VLIZ recruits: Marine Robotics Specialist

VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institute

VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institute

Posted on Monday, August 19, 2024

Join the revolution of marine autonomous systems in marine research and innovation!

The VLIZ Marine Robotics Centre is pushing boundaries to innovate measurement techniques and strategies in order to facilitate the adoption of autonomous marine systems in marine research, in the blue economy and society at large. In our research and innovation projects, we use survey-grade marine autonomous systems (MAS) (e.g. AUV's, USV Adhemar, USV Gobelijn, Gliders) and oceanographic moorings to acquire high-resolution measurements of the water column, currents, waves and the seafloor. VLIZ recently acquired USV Gobelijn, a state-of-the-art long-range Unmanned Surface Vehicle (length 9 m), which will be deployed in our research and innovation projects worldwide. To strengthen the capacity of the engineering and operational team of the Marine Robotics Centre, VLIZ is hiring a Marine Robotics Specialist (m/f/x).

WE OFFER

  • Open-ended contract in a dynamic and ambitious international team at the VLIZ Marine Robotics Centre.
  • Chance to be part of the transition to remote and uncrewed surveys in marine research and innovation projects.
  • Opportunity to work in an inspiring environment with the latest state-of-the-art technology.
  • Ample learning opportunities and chances for personal development within the VLIZ Marine Robotics Centre.
  • A salary according to diploma and experience (example: gross monthly salary for engineer with 5 or 15 years of experience ranges between 5075€ and 6205€). Relevant experience will be considered.
  • Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers, bicycle allowance, free public transport between home and work, Hospitalisation insurance.
  • A good work-life balance through a generous leave package (33 days and during office closure between Christmas and new year), flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week, overtime during campaigns, and possibility to work partly from home.

YOUR TASKS

You will enrol in the operational and engineering team of the Marine Robotics Centre.

The team which you will be a part of has the following tasks:

  • Design, set up and innovate measurement techniques and operational strategies with MAS.
  • Setup, develop, maintain, and operate our MAS;
  • Setup, develop, maintain, and operate survey sensors onboard our MAS;
  • Plan seagoing missions: operational, technical, administrative (incl. regulatory matters), and logistical aspects;
  • Execute (multi-day) missions at sea in Belgian waters and abroad;
  • Perform quality checks, basic processing, basic analysis and archiving of the gathered data;
  • Continuously improve QHSE in our operations and develop/improve procedures, checklists and risk assessments

For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.

YOUR PROFILE

  • Degree in engineering, master in nautical sciences, Master of Science, or equivalent by experience;
  • Sea-going experience as a Project Engineer, Survey Engineer, Surveyor, Marine Engineer, watch officer or equivalent is strongly recommended;
  • Team player with a service-oriented approach, yet the ability to work independently;
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills;
  • Willingness to acquire new skills;
  • Attention to detail;
  • Good English speaking and writings skills;
  • Interest in marine research, innovation and technology;
  • Following elements are considered an asset:
    • Practical experience in navigation with workboats or (small) vessels, and being in possession of corresponding certification;
    • Experience with development, implementation or use of QHSE strategies;
    • Practical experience in networking and machine-machine communication protocols;
    • Good technical knowledge of survey equipment and related operational aspects;
    • Practical experience with specialized survey software.

ABOUT US

Over the last 25 years, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) has become a knowledge institution indispensable to the marine research landscape. What started as an institute focusing on science support, has evolved into a national and international point of contact for marine research. VLIZ initiates and carries out multidisciplinary research and supports marine experts by providing research infrastructure, data, information and knowledge. VLIZ supports the blue economy and reaches out to a broad public. VLIZ further broadens its marine horizons and aims at becoming a world player in the field of marine and coastal research.

A stimulating working environment forms the base of our flourishing knowledge institute. The well-being of our employees comes first. VLIZ is looking for colleagues who, with their passion and knowledge, want to strengthen our growing institute and face the blue challenges of the future.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information concerning this vacancy, please contact Wieter Boone, Manager Marine Robotics Centre, wieter.boone@vliz.be with kobus.langedock@vliz.be and hans.pirlet@vliz.be in cc.

DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?

Please send in your cover letter and CV no later than 16 September 2024.

  • By post: Jan Mees, General director, InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Oostende
  • By mail: jobs@vliz.be with subject “Vacancy Marine Robotics Specialist”

You can contact us by telephone on +32 (0)59 33 60 00.

VLIZ promotes equality and diversity in the workplace. You will be recruited based on competencies. Qualities of people are decisive, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation or any disability.

Do you have a disability? Please attach a document to your application so that we can adapt our selection procedure where necessary. This information will be handled with discretion.

PROCEDURE

Based on the received cover letters and CV’s, selected candidates will be invited for a job interview. You will be contacted by email. The first job interviews will not take place before 23 September 2024.