Key Skills

Job Description

Lead the commissioning of complex vessels around the world Do you know what it takes to bring a complex vessel from construction to successful delivery? Are you ready to take the lead when engineering, equipment, people and planning all come together? At Royal IHC, we are looking for an experienced Commissioning Lead to oversee the commissioning of newly built dredging and offshore vessels at shipyards around the world. This is not a role from behind a desk. You will be on site during one of the most critical phases of our projects: the moment when individual systems come together as one fully operational vessel. You will lead commissioning teams, coordinate suppliers and specialists, work closely with customers and ensure that mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and automation systems are tested, integrated and ready for operation. From the first commissioning activities to Harbour Acceptance Tests (HAT), Sea Trials and final handover: you are there. Your role As Commissioning Lead, you take ownership of the commissioning phase of our vessel projects. You translate project requirements into a clear commissioning strategy and execution plan. Together with project management and planning, you coordinate priorities, resolve technical challenges and lead multidisciplinary commissioning teams towards successful vessel delivery. You will: Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary commissioning teams at international shipyards; Develop commissioning strategies, execution plans and schedules; Coordinate suppliers, subcontractors and technical specialists; Review technical specifications, drawings, manuals, ITPs and test procedures; Lead the commissioning and integration of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, automation and specialised vessel systems; Monitor progress, interfaces and technical dependencies; Resolve technical and operational issues together with engineering, suppliers and project teams; Ensure commissioning activities meet safety, quality and contractual requirements; Lead Harbour Acceptance Tests (HAT), Sea Trials and customer demonstrations; Represent Royal IHC during testing, Sea Trials and final vessel delivery; Act as a key technical point of contact for customers, shipyards and project stakeholders; Drive projects towards successful vessel acceptance and handover. Help build the future of commissioning at Royal IHC Royal IHC is strengthening its internal commissioning organisation. As Commissioning Lead, you will help shape commissioning standards, retain technical knowledge and contribute to the future development of our commissioning capability. Your profile You understand commissioning in practice. You combine technical expertise with leadership, communication and planning skills and are comfortable making decisions in demanding international project environments. You bring: A technical background in Marine Engineering, Shipbuilding, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field; Proven experience in commissioning, start-up, testing, marine operations or a comparable technical environment; Experience with complex maritime, offshore or industrial installations; Experience leading or coordinating technical teams, suppliers and subcontractors; Knowledge of commissioning methodologies, testing procedures, HATs and Sea Trials; Strong technical problem-solving and stakeholder management skills; A practical, hands-on and safety-conscious mindset; Professional proficiency in English. Dutch is a plus. Most importantly, you are willing and able to spend significant periods abroad. You will work on international projects at shipyards in locations such as Vietnam, India and the United States. Depending on the project, you will work in rotations such as: 8 weeks on site / 3 weeks at home 6 weeks on site / 2 weeks at home This international lifestyle should suit you and offers a unique opportunity to be closely involved in the final delivery of highly complex vessels. Royal IHC offers you: A salary between €4.700 and €7.270 gross per month, plus 8% holiday allowance. A monthly compensation for your time spent abroad. A profit-sharing scheme that lets you share in Royal IHC’s success. Good work/life balance with 27 vacation days for full-time employment with the option to buy or sell (additional) leave. On top of your paid leave during your rotations. A solid pension plan through PME. Royal IHC takes care of things you’d rather not worry about, but that are still important, such as disability insurance, partner pension, and the option to have additional healthcare costs reimbursed through our Social Fund. Room to grow: Numerous internal career opportunities and a training budget + access to our IHC Academy to support your development. Why Royal IHC? At Royal IHC, engineering does not stop at the drawing board. We design, engineer, build, commission and support complex dredging and offshore vessels throughout their lifecycle. As Commissioning Lead, you operate exactly where all those disciplines come together. You get the autonomy to lead, the technical complexity to keep challenging yourself and the opportunity to help build a stronger international commissioning organisation for the future. Ready to take the lead when our vessels move from engineering to operation? Join Royal IHC as Commissioning Lead and play a key role in delivering complex dredging and offshore vessels around the world.

Core Responsibilities

The Commissioning Lead oversees the commissioning phase of complex dredging and offshore vessels, translating project requirements into execution plans. They lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinate suppliers, and ensure all mechanical, electrical, and automation systems are integrated and tested for successful delivery.

Requirements

Candidates must have a technical background in Marine, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering with proven experience in commissioning or marine operations. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the willingness to work internationally on-site for extended periods are essential.

Benefits

• Holiday allowance
• Profit-sharing scheme
• Pension plan
• Disability insurance
• Partner pension
• Healthcare cost reimbursement
• Training budget
• Paid leave