What to expect?
At Saltwater, you work on engineering that truly matters. Not simulations that disappear into a folder, but projects that ultimately operate at sea. From day one, you are involved in the entire process, from the initial idea to final delivery.
You collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines and are encouraged to contribute to technical challenges. We believe it’s important that you not only execute tasks, but also understand why things are done and add your own input.
Our culture is open, substantive, and direct. We value short lines of communication, clarity, and people who take initiative. Have an idea or see something that could be improved? Speak up.
What do we expect from you?
During your internship, you’ll be given plenty of freedom, but that also
comes with responsibility.
We’re looking for someone who:
You don’t need to know everything yet, that’s what your internship is for. What matters most to us is your motivation, commitment, and willingness to
learn.
Grow by practice
For many students, this is their first real step into the professional world. During your internship, you’ll experience what it’s like to be part of a professional, technical environment.
You won’t just gain technical knowledge, but also discover where your strengths lie. If it’s a good fit on both sides, we’re happy to explore opportunities for you to continue growing within Saltwater.
Internship program
To ensure your internship runs as smoothly as possible, we use a clear program and structure. This gives you insight into different disciplines within Saltwater, keeps you continuously learning, and helps you get the most out of your internship.
Because internships vary by study program and period, we use a flexible structure based on three content-based phases. Each phase covers approximately one-third of your total internship period.
Phase 1 - Building the Foundation
In this first phase, everything revolves around understanding, exploring, and getting familiar with the environment.
Goals
- Get to know Saltwater Engineering, our tools, workflows, and
projects. - Build a foundation in engineering principles within your field.
- Develop technical insight and independence.
Activities
- Introduction to the company, systems, and project setups (kick-off).
- Getting to know your supervisor(s) and the team .
- Introduction to Inventor (Mechanical Engineering) or CAD
(Shipbuilding). - Small practice assignments to build software skills.
- Contributing to simple project tasks (e.g. detail adjustments,
modeling components).
Phase 2 – Deepening Your Expertise
In this phase, you will be technically challenged and grow towards working more independently.
Mechanical Engineering – Focus on Structural Engineering
- Apply basic principles of strength of materials and structural
engineering. - Set up simple FEM analyses or strength calculations.
- Independently design or revise components within ongoing
projects.
Shipbuilding – Focus on Stability or Motions
- Perform calculations related to stability, loading, or motion
behavior. - Create and interpret hydrostatic analyses.
- Support design work within shipbuilding or offshore projects.
Activities in Both Tracks
- Contribute to realistic engineering packages.
- Document design and analysis work.
Phase 3 – Elective / Specialisation
In the final phase, you’ll have the freedom to choose what you want to focus
on. This makes your internship more personal, valuable, and motivating.
Examples of options
- Conducting a small research project within structural engineering.
- Modelling a complex ship component or specific steel structure.
- Optimising existing designs, models, or workflows.
- Taking on an engineering challenge within the team.
- Further developing a topic from phase 1 or 2.
Goals in Phase 3
- Work on something that truly fits your interests.
- Plan, execute, and report independently.
- Learn how to present your work to the team.
Internship stories
Internship at Saltwater
These (former) interns went before you and share their experiences. Discover how they experienced their internship, what they learned, and how they took their first steps into the professional world.
Simon Visser
Mike van den Oudenhoven
Estelle Schlink
What to expect, step by step
Application process
1
Application
Apply using the form below. We’re mainly interested in who you are and why Saltwater is the right fit for you. A perfect cover letter isn’t necessary — just be yourself.
2
Interviews
Do you see potential in the role, and do we see it in you? Then we’ll schedule a first interview: an open introduction to get to know each other better.
3
Offer
During the second interview, we’ll take a deeper look at your experience, ambitions, and what suits you best. Of course, we’ll also discuss what we can offer you and how we can work together successfully.
4
Getting started
Are we both enthusiastic? Then we’ll make you an offer and hope to welcome you to Saltwater soon.
Apply now
Ready to set sail?
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