Job Description:
Propulsion Engineer – Waterjets & High-Speed Dynamics
[Surge Marine | Valkenburg, NL (On-site)]
Join the Surge
At Surge Marine, we are building the Whiplash platform—the high-speed, high-maneuverability "Formula 1" of maritime robotics. To dominate the waves at the speeds we’re targeting, traditional propellers won't cut it. We are leveraging advanced waterjet technology to achieve unmatched agility and efficiency.
We are looking for a Propulsion Engineer who lives for fluid dynamics and thrust optimization. If you are a specialist in waterjets and high-speed propulsion who is tired of slow-moving corporate shipyards and wants to see your designs screaming across the water in a rapid-iteration startup environment, you belong here.
The Mission
As our Propulsion Engineer, you are the "Master of Thrust." You own the entire propulsion string of the Whiplash platform. Your job is to ensure that every kilowatt of power from our battery systems is translated into maximum forward momentum and razor-sharp maneuverability. You will design, integrate, and optimize the waterjet systems that define our platform's performance.
Your Impact:
Propulsion Architecture: Lead the customization, and integration of high-performance waterjet units for our autonomous fleet.
Hydrodynamic Optimization: Optimize intake geometry, nozzle design, and impeller selection to maximize efficiency and minimize cavitation at high speeds.
Maneuverability Systems: Design and refine the steering and reversing buckets/nozzles to provide the Whiplash platform with its signature "whiplash" agility.
CFD Analysis: Run complex Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to predict performance and iterate on hull-propulsion interaction.
System Integration: Work closely with Mechanical and Electrical engineers to ensure seamless mounting, cooling, and control of the propulsion units.
Field Engineering: You don't just simulate; you test. You’ll be on the boat in Valkenburg and the North Sea, analyzing real-world thrust data and tuning the system on the fly.
Who You Are
You are an expert in "moving water." You understand the unique physics of waterjets—from the Bernoulli principle in the intake to the vector thrust at the nozzle. You are a "hands-on" engineer who can move from a complex CFD model to the workshop to inspect an impeller clearance.
The Essentials:
Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Fluid Dynamics.
Experience: 5+ years in maritime propulsion, with a heavy focus on waterjet systems.
Technical Stack: * Expert in CFD tools.
Proficient in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar).
Strong understanding of hull resistance and power prediction.
The "Maritime" Edge: Experience with high-speed craft (HSC) and the specific challenges of aerated water and high-velocity flows.
Communication: Fluent in English.
Nationality: Due to the nature of our maritime defense and infrastructure projects, Dutch or NATO-country nationality is required.
The Surge Offer
We offer a high-intensity environment where your work is the primary driver of our platform’s performance.
Competitive Salary: Depending on your seniority and waterjet "black magic".
Equity/Options: We want you to have a stake in the success of the platform you are powering.
On-site Hub: Work in our specialized Valkenburg workshop and testing facility.
No Bureaucracy: We value results over reports. If a design works better, we build it.
Adventure: Real-world testing. You’ll see your propulsion designs pushing the limits on the North Sea.
Ready to build?
Skip the formal cover letter. Send us your CV and a brief description of the most complex propulsion challenge you’ve solved. We want to hear about how you managed cavitation, optimized an intake, or improved efficiency on a high-speed hull.
Contact: career@surgemarine.eu