Electrical Engineer – DC Systems

We don’t build systems that stay in labs. We engineer robust, high-performance, autonomous, and remotely operated maritime platforms designed to excel where others can’t.We are pushing the boundaries of high-speed marine autonomy, power density, and operational persistence. Our culture is built on speed, ownership, and engineering excellence—combining fast prototyping with rigorous execution to deliver real-world defense and commercial capabilities in extreme maritime environments. THE ROLE We are seeking a hands-on Electrical Engineer to bridge design, execution, and field testing for our high-power DC systems and autonomous marine platforms.In this role, you will own the electrical core of our vessels—from designing robust DC distribution architectures, wiring harnesses, and battery management interfaces to physically wiring, troubleshooting, and integrating these systems directly onto our vessels. You will be a key player both in our workshop and during high-speed sea trials on the North Sea. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES System Design & Architecture: Design, document, and implement high-efficiency DC power distribution networks, busbars, power conversion modules, and low-voltage control systems for marine platforms.Hands-on Assembly & Integration: Build, route, and crimp ruggedized, marine-grade wiring harnesses (MIL-SPEC/IP67+ connectors) designed to withstand high-vibration, high-g, and saltwater conditions.Testing & Validation: Conduct bench testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) verification, and full-power load testing on high-voltage/high-current DC systems and energy storage (Li-ion/LiFePO4) integrations.Field Testing & On-Site Support: Participate actively in field testing at our test locations and during live sea trials. Troubleshoot electrical faults, CANbus signals, and sensor interfaces under real-world operational conditions.Safety & Reliability: Implement safety standards (insulation monitoring, fusing, emergency cut-offs, thermal management) to ensure safe operations during extreme maneuvers.Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with software, mechanical, and naval architecture teams to seamlessly integrate telemetry, sensors, autonomous controllers, and propulsion systems. WHO YOU ARE Hands-on Engineer: You love getting your hands dirty. You are as comfortable working with CAD software, schematics, and multimeters as you are with crimping tools, oscilloscopes, and hand tools at the waterfront.Pragmatic Problem Solver: You thrive in fast-paced startup environments where speed, iteration, and physical testing take precedence over endless bureaucratic design loops.Resilient Under Pressure: You enjoy taking products out into the field, diagnosing real-time electrical issues on a boat, and making things work under tough environmental conditions. REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor’s degree (HBO/BSc) or Master’s degree (MSc) in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.Experience: 2–5+ years of hands-on experience designing and building high-power DC systems, custom power electronics, or electrical wiring harnesses (EVs, robotics, drones, marine, or aerospace).Technical Skills:Proficiency in electrical schematic design and harness layout (e.g., Altium, KiCAD, SolidWorks Electrical, or similar).Direct experience with industrial/automotive communications protocols (CANbus, NMEA2000, RS485, Modbus, Ethernet).Knowledge of DC energy storage, Battery Management Systems (BMS), high-current fusing, and power electronics (DC-DC converters, motor controllers).Language & Location: Professional fluency in English (working language). Must be based in or willing to commute daily to our facility in Valkenburg (ZH), Netherlands.Nationality: Due to defense-related projects, EU / NATO citizenship is strongly preferred or required. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive Compensation: €60,000 – €85,000 gross annually (commensurate with experience).Equity / Stock Options: Real ownership in a fast-growing defense-tech startup.High-Impact Work: Work directly on real autonomous platforms operating in extreme conditions—see your engineering designs hit the water in weeks, not years.Great Location: Based in a cutting-edge aerospace and autonomous technology cluster in Valkenburg (ZH).Gear & Development: Access to top-tier tools, workshop space, rapid prototyping resources, and continuous learning opportunities.Culture: Flat hierarchy, direct communication, flexible mindset, and a team of passionate engineers who love what they build.