Yacht Project Leader (Mechanical Engineering)

Your opportunity

As a Project Leader (Mechanical Systems), you will coordinate and manage defined mechanical engineering packages within some of the world's most advanced luxury yacht projects. Acting as the central point of coordination within your scope, you will ensure that engineering deliverables, suppliers, budgets, planning, and production requirements remain aligned throughout the project lifecycle.

You will work with a wide range of onboard systems, including:

• Generator and main engine exhaust systems
• Fresh water, fuel, and drainage systems
• Sea water cooling systems
• Ventilation and air conditioning systems
• Compressed air systems
• Bilge, fire-fighting, black and grey water systems

Rather than focusing on detailed 3D modelling yourself, you will lead the engineering process for your assigned package. You will coordinate engineers and drafters, monitor budgets and hours, manage supplier interfaces, support class approvals, and ensure that engineering information is delivered in a practical and production-ready manner.

Because engineering and construction are closely integrated at Heesen, you will have direct influence on how technical solutions are implemented onboard. You will work closely with production, suppliers, subcontractors, and other engineering disciplines to ensure successful delivery of your package from concept through sea trials.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced maritime engineering professional who enjoys technical ownership, multidisciplinary coordination, and delivering complex engineering packages within a high-end yachtbuilding environment.

What you will do

• Lead and coordinate mechanical engineering packages within yacht construction projects
• Prepare and monitor engineering budgets, planning, hour forecasts, and progress
• Coordinate and control subcontracted engineering activities
• Guide engineers and drafters in delivering high-quality models, drawings, and technical documentation
• Ensure engineering deliverables are completed according to project requirements, planning, and quality standards
• Coordinate technical interfaces between mechanical engineering, suppliers, production, procurement, class, and flag authorities
• Prepare RFQs and review technical proposals from suppliers and subcontractors
• Support technical changes and client-requested modifications throughout the project
• Monitor technical risks and proactively resolve engineering challenges
• Ensure approval of technical documentation through class and flag authorities
• Follow engineering activities throughout construction, commissioning, and sea trials

Where you will work

Would you like to work in a high-end yachtbuilding environment where engineering and production are closely connected? This opportunity places you in a technically strong shipbuilding team working on luxury yachts built to extremely high standards.

You will be part of a shipbuilding engineering environment where customisation, technical quality, and collaboration are central. The team works closely with the shipyard, which means your designs are not created in isolation but directly linked to the build process.

• High-end custom and semi-custom yacht projects
• Strong integration between engineering and shipyard operations
• Focus on practical, buildable technical solutions
• International and collaborative team environment
• Excellent exposure to the full yacht construction process

What you already have

• BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Technology, Naval Architecture, or another relevant technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience within yachtbuilding or shipbuilding engineering environments
• At least 3 years of experience in a coordinating role such as Project Engineer, Lead Engineer, Project Leader, Engineering Coordinator, or similar
• Strong understanding of marine mechanical systems, including piping, cooling, ventilation, fuel, exhaust, and water systems
• Experience working on technically complex vessels, ideally large yachts, naval vessels, offshore vessels, cruise vessels, or other advanced shipbuilding projects
• Experience coordinating engineering deliverables, suppliers, subcontractors, budgets, and technical interfaces
• Ability to translate technical requirements into practical and production-ready engineering solutions
• Experience with CATIA and yachtbuilding engineering processes is advantageous
• Strong organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken (C1-C2)

Your benefits

• More time to enjoy life: 40 paid holidays every year.
• Extra support for sustainable living: Sustainable Life & Work Bonus.
• Business travel covered: Insurance included whenever you travel for work.
• We pay the journey: Interview and commuting costs are reimbursed.
• Expand your network: Meet professionals from across the Dutch maritime industry at exclusive events.
• Moving to the Netherlands? We'll help you find housing and complete your registration.