7d ago
Job description
Are you ready to use your civil engineering knowledge to develop a circular building material? At GEOWALL, a Van Oord company and sustainable start-up, you will work on the further development of our paving stone made from dredged material. You will investigate its technical and material properties and explore how the product can be further optimised. Your research can help turn residual streams into valuable building materials and contribute to a more circular economy.
THE POSITION
As a graduation student within GEOWALL, you will investigate the technical and material properties of our paving stone made from dredged material. You will identify opportunities to further develop and optimise the product. Your research may include material analysis, literature research and practical testing. You will work with colleagues to translate your findings into practical recommendations.
YOUR IMPACT
Your research will contribute to the further development of a circular building material. You will help GEOWALL understand how the paving stone performs and where improvements are possible. You will:
- Investigate the technical properties of the paving stone
- Analyse its material properties and current composition
- Identify opportunities for further development and optimisation
- Conduct research and practical tests
- Translate your findings into recommendations for further development
YOUR WORKPLACE
You will work in Rotterdam within GEOWALL, a Van Oord company developing circular products from dredged material and other residual streams. You will work with colleagues involved in product development and application. Your research brings civil engineering, material technology and sustainability together in a dynamic start-up environment.
ABOUT YOU
You are studying Civil Engineering, or another relevant study. We also welcome students from other educational backgrounds who have the right technical knowledge and motivation. In addition:
- You are curious and enjoy investigating how materials and technical processes work
- You like analysing research results and translating them into clear conclusions
- You work in a structured way and can take responsibility for your own research
- You enjoy working as part of a team and discussing your findings
WE OFFER
This graduation project gives you the opportunity to apply your civil engineering knowledge to a real circular building material and contribute to its further development.
- A monthly internship allowance
- An inspiring and international workplace at our office in Rotterdam, with guidance from experienced colleagues
- Extensive development opportunities, including an extensive online learning platform via Goodhabitz
- Communities to join, such as Young Van Oord
- A challenging and valuable graduation project where you learn by doing and build your future
Interested? Then apply now using the application button!
Interested in this vacancy?
You can apply by clicking 'Apply'. If you have any questions please contact our recruiter that can tell you more:
Quinty van der Zwart
Campus Recruiter +31 (0)6 15685631 Send an email
Pay & benefits
Learning budget
Typical pay for similar roles
Estimate€44,940–78,012 annually
Sustainability · Netherlands ·
45 similar jobs
The middle half of pay advertised on Rejobs for this group over the last 24 months. This employer has not stated a salary.
About this role
Posted
16 Sep 2026
Updated
16 Sep 2026
Job type
Internship
Workplace
On-site
Sectors
Working hours
UTC+01:00
Experience
Student
Employervanoord.com
LinkedInVan Oord
About Van Oord
Company Overview
Name
Van Oord, a private family-owned company
HeadquartersRotterdam, Netherlands
Founded1868
SizeApproximately 6,300 employees worldwide with a revenue of €2.59 billion in 2025 (source: vanoord.com)
What They Do
Van Oord is a leading Dutch maritime contractor specializing in dredging, offshore energy infrastructure, and marine construction. The company focuses on building and maintaining ports, waterways, and coastal protection, as well as the transport and installation of offshore wind turbines and subsea rock installation (source: vanoord.com). Van Oord operates globally in 28 countries within dredging and infrastructure projects and in 17 countries in offshore energy, utilizing an integrated execution model and a specialized fleet capable of handling technically demanding marine environments (source: vanoord.com). Offshore energy activities represent a significant part of the revenue, with a focus on industrial engineering rather than energy production (source: vanoord.com). The company continuously invests in innovative vessels, such as the new generation of methanol-powered subsea rock installation vessels featuring advanced automation (source: windfair.net).
Projects & Experience
Van Oord has an impressive track record with large-scale projects in dredging, coastal protection, and offshore wind energy. The company completed the full scope of work for RWE’s Sofia Offshore Wind Farm in the North Sea, including the installation of 100 monopile foundations and approximately 360 kilometers of inter-array cables for a 1.4 GW project with 100 turbines of 14 MW each (source: rwe.com). Additionally, Van Oord is active in the Holland Coast West project by Ecowende, responsible for the transport and installation of foundations, scour protection, cables, and turbines (source: spie.com). In dredging and coastal works, projects include coastal protection in Constanta (Romania), dike reinforcement near Tiel-Waardenburg, maintenance dredging in Brazil and Canada, and beach nourishment along the Dutch coast (source: vanoord.com). Van Oord also played a key role in the A16 highway project through the De Groene Boog consortium, with a 20-year maintenance period (source: vanoord.com).
Recent Developments
Over the past two years, Van Oord has secured multiple major contracts in both maritime infrastructure and offshore wind. In 2024, the company won maintenance dredging contracts in the ports of Paranaguá (Brazil), Mumbai (India), and a preparatory dredging job in Malmporten (Sweden), alongside land reclamation projects in Ras al-Khaimah (UAE) (source: dredgingtoday.com). In 2025, the IJsselmeer dike reinforcement contract was awarded in partnership with Boskalis, as well as long-term maintenance dredging agreements for the Fraser River in Vancouver and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil (source: cyprusshippingnews.com). Van Oord also expanded its offshore fleet with the christening of the new offshore wind installation vessel Boreas in Rotterdam and ordered two new subsea rock installation vessels to be delivered from 2028 (source: vanoord.com, windfair.net).
Careers at Van Oord
Van Oord offers a wide range of roles across engineering, project execution, maritime operations, vessel crewing, commercial management, finance, procurement, safety, and project support. The organization emphasizes a strong safety culture, evidenced by winning the IADC Safety Award 2025, a prestigious recognition in the high-risk maritime sector (source: vanoord.com). Candidates can focus on positions in offshore wind installation, subsea rock installation, dredging, coastal engineering, civil and marine construction, maritime operations, and technical roles aboard vessels. With headquarters in Rotterdam and projects across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, Van Oord is an attractive employer for professionals seeking an international career in maritime projects (source: vanoord.com).
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