VLIZ recruits: Team & Project Manager Data Engineering

VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institute

VLIZ - Flanders Marine Institute

Software Engineering, Operations, Data Science

Posted on Apr 17, 2026

Where software engineering meets the deep blue. Become our new colleague and steer our Data Engineering team into the future of open science.
The VLIZ Marine Data Centre (VMDC) is an international hub for marine and coastal data, connecting scientists, policymakers, and innovators worldwide. It manages vast collections of high-quality datasets, tools, and services that support cutting-edge ocean research and sustainable marine management. By working at VMDC, you contribute to advancing open science and support tackling global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean health. The VMDC is built on collaboration, innovation, and a passion for the sea, offering a stimulating environment for professionals who want to make an impact. Joining VMDC means becoming part of a dynamic, international team dedicated to unlocking knowledge for a sustainable future of our oceans.

We are currently looking for a Team Lead/Project Manager to head our Data Engineering (DE) team. This team drives innovation in marine data by building model data systems, formalizing and organizing data elements and relationships between the, and implementing these systems by creating software to work with data following defined models. Their expertise spans the application of software engineering best practices to data systems, develop tools to work with these systems, automate and optimize data management processes, and support data managers. The team is involved in several EU and global data efforts, networks and projects (e.g. E=MCM, George, ICOS, Tricuso).
Within these projects we design, prototype and demonstrate a single scalable system of systems coordinating unmanned autonomous toolboxes through intelligent platforms and decision-support. With this, we support both the planning and operations of our missions that deploy these "robotics" platforms. Additionally our expertise is employed in the development of digital support systems in the challenging domains like the capturing of human activity data from AIS and the processing of underwater acoustics.

OUR OFFER

  • We offer you a challenging job in the dynamic environment of the InnovOcean Campus in Ostend.
  • An open-ended position and a competitive remuneration package based on the candidate's qualifications and experience according to the salary scales set forth by the Flemish Government on 01-01-2009.
  • Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers (€8 per day worked), bicycle allowance, free public transport between home and work, hospitalization insurance and the possibility of bike lease.
  • A good work-life balance through a generous leave package and flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week.
  • The possibility to work partly from home after an induction period.
  • Opportunities for personal development (training).

YOUR TASKS

  • You lead and support a team of 3-5 employees.
  • You take the lead on the design and implementation of maintainable solutions to support the data management activities of VMDC and its projects.
  • You collaborate with the other teams within VMDC, as well as the other departments in VLIZ, to define and prioritize data engineering needs.
  • You lead the documentation of new and existing components within data flows.
  • You troubleshoot and resolve issues with the operational systems of VMDC and VLIZ, using the resources within your team.
  • You continuously aim to improve the efficiency and scalability of the data infrastructure at VLIZ.
  • You collaborate with IT on the transitioning of systems from development to deployment and support.
  • You manage the scope, planning, execution, and budget of several projects.
  • You are involved in the writing process of project applications.
  • You participate in (inter)national project meetings with external partners.
  • You take responsibility for the expansion of data systems and VMDC in general.
  • You take on the role of ambassador to the outside world through networking and promote the reputation of VLIZ as an (inter)national contact point for marine scientific data engineering.
  • You study specific subject areas, follow up on trends and use that knowledge to develop new methods/products/projects, to ensure up-to-date information at VLIZ.
  • You integrate in (international) networks and scout for new project opportunities.

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

YOUR PROFILE

  • A bachelor or master's degree in Applied Sciences (e.g. software engineering, bioinformatics), Data Science, or a related field.
  • At least 3-5 years of relevant experience.
  • Practical knowledge of different forms of data storage: from different file formats over classic RDBMS to NoSQL systems.
  • Strong programming skills, in a various set of languages and platforms (in the team Python and Rust are in use).
  • Familiar with the intrinsic workings of the world-wide-web, and the knowledge which aspects of the design are essential to its success.
  • Affinity with relevant (marine) software, systems, data formats and technologies (e.g. RDF, Geoserver, ERDDAP, OGC, Darwin Core, ...).
  • Experience with code version management systems and platforms (e.g. git, github, gitlab, …).
  • Practical usage of container platforms (e.g. docker, … ).
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and support a small team.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Strong skills in organization and planning.
  • Demonstrated experience in project management.
  • Good project proposal writing skills & experience with different funding channels.
  • Knowledge of the marine data landscape (regional, EU, global) is an asset.
  • Communication (verbal and writing) skills: fluent in English; knowledge of Dutch is a plus.
  • Willing to work in an international context and occasionally travel for work.
  • Willing to work in a dual use context.

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 Marc Portier: marc.portier@vliz.be.

DOES THIS VACANCY APPEAL TO YOU?

Send in your cover letter and CV no later than Thursday 21 May 2026 by filling in this form.

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; a select group of candidates will be invited for a job interview. You will be informed by email.
The interviews will take place in the offices of VLIZ or online on Friday 12 June 2026.

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