Due to ongoing and new Royal Netherlands Navy (RNN) replacement programs, the amount of defence work for MARIN is going to increase significantly in the coming years. To this end, last year MARIN has set up a defence department that will carry out defence work for the Dutch, EU and NATO navies in cooperation with the other MARIN departments. A key ambition of the RNN is to significantly reduce the number of tasks and functions performed by humans by distributing them over effectively cooperating manned and unmanned systems. To build-up the knowledge for this, several research programs are ongoing at MARIN.

For both continuity and further development, there is a need for a well-designed, flexible software architecture in line with developments at the RNN. The research programs will result in prototypes with which MARIN can test and demonstrate the usability of system & software architectural solutions as a backbone to unite maritime operations and platform performance. This happens in MARIN's simulations, virtual & augmented reality environments and ultimately at sea.

In this context, you are the technical person responsible for the (chosen) software architecture. You give your input for technical and strategic choices during the design, development, test, deployment, support phases. You are closely involved in system and software design and describe and monitor the interfaces with (internal) components and other (third-party) systems. You also spar with architects of partners (internal and external) to coordinate and develop the long-term roadmap.

Who will be your colleagues?
You will be part of a team of specialists in hydrodynamics, propulsion, seakeeping, naval platform systems, naval operations and software engineers of the MARIN R&D department. This team is responsible for carrying out projects for defence organizations in the Netherlands and abroad.

• You have a university degree with a focus on technical software engineering, e.g. Technical Computer Science.
• In addition, you also have at least ten years' work experience as a software architect in the maritime or automotive industry and have worked with tools and techniques such as Design Patterns, Architecture Patterns and Model Driven Architecture and you are familiar with the concepts used in ROS.
• You have dealt extensively with simulation applications within an operational context The application of MBSE and SysML/UML gain momentum at MARIN. Here, architecture standards like DOGAF or UAF and relevant NATO STANAGs play an important role and you are willing to delve into them. 
• You are curious, have an inquisitive attitude and an outward-looking view.
• You are also good at linking different topics together to arrive at elegant solutions.
• You are analytical, critical towards yourself and think top-down.
• You are also a strong communicator; you do not have a monopoly on wisdom but consult with others to test and sharpen your opinions.
• You act as a generalist with the ability to connect with specialists.
• You are strongly motivated to investigate and apply system and software architectures in a variety of research programs and support specialists in implementing solutions.

What do we offer? 

• A stimulating environment which will allow you to develop while maintaining the freedom to choose your own path.  
• An attractive salary and benefits package, including our annual profit sharing and excellent pension scheme.   
• Lifecycle allowance of 5,55% of your gross monthly salary. 
• 29 vacation days (fulltime) + 5 scheduled days between Christmas and New Year. 
• Plenty of opportunities for your professional development and career advancement. 
• Development through training courses, further education and coaching.  
• Flexibility in working hours and a hybrid working arrangement, to support your work-life balance.

MARIN is a globally recognised institute in maritime research, based in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Our mission is ‘Better Ships, Blue Oceans’: we stand for clean, smart and safe shipping and sustainable use of the sea. We do this as an independent knowledge partner for the maritime sector, governments and society. We work with around 450 specialists in various fields who are proud of an open and collaborative culture in which you can explore your ideas and take initiative.