulations, human-machine interfacing, and development of modular hardware and software to make it all work together. Depending on your background we will together choose the best topic for you to work on.

We can accommodate both internships and graduation projects and have roles for both BSc and MSc students.

Key accountabilities

You will be responsible for answering a specific research question (e.g., what sensors to use for autodocking), or for the development of a tool for RD&I (e.g., set up an autonomy simulator in ROS). You may perform (Matlab) simulations, or work with our full-mission bridge simulator, or our model boats in a water basin, or our full-size test vessel, depending on the specific assignment. You will have one of our researchers as your daily supervisor, who will make sure the executed work fits Damen’s expectations.

Skills & experience

At least several skills/experiences from the following list are required to be considered:

  • BSc/MSc engineering student with a strong background in a topic from the following list: control, robotics, machine learning, mechatronics, (embedded) software, HMI design;

  • Proficient in simulation skills (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, python etc), robotics control (ROS), and/or other low-level language skills (I.e., C, C++ etc);

  • Experience with network interfacing (e.g., hardwired IOs, ethernet, Modbus etc) and/or standardized protocols (I.e., NMEA, etc);

  • Good command of English, especially in writing.

Knowledge areas are mainly:

  • Perception: Sensing the environment

  • Awareness: Assessing the relevance of sensed data to your situation and defining a safe path

  • Control: Control strategy to optimally travel the chosen path

What we offer

  • An internship/ graduation fee and travel allowance will be paid for the duration of the assignment.

  • A pleasant and dynamic, international work environment with informal atmosphere

  • Mentoring at academic level will be available throughout the internship.

Other

Are you ready to sail into your new adventure at Damen? Don’t hesitate, send us your motivation letter and resume here.

Due to housing issues we cannot accept international students that do not have accommodation in the Netherlands yet. Be aware that this assignment is available year round, so we would like to hear what your ideal starting date would be.


Recruiter:

Liselotte van Veenendaal

Email:

liselotte.van.veenendaal@damen.com

Please apply through the Apply Button. Due to GDPR reasons we cannot accept applications by email.

About Damen
Damen logo

Working at Damen: building the future of the maritime world
Do you want to work in the maritime sector and contribute to meaningful work? At Damen, you work together on ships and solutions that matter, built to last.

About Damen as an employer
Damen is an international family-owned company with strong roots in the Netherlands. With more than 12,000 colleagues worldwide, we have been building all kinds of ships and maritime solutions for generations, from workboats to naval vessels and innovative solutions for offshore and energy. We take a long-term view and work together on solutions that not only work today, but also for future generations.

Building craftsmanship together
You can see this in how we work. We keep communication simple and direct, and you have the space to take ownership. Your ideas are taken seriously, and craftsmanship is at the center of what we do. Whether you work in engineering, shipbuilding, offshore, or in the office, you help build solutions where quality and pride are key.

Working on solutions that last
The maritime sector is changing fast. That is why Damen invests in innovation and sustainability. You work on projects that really matter, such as:

  • sustainable ship designs and alternative fuels

  • smart and digital solutions for ships and processes

  • projects that support safety, logistics, and energy supply

What you build has real impact and is made to last.

Room to grow
At Damen, you get the space to grow and take initiative. Whether you are just starting or already experienced, you work in an environment where people share knowledge and learn from each other. You grow in your role and take on more responsibility.

You can count on:

  • many opportunities to learn and develop

  • projects with an international focus

  • an environment where your ideas are taken seriously

What Damen offers you
Working at Damen means working on projects that matter, in an environment where you are part of something bigger.

You can count on:

  • a stable company with international impact

  • a down-to-earth and friendly working culture

  • challenging work in the maritime sector

  • an organization that looks ahead, for you and for the projects you work on

Why Damen?
Because you work on ships and solutions you can be proud of, with a team that supports each other and builds results that last.

Ready to come on board?
Discover your opportunities and experience what it is like to work at Damen.

Facts about

  • Number of employees: 9.000+

  • Sector: Yacht building, Marine Energy, Maritime, Offshore, Shipbuilding & repair

  • Preferred educational level: Vmbo, Mbo, Hbo, Wo bachelor, Wo master

  • Career level: Student, Starter (< 3 years), Young professional (3-5 years), Professional (5-10 years), Senior professional (>10 years)

  • Preferred education: Marine technology, mechanical engineering, offshore engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, industrial engineering, marine officer, ICT, information technology

  • Open vacancies: Check career.damen.com