Willem de Graaf (29 years old) has been supporting our Dredging and Offshore Energy divisions as a data engineer for the past 3.5 years. He’s ready for his next career move to Boskalis’ new AI department.
Willem has a background in mechanical engineering and specialized in machine learning and artificial intelligence in robotics during his graduation project. He decided to apply his knowledge within a broader technical work field and applied for a job at Boskalis, where he joined the data science department. “Our department originates from an earlier initiative to make all of our fleet data accessible on a central platform. By now, we developed into a real data science department. My job quickly developed into more of a data scientist role, supporting projects by designing automation solutions.”
According to Willem, the board of management’s vision on AI and the current data science engineering activities are bundled in Boskalis’ AI program. “Our desire for an internal technology boost matched the corporate mission to unroll a new Boskalis-wide AI department. I’m really looking forward to join the team and continue my work in matters such as asset efficiency, but in a more streamlined ‘product driven’ setup.”
EFFICIENCY AND RELIABILITY
A recent project Willem is most proud of is the so-called ‘model train platform’. An IT platform designed to perform automated computing for operational modeling and minimize the chance of human errors in complex operability calculations. “In a nutshell, it’s an automation solution that enables us to line up calculations in all shapes and sizes in separate modules. The output from one module – or ‘train carriage’ – is used as input for the next one and so on. For example, it can be used to decide if our offshore heavy lift vessels will be able to conduct certain operations, based on weather forecast data. We’re gradually expanding the feature to be used in subsea cabling and dredging environments as well.”
REAL IMPACT
One thing Willem really likes about his work at Boskalis, is the collective drive to get things done and make the most of each other’s knowledge. “No matter what we’re working on, we always depend on the deeper technical knowledge of other departments and experts. It’s addictive to keep learning about all the different aspects of the business: soil, dredging, wave modelling, monopile installation: you name it, there’s always someone who has the answers. Collaborating with experts and creating new horizons together is what energizes me the most.”
So why should people apply for a role in Boskalis’ new AI department? “Especially since AI and data science aren’t Boskalis’ core business, this is a place where you can really make an impact from day one. Colleagues truly appreciate our help and understand the importance of a healthy and efficient digital domain. If you’re excited to combine your AI and data science skills with our in-house technical knowledge to make a real difference, this is the job for you.”
Are you ready to put you’re (international) ambitions into action? Check out our vacancies.
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