Researcher within Ship Autonomy

Would you like to work on cutting-edge developments within maritime autonomous technologies?

DNV is seeking a highly motivated researcher to help us shape the future of waterborne transport.

Autonomous technologies combined with remote monitoring and control is expected to have major impact on how we move goods and people around the world’s oceans in the future. The capabilities of this technology have increased significantly over the last decade and has reached the level were self-navigating vessels and vehicles no longer is an unrealistic vision. However, there are still important steps to be made to enable such systems to be applied at scale, in a safe and predictable manner, and this is at the core of what we do in DNV.

You will be part of the ship autonomy team, a team of full-time researchers dedicated to finding answers on how we can build trust into these novel and complex technologies and to ensure that they are safe to operate even when the consequences of failure are high. Our team takes part in all phases of the development, from gathering knowledge and generating ideas to the development of service prototypes including tools for validation and safety assurance on commercial pilots.  

The ship autonomy team is a part of the Maritime Program in DNV’s strategic research unit, Group Research and Development (GRD) where you will join an international pool of talented researchers covering a wide range of selected topics of strategic importance to DNV. GRD performs strategic and applied research for DNV focusing on knowledge development through collaborations with academia and industry, providing thought leadership through external publications and forecasts, and creates scientific legitimacy to DNV services.

We are looking for the right individual to strengthen our team in developing knowledge, requirements and tools for the safe deployment and approval of remotely controlled and autonomous ships.

Key responsibilities:

• Build knowledge and competence on autonomous navigation systems comprising sensors, situational awareness-, tracking- and collision avoidance components
• Investigate, develop and evaluate methods and tools for verifying required performance
• Develop prototype tools for testing and verification and apply them on novel industry products
• Author technical reports, scientific papers and professional presentations
• Participate in joint industry research projects and build networks externally and internally with key experts and customers in the field

Qualifications:

• Newly graduated or experienced professional with an MSc or PhD level technical degree
• Skillset to work in a multidiscipline R&D setting with an analytic approach to problem solving
• Advanced skills in programming, preferably python and/or C++
• In-depth knowledge within several of the following fields:
  • Autonomous vehicles and automated collision avoidance systems
  • Advanced sensor processing, sensor fusion and object tracking
  • Cybernetics, robotics and control theory
  • Computer vision and deep neural nets
  • Explainable AI, interpretability of neural nets and transparency of complex systems
  • Test and verification of complex systems and digital assets
  • Dynamic motion simulators
  • Ship operation and navigation including COLREG

Personal characteristics:

We are looking for a positive and visionary individual that enjoys working in a team that is exploring the frontiers of the maritime industry.

• You are result-oriented and possess creativity, energy and drive
• You enjoy working both independently and in teams
• You are technically strong, curious and eager to share knowledge
• You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• You are open to transition into our maritime business area in the longer run to apply research and innovation results more directly with customers

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to influence your own daily work with the freedom to explore and to be creative
• The possibility to be a part of a passionate, interdisciplinary team with a mutual responsibility to allow all colleagues, yourself included, to make a difference
• The opportunity to work for a company with a market leading brand that is providing state-of-the art research to the maritime industry
• Long traditions for a value driven culture caring for our employees, our customers and society at large
• A company with established management systems and operational systems – allowing smooth onboarding and daily work life
• Inspiring, social, and international work environment
• Great opportunities for professional development
• Flexible working hours
• 6 weeks annual vacation
• Attractive total compensation package 

For more information about the position please contact:

Hans Anton Tvete, Programme Director, +47 95927110 or

Øystein Engelhardtsen, Group Leader Ship Autonomy, +47 92810676

DNV is the independent expert in risk management and assurance, with almost 12,000 employees operating in more than 100 countries. Through our broad experience and deep expertise we advance safety and sustainable performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions. 

Whether assessing a new ship design, optimizing the performance of a wind farm, analyzing sensor data from a gas pipeline or certifying a food company’s supply chain, we enable our customers and their stakeholders to make critical decisions with confidence. 

Our employees are driven by a common purpose: to safeguard life, property, and the environment. We help tackle the challenges and global transformations facing our customers and the world today and we are a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies.

DNV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity!