Project Engineer – Rivers

The Ocean Cleanup is a global nonprofit that develops and scales solutions to rid the world’s oceans of plastic, driving systemic change, and creating a lasting positive impact for people, wildlife, and the planet. In our Rivers Team, we design, develop, and deploy cleanup systems that intercept plastic in rivers before it reaches our oceans. As a Project Engineer, you are the technical lead at the heart of that work. You translate standardized river technology into site-specific Interceptor deployments, ensuring every installation is safe, high-performing, and ready for operation. You work closely with local representatives, discipline engineers, and the broader project team to keep delivery on track.

RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the design of river Interceptor deployments, including barrier configurations, mooring systems, civil works, and extraction & sorting sites. Coordinate across Deployment Engineering, Project Management, and Operations to keep all technical aspects aligned and on track within the project team. Deliver clear, concise technical input to project teams and decision-makers at all levels. Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies. Coordinate field engineers, contractors, and partners during planning and installation phases. Ensure all project activities meet or exceed applicable regulations and organizational quality and safety guidelines. Provide engineering expertise and technical guidance throughout the full project lifecycle. Supervise and review technical work packages produced by colleagues and suppliers. Contribute to standardization and continuous improvement of engineering workflows and technical quality.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS “Even if you don’t meet every professional qualification listed, we strongly encourage you to apply if you believe you have the right skills, experience, and motivation to contribute to our mission. We recognize that talent and potential come in many forms, and we value diverse perspectives and unconventional career paths. If you’re passionate about the work we do and confident in your ability to make an impact, don’t hesitate to submit your application—we’d love to hear from you” Bachelor degree in Engineering (Hydraulic, Maritime, Offshore, or similar). Between 3-6 years of experience in project engineering or a closely related field. Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information across cultures and disciplines. Ability to troubleshoot issues and think critically to solve complex problems. Proficiency in project management and a solid understanding of engineering principles. Experience with or affinity for offshore, hydraulic, or maritime infrastructure in challenging field conditions is a strong advantage. Fluent in English. Command of Spanish, or a South-East Asian languages is a strong advantage. While possessing a degree or higher-level qualification is advantageous, our primary focus is on individuals with strong intellectual capacity and quick thinking.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS Intrinsically motivated for our mission to rid the world’s oceans and rivers of plastics Able to perform well in a fast-paced and highly challenging environment. Takes strong initiative and independent problem-solver. Comfortable with ambiguity, uncertainty, changes in scope. Comfortable operating in remote locations and adapting to dynamic field conditions. Affinity with "things on and in the water" (boats, sailing, etc.) is a plus. Willing and able to travel to project sites in the Americas and Asia.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Starting date: as soon as possible. Work permit: a valid European Union work permit is highly preferred for this position (the role is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands). Please note that because we are a non-profit, our salaries reflect those of an organization fully reliant on donations rather than those of a commercial entity. Conducting a pre-employment check is part of our recruitment process. We believe we are stronger together, while harnessing the uniqueness each individual brings. That is why we take a fair, equal opportunity, and transparent approach to hiring and welcome special needs requests.