Commissioning Engineer

40 hours per week Vlaardingen and on site MBO/HBO

Work among innovative robotics systems in the collegial atmosphere of our assembly and test hall in Vlaardingen and explore the world at the same time. Sounds good, right? At Royal Houdijk, you will play a key role in our projects as a Commissioning Engineer. Thanks to you, customers worldwide; the industrial bakers, can get started with our advanced machines.

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About the job

Our engineers design complex high-tech systems for industrial bakeries producing cookies like Oreos. In our assembly hall, you literally have cookies in your hands! Here, you ensure that the machines are tested through software, electronic, and mechanical adjustments. And you ensure that they operate according to the contract specifications agreed with our customers.

If the factory acceptance test (FAT) shows that the machine meets expectations, our technicians assemble the installation, sometimes as large as half a football field and commission it at the customer’s site. You take care of the final fine-tuning. Then comes the moment of truth: presenting the machine to the customer. Approximately 90% of our systems are shipped to customers worldwide. You travel with the technicians to bring the project to a successful completion. A typical project visit lasts two to three weeks, after which you return to Vlaardingen. How often you travel abroad? We make clear agreements about that, but expect to spend roughly half the year overseas.

You are ultimately responsible for around three to four projects a year. This is a significant responsibility, as our machines are required to achieve at least 99.8% efficiency. At the same time, you have a lot of freedom in how you approach your work. Sometimes a machine does not perform as expected. In those cases, you decide how to proceed and may even contribute to designing a solution. How challenging is that? Of course, we prepare you well for this exciting role: you will have time to get to know our machines and follow any necessary training. During the initial period in this position, you will work in our Assembly department to gain hands-on knowledge of our technologies.

What we offer

What you can expect:

A salary between €3,980 and €5,300 per month (based on 40 hours). And give you the opportunity to grow in your role. This base monthly salary is complemented by a generous project/overseas allowance. Depending on how often you travel abroad, your salary can sometimes even double.
Well-arranged accommodation when you are abroad. The only thing you need to do yourself is choose the restaurant for dinner!
A challenging role in a fast-growing, specialized, and international company.
In mutual consultation, we will coordinate the travel dates with you.
27 vacation days and 13 additional leave days.
Regular fun activities with colleagues, such as pub quizzes, sports events, and the ‘Houdijk Games’.
Good employment conditions according to the Metalektro collective labor agreement, including a solid pension scheme.
Travel expense reimbursement.
Internal and external training and presentations to continuously maintain your technical product and system knowledge, with plenty of room for professional growth.

What you bring

Above all, you are a true Houdijk ambassador. You take pride in the outstanding solutions we deliver and know how to share that enthusiasm with our customers.

As an experienced Commissioning Engineer, you combine technical expertise with independence and a strong sense of ownership. You maintain a clear overview throughout the commissioning process, tackle challenges decisively, and ensure that quality, schedules and agreed commitments are met. At the same time, you build strong relationships with our customers and have a keen eye for opportunities to improve our solutions and identify potential commercial opportunities.

Working internationally suits you. You adapt easily to different cultures, are confident working independently abroad, and remain flexible when a commissioning project does not go entirely according to plan.

Key qualifications:

An MBO level 4 or HBO diploma in a technical field.
At least 3 years of relevant experience as a Commissioning Engineer, preferably within mechanical engineering, machine building or a comparable technical environment.
Experience with dynamic drive systems and modern (PLC) control technologies. Knowledge of Rockwell and Beckhoff is a plus.
Good communication skills in both Dutch and English, as you will have frequent contact with international customers.
Willingness to travel abroad regularly, sometimes on short notice, for extended periods (2 to 4 weeks) to assemble, commission, and service our installations.
Above all, you bring the enthusiasm to take on the role of a Houdijk ambassador. You are proud of the “gems” you deliver and convey this pride to our customers. You are able to explain the technical aspects clearly, while also taking time to engage socially. In execution phase, you ensure that contractual agreements are adhered to and identify potential sales opportunities. Equally important: you can manage well on your own abroad and adapt to local norms and practices. You don’t mind staying longer if the process takes a different course than planned.
Providing a certificate of good conduct (VOG) may be part of the application process.

This is what your future colleague says

The best part of the job? The technology! At Houdijk, we launch a new machine solution on average every two years. Take our Cookiebot, a three-legged robot that collects cookies and feeds them into an integrated packer. We were the first in the industry to successfully implement it. Another fantastic aspect is that I get to travel abroad so much. From Monday to Saturday, I focus on delivering a high-quality end product at high machine speeds. And on Sunday, I explore the surroundings". – Sebastiaan, Commissioning Engineer

Join the Royal Houdijk team

Excited about this opportunity? Take the next step and send us your application. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Questions about the vacancy?

For questions about this vacancy or working at Royal Houdijk, contact our HR team. We're happy to help.

Sanne Scholten | Recruiter
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | +31 6 50 81 16 79

Your future team

You form a team with ten other commissioning engineers: a mix of learning and experienced colleagues. We all spend a lot of time abroad, but stay well connected and share our reports with each other. You can also always turn to other colleagues in the department, including software engineers and planners, as well as commissioning engineers and technicians. Whether it’s for a walk during lunch, a game of table football or if you just need to talk, our atmosphere is open and everyone is ready to help.

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About Royal Houdijk

Every day, millions of baked goods move seamlessly through our systems, from oven to packaging, with unmatched efficiency and precision. Royal Houdijk employs 225 people and operates from its headquarters in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, supported by global service centers in the USA, Mexico and Austria.

Royal Houdijk is a leading company specializing in the design and manufacture of machines for transporting, inspecting, and loading all types of biscuits and crackers. With over a hundred years of experience, Royal Houdijk is renowned for its innovative solutions and high-quality products. As a Commissioning Engineer, you will join a dynamic organization that is constantly striving for improvement and growth.

'As an employer, Royal Houdijk stands for teamwork, collegiality, and growth. Career development is actively encouraged.'

View reference

Arjan Maaten
Area Sales Manager

Application process

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1. Submit your application

Send us your resume and a brief motivation via our online application form. We will review your information carefully and match it to the role and your potential fit within our team.

2. First contact

If your profile matches what we are looking for, we will reach out to schedule an initial phone call. This conversation helps us learn more about you and gives you the chance to ask questions about the role and our company.

3. Interview(s) at our office

Next, you’ll be invited to our office for one or more interviews with HR, your future manager and potential team members. We want to get to know you better and give you a good sense of the culture at Royal Houdijk.

4. Offer and onboarding

If we both feel it is a good match, we will make you a formal offer. Once you accept, we will guide you through the onboarding process and make sure you feel welcome from day one. We look forward to achieving great things together.

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