Adviseur Visualisatie & Simulatie (focusgebied UX)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Adviseur Visualisatie & Simulatie (focusgebied UX)

Company: Boskalis

Location: Papendrecht, South Holland, Netherlands

Job Type: Voltijds (Full-time)

Category: Digitalization / Creative Technology / UX Design

Date Posted: January 14, 2026

Experience Level: Professional (2-5 years implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovation in visualization and simulation for complex infrastructure and maritime projects through UX design expertise.

• Develop and implement interactive visualizations and simulations, including gamification and VR, to enhance project efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

• Collaborate across Boskalis divisions, supporting project teams with operational solutions and contributing to digital transformation initiatives like AI and autonomous operations.

• Translate user needs and project requirements into intuitive and impactful visual and simulated experiences, fostering a data-driven approach to project optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges creative technology, user experience design, and operational problem-solving within a large-scale engineering and maritime context. The focus on "Adviseur" (Advisor) suggests a proactive role in guiding and influencing project teams and digital strategy, rather than purely technical execution. The implied experience level of 2-5 years suggests a mid-level professional ready to take ownership of UX aspects in simulation and visualization projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead User Experience (UX) design for AI, simulation, and other digital applications, ensuring intuitive and effective user interfaces.

• Develop and deploy operational solutions for project teams, including virtual environments for evaluating work sites and ship bridges, enhancing operational planning and risk assessment.

• Provide creative conceptualization and script development to support visualization and simulation projects, translating complex ideas into engaging user journeys.

• Actively contribute to and champion digital development initiatives, particularly in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous operations, by engaging stakeholders and proposing innovative solutions.

• Design and implement interactive visualizations and simulations, leveraging technologies like VR and gamification, to improve project execution, training, and communication.

• Support the maintenance of vital infrastructure, such as waterways, dikes, civil structures, and offshore wind farms, through advanced visualization and simulation techniques.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and project stakeholders to understand operational challenges and translate them into effective visualization and simulation solutions.

• Continuously research and propose new technologies and methodologies in visualization, simulation, and UX design to maintain Boskalis' innovation edge.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description outlines core duties, a "Visualization & Simulation Advisor" in a company like Boskalis would likely also be involved in requirements gathering, user research, stakeholder management, and potentially the evaluation of new technology solutions. The emphasis on "adviseur" implies a consultative capacity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A completed degree in fields such as Game Design, Interactive Media, Industrial Design, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Professional experience, with an implied range of 2-5 years, focusing on UX design, visualization, and simulation.

• Experience in supporting project teams with operational solutions and contributing to digital transformation initiatives.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Proficiency: Strong understanding and practical application of UX design principles and methodologies.

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, empathy, and persuasive abilities to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

• Creativity & Innovation: A creative mindset with the ability to generate novel concepts and solutions.

• Proactivity & Drive: Proactive approach with strong self-motivation and the persistence to see projects through to completion.

• English Language Proficiency: Fluent command of the English language is essential for international project collaboration.

• Driver's License: Possession of a valid driver's license is required for site visits.

Preferred Skills:

• Technical Familiarity: Knowledge of Unity, Figma, or CAD applications is considered a significant advantage.

• Dutch Language Proficiency: While English is required, proficiency in Dutch is a strong preference.

• Gamification & Interactive Visualization: Experience with applying gamification and interactive visualization techniques.

• VR/AR Technologies: Experience with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications.

• AI & Autonomous Systems: Understanding of digital developments in AI and autonomous operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of "Game Design" and "Industrial Design" education suggests a need for candidates who can blend creative user engagement with practical, industrial application. The emphasis on "overtuigen" (convincing) and "beïnvloeden" (influencing) highlights the advisory nature of the role, requiring strong stakeholder management skills beyond pure technical execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• UX Design Case Studies: Showcase a portfolio demonstrating experience in UX design for complex applications, highlighting user research, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing methodologies.

• Visualization & Simulation Projects: Include examples of projects where you have created interactive visualizations or simulations, detailing the problem statement, your role, the technologies used, and the impact achieved.

• Gamification & VR/AR Examples: If applicable, present projects that utilize gamification techniques or VR/AR technologies to solve operational challenges or enhance user engagement.

• Concept Development & Scripting: Provide examples of conceptualization work, including scripts or storyboards, that illustrate your ability to translate complex requirements into engaging user experiences.

Process Documentation:

• User-Centered Design Process: Demonstrate a structured approach to UX design, from initial research and ideation through to implementation and iteration, with clear documentation of each phase.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Process: Illustrate how you engage with project teams, engineers, and other stakeholders to gather requirements, validate designs, and ensure successful integration of solutions.

• Technology Evaluation Process: Outline your method for assessing and recommending new visualization, simulation, or UX tools and technologies relevant to Boskalis' operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should not only showcase technical skills but also the ability to articulate the "why" behind design choices and demonstrate how these choices directly contribute to operational improvements, safety, and efficiency for Boskalis. Focus on quantifiable outcomes where possible.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the location (Netherlands), experience level (Professional, 2-5 years implied), and specialized nature of the role (UX Design, Visualization, Simulation, AI), a competitive salary range can be estimated. For a professional with 2-5 years of relevant experience in the Netherlands, the gross annual salary typically falls between €45,000 and €65,000. This range can vary based on specific skills, educational background, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A good base salary commensurate with experience and skills.

• Vacation Pay: Standard holiday allowance.

• Vacation Days: 26 vacation days (based on a full-time contract).

• Collective Leave Days: A number of collective days off.

• Pension Plan: Contribution-free pension scheme.

• Health Insurance: Collective health insurance options.

• Travel Expense Reimbursement: Compensation for travel costs.

• Company Car: A lease car or pool car may be provided, depending on travel requirements.

• Boskalis Academy: Access to extensive online and in-person training opportunities for professional development.

• Young Boskalis Program: For employees under 36, offering social, sports, networking, and knowledge-sharing activities.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, 32 to 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement, with a combination of working from home and in the office, to be agreed upon with the manager and team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on average professional salaries for UX/Digital roles in the Netherlands, considering the specific industry (large infrastructure/maritime) and the implicit experience level. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting the offerings of a large, established international company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Dredging, Maritime Infrastructure, Marine Engineering, Offshore Energy. Boskalis operates in a sector critical to global trade, energy security, and climate adaptation.

Company Size: Large multinational corporation. Boskalis employs approximately 10,000 people globally and around 1,000 in the Netherlands, indicating a substantial organizational structure with diverse departments and extensive project portfolios.

Founded: Boskalis was founded in 1910, signifying a long history of expertise, stability, and evolution in its core industries.

Team Structure:

• VR/AR Department: The role is within the VR/AR group of Boskalis Nederland, which consists of 6 colleagues. This is a specialized unit focused on cutting-edge digital technologies.

• Cross-Divisional Support: While part of a dedicated team, the Advisor will frequently collaborate with and support project teams across all Boskalis divisions, both in the Netherlands and internationally.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a manager within the Visualization & Simulation or Digitalization department, with close collaboration with project leads and potentially IT/Innovation departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data and insights from simulations and visualizations to inform project decisions, optimize performance, and enhance safety.

• User-Centric Development: A commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the "end-user" (project teams, operators, etc.) through iterative design and feedback loops.

• Innovation & Digitalization: Proactive engagement with emerging technologies like AI, VR, and autonomous systems to drive efficiency and sustainability in operations.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Working closely with project teams to tackle complex infrastructure and maritime challenges through innovative visual and simulation solutions.

Company Website: https://www.boskalis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Boskalis's long history suggests a blend of traditional engineering excellence with a forward-looking approach to innovation. The "changing the map of the Netherlands" slogan highlights their tangible impact. The focus on sustainability is also a key cultural differentiator for modern infrastructure companies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Professional or Specialist level within the digital and innovation domain of Boskalis. It requires specialized skills in UX design, visualization, and simulation, applied to real-world engineering and maritime challenges. The "Adviseur" title implies a level of autonomy and the ability to influence project direction and technology adoption.

Reporting Structure: The individual will report to a manager within the VR/AR department, a specialized team of 6 colleagues. They will also work closely with various project managers and technical leads across different Boskalis divisions, fostering a matrixed reporting and collaboration environment.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of large-scale, high-value infrastructure and maritime projects. By providing advanced visualization and simulation tools, this role helps mitigate risks, optimize operational planning, improve training effectiveness, and communicate complex project aspects to stakeholders. Contributions to AI and autonomous operations further position Boskalis at the forefront of industry digitalization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in VR/AR, AI-driven simulations, or specific aspects of UX design for industrial applications.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading visualization and simulation initiatives for major projects, potentially managing smaller teams or external vendors.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain broad exposure to diverse engineering disciplines and project types across Boskalis, enabling a holistic understanding of the business.

• Innovation & Strategy: Contribute to the strategic direction of digitalization and technology adoption within Boskalis Nederland, potentially moving into roles focused on digital strategy or R&D.

• Young Boskalis Network: For those under 36, participation in Young Boskalis provides excellent networking and leadership development opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is likely to involve increasing project complexity and leadership. The hybrid nature of the work and the company's investment in employee development through the Boskalis Academy suggest a commitment to continuous learning and career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The Boskalis campus in Papendrecht offers a modern, state-of-the-art working environment designed to foster collaboration and innovation. It includes specialized facilities like an auditorium, brainstorm rooms, an experience center, and social spaces.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Boskalis Campus in Papendrecht, Netherlands. The role requires occasional visits to project sites and other Boskalis offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The campus is equipped with various meeting rooms, brainstorm areas, and social hubs designed to encourage interaction and idea exchange among colleagues.

• Technology & Tools: Access to advanced technology and tools within the VR/AR department, including potential access to VR hardware, simulation software, and design platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to connect with a dedicated team of 6 VR/AR specialists, as well as frequent collaboration with project teams and stakeholders from different divisions. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule is flexible, operating on a hybrid model (partially remote, partially in-office). This allows for balancing focused individual work with essential in-person collaboration and team engagement. The standard working hours are 32-40 per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the Boskalis campus emphasizes a modern, amenity-rich workplace that supports both focused work and social interaction. The hybrid model reflects current work trends, aiming to balance flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, especially for creative and advisory roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Application & Screening: Submit your resume and cover letter (if applicable) through the online portal. HR will review for essential qualifications.

2. Hiring Manager/Team Interview: An online or in-person interview with the hiring manager (Joyce Hoornik) and potentially members of the VR/AR team to assess technical skills, experience, and cultural fit.

3. Portfolio Presentation & Technical Assessment: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, showcasing relevant UX design, visualization, and simulation projects. This may include a technical challenge or case study related to a Boskalis project.

4. Final Interview & Offer: Discussions with senior management or key stakeholders to finalize the decision and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contribution (especially UX design choices), the technologies used, and the tangible outcomes (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced risk, enhanced user satisfaction). Use metrics wherever possible.

• Showcase UX Process: Demonstrate a clear and structured UX design process. Include wireframes, user flow diagrams, prototypes, and evidence of user testing or feedback incorporation.

• Tailor to Boskalis: Emphasize projects that align with Boskalis's industry (infrastructure, maritime) and challenges. If you have experience with VR, simulation, or AI, make sure to showcase it prominently.

• Storytelling: Present your projects as compelling stories. Explain your thought process, the challenges you overcame, and the lessons learned.

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the tools you used (Unity, Figma, CAD, etc.) and your level of expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Boskalis's Business: Research Boskalis's current projects, strategic goals, and industry challenges. Think about how visualization and simulation can address these.

• UX for Industrial Applications: Consider the unique UX requirements for industrial and operational environments (e.g., usability under pressure, clarity of information, accessibility for diverse users).

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to optimizing project workflows, improving safety through simulation, or visualizing complex engineering data.

• Communication & Influence: Practice articulating your ideas clearly and persuasively, as you will need to influence project teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is described as starting online and potentially moving to in-person. The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential technical challenges indicates a practical, skills-based assessment. Preparing case studies that demonstrate problem-solving and impact is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design Software: Figma (preferred), Adobe XD, Sketch, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• 3D Visualization/Game Engines: Unity (preferred), Unreal Engine for creating interactive simulations and VR experiences.

• CAD Applications: Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks) is beneficial for understanding and integrating with engineering designs.

• Simulation Software: Potentially specialized simulation tools relevant to maritime operations, construction, or logistics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for tracking user engagement with visualizations/simulations.

CRM & Automation:

Other Relevant Technologies:

• VR/AR Hardware: Experience with VR headsets (e.g., Oculus/Meta Quest, HTC Vive) and AR devices.

• AI/Machine Learning Platforms: Exposure to AI concepts and platforms for developing intelligent simulations or predictive visualizations.

• Version Control Systems: Git for collaborative development of digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Unity and Figma as preferred tools strongly suggests these will be key evaluation criteria. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency and experience with these platforms. The broader mention of CAD and simulation software indicates a need for an understanding of the engineering ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Progress: A drive to explore and implement new technologies that push the boundaries of what's possible in engineering and maritime projects.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across different departments and disciplines to achieve common goals.

• Impact & Sustainability: A commitment to making a tangible, positive impact on infrastructure and the environment, with a focus on sustainable practices.

• User Focus & Excellence: Dedication to understanding user needs and delivering high-quality, effective solutions that meet or exceed expectations.

• Safety & Responsibility: A culture that prioritizes safety in all operations and projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with project managers, engineers, designers, and potentially external partners, integrating visualization and simulation expertise into various project lifecycles.

• Open Communication: An environment that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and the sharing of ideas and challenges.

• Proactive Engagement: Team members are expected to be proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and driving initiatives forward.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports learning from each other, sharing best practices, and collectively enhancing the team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Boskalis's emphasis on "changing the map" and sustainability suggests a culture that values tangible impact and long-term vision. The "Young Boskalis" initiative indicates a focus on nurturing talent and fostering a dynamic, engaged workforce.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Engineering: Effectively visualizing and simulating highly technical and complex engineering concepts for diverse audiences.

• Data Integration: Handling and integrating large, disparate datasets from various engineering and operational sources into coherent simulations.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Gaining buy-in and managing expectations from different project teams with varying levels of technical understanding and priorities.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of visualization, simulation, AI, and XR technologies.

• Bridging Design & Operations: Ensuring that creative designs translate into practical, robust operational solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to Boskalis Academy for courses on Unity, AI, VR/AR development, UX best practices, and other relevant technologies.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences and workshops to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior digital experts or leaders within Boskalis.

• Cross-Project Exposure: Working on a wide array of projects provides invaluable learning experiences across different engineering disciplines and project types.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on more responsibility, lead initiatives, and develop leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to roles that bridge cutting-edge technology with large-scale industrial applications. The company's commitment to learning and development, particularly through the Boskalis Academy and the Young Boskalis program, offers significant pathways for growth and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach designing a VR simulation for training offshore wind turbine technicians on emergency procedures, considering safety protocols and operational constraints?" (Focus on process, user needs, and impact.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to convince a skeptical project team to adopt a new visualization tool or approach. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on influencing, communication, and problem-solving.)

• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Imagine a project team is struggling with visualizing the impact of a proposed dike reinforcement. What steps would you take to create a compelling and informative visualization or simulation to aid their decision-making?" (Focus on analytical thinking, process design, and solution articulation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Operations Culture: "How do you see visualization and simulation contributing to Boskalis's goals of sustainability and digitalization? Provide specific examples." (Demonstrate understanding of Boskalis's mission and industry context.)

• Operations Team Dynamics: "How would you integrate your UX design process into Boskalis's existing project workflows, and how would you ensure effective collaboration with engineers and project managers?" (Focus on adaptability, teamwork, and process integration.)

• Operations Impact Measurement: "What key metrics would you use to measure the success of a new interactive visualization tool designed to improve operational planning on a dredging vessel?" (Focus on data-driven evaluation and ROI.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and approach (especially UX design choices), the tools and technologies employed, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, interactive demos (if possible), and clear explanations to convey the complexity and effectiveness of your work.

• Highlight UX Principles: Explicitly discuss how user-centered design principles guided your decisions and how you addressed user needs.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to answer specific questions about your design choices, the technical implementation, and any challenges you encountered.

• Connect to Boskalis: Whenever possible, draw parallels between your past projects and the types of challenges Boskalis faces.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights for a non-technical audience. The portfolio is a critical tool for showcasing these abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the online application link provided on the Boskalis careers page.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with UX design, visualization, simulation, Unity, Figma, AI, and relevant industry projects. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize achievements with quantifiable results where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing 3-5 of your strongest projects, focusing on UX design processes, interactive visualizations, and simulation examples. Ensure clear project descriptions, your role, and demonstrable impact.

• Research Boskalis: Familiarize yourself with Boskalis's history, current projects, values, and strategic initiatives in digitalization and sustainability. Understand their position in the maritime and infrastructure sectors.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, particularly those related to problem-solving, collaboration, and your approach to UX and simulation design in an industrial context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.