POSTED: 15th April 2026
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible
FULL TIME, ROTTERDAM
MISSION TO METRICS
The mission of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop technology to rid the world’s oceans and rivers of plastic. We design, develop, and deploy cleanup systems to stop plastic from reaching our oceans by intercepting it in rivers. Our goal is to scale up and tackle the 1000 most polluting rivers around the world
THE ASSIGNMENT
The Deployment Engineering team is looking for a skilled Design Engineer to support our river program by producing high-quality technical drawings for permit applications, stakeholder engagement, and deployment installations. You will work closely with project engineers to transform field data, GIS inputs, and conceptual sketches into formal, accurate design drawings.
RESPONSIBILITIES
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”
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible
FULL TIME, ROTTERDAM
MISSION TO METRICS
The mission of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop technology to rid the world’s oceans and rivers of plastic. We design, develop, and deploy cleanup systems to stop plastic from reaching our oceans by intercepting it in rivers. Our goal is to scale up and tackle the 1000 most polluting rivers around the world
THE ASSIGNMENT
The Deployment Engineering team is looking for a skilled Design Engineer to support our river program by producing high-quality technical drawings for permit applications, stakeholder engagement, and deployment installations. You will work closely with project engineers to transform field data, GIS inputs, and conceptual sketches into formal, accurate design drawings.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Produce permit-ready general arrangement drawings, including top-view layout designs, cross sections, and detailed views of all aspects of our river deployments.
- Integrate bathymetric and topographic survey data, QGIS exports, and engineering sketches into design drawings consistent with project standards and local permitting requirements.
- Liaise with project engineers and internal stakeholders to clarify design intent and resolve drawing queries promptly.
- Maintain an organised drawing register and ensure version control across all deliverables.
- Participate in design review meetings and incorporate feedback efficiently.
- Apply and maintain CAD standards, title blocks, layer structures, and drawing conventions defined by The Ocean Cleanup.
“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”
- Degree or equivalent qualification in drafting, civil or structural engineering, naval architecture, or a related engineering discipline.
- Minimum 2 years of professional experience producing engineering drawings in AutoCAD or equivalent AutoCAD platform.
- Experience with related software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, Inventor, Revit, Solidworks.
- Proven ability to produce detailed design drawings of civil, marine, or hydraulic engineering projects.
- Experience interpreting and integrating GIS or QGIS data and bathymetric survey
- information into CAD drawings.
- Familiarity with drafting standards.
- Familiarity with marine or river infrastructure, mooring systems, and floating structures.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work from conceptual sketches with limited guidance.
- Experience working in a multi-disciplinary engineering team.
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken) for communication with an international team.
- Able to perform well in a fast-paced and highly challenging environment.
- Clearly conveys technical information to engineers and non-technical stakeholders.
- Comfortable working with incomplete information and evolving project scope.
- Produces accurate, well-structured CAD drawings to a professional standard.
- Proactively resolves drawing requests and flags potential issues early.
- Delivers against agreed drawing deadlines and milestones.
- Starting date: as soon as possible
- Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Conducting a pre-employment check may be part of this recruitment process.
- At The Ocean Cleanup, 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.