Jaap from Starion

I’m a Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) Consultant based in the Netherlands, supporting the Dutch Ministry of Defence. My days are varied and dynamic!

What’s your role?

I’m a Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) Consultant at Starion Netherlands, based in the Leiden office, where I’ve worked since July 2024.

What’s a typical day in your working life like?

In my role, I work for the Dutch Ministry of Defence on an exciting project designing an unmanned surface vessel (USV) with a consortium of companies from the Dutch shipbuilding industry. I support the design process using MBSE methods and tools.

Although my job is currently focused on the USV project, my days are quite varied. Some days, I travel to meet with consortium partners to collaborate on, for example, the functional design of their scope. Other days, I work from our office in Leiden, starting with a daily standup meeting with the other MBSE engineers. This is a great way to share insights and get advice, as we all work on different projects but face similar challenges.

Office days also involve phone calls with project stakeholders to keep everyone aligned. Every three weeks, the entire consortium gathers at a concurrent design facility to discuss project progress and tackle design issues together. It’s a dynamic mix of teamwork, problem-solving and continuous learning, which keeps things interesting!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I love most about my job as an MBSE engineer is the constant interaction with a diverse group of stakeholders, each with their own area of expertise. This means I get to learn the basics of various engineering domains quickly and keep learning new and interesting things every day.

Also, being involved in the high-level design process gives me a great overview of the main design decisions and the reasons behind them.

What has been your most memorable career highlight?

While my career is still in its early stages, one of the highlights has definitely been finding my niche in engineering. After earning my MSc in Aerospace Engineering, I started out at a naval shipbuilding company. It was there that I learned about model-based system engineering and discovered my passion for having a bird’s-eye view of the entire design process rather than focusing on one specific detail.

Now, at Starion, I’m excited to continue in a role that perfectly aligns with my interests. It’s incredibly satisfying to have found a position that lets me dive into all aspects of a project. So, while I might not have a single “biggest achievement” yet, I’m proud to have found a career path that feels like the perfect fit for me.

Do you have any tips for people trying to get jobs in your area of expertise?

Systems engineering is becoming increasingly popular, and many technical universities now offer Master’s tracks in this field.

However, I believe having a strong engineering background in a specific discipline is incredibly valuable. Transitioning to a systems engineering role afterwards can be a smooth process, as long as you’re not scared away by the initial abstract nature of the field. You’ll soon learn to appreciate it and use it to do what you really love – engineering.

How do you wind down?

Although every day is different, I love to hang out with friends to unwind. This could mean enjoying some delicious food in the city or inviting friends over to watch a football match with some beers. On days when I feel like being more active, I hit the gym or go for a swim.

I’m also part of a darts team with friends, and we play competition matches every other Friday. It’s a great mix of relaxation and activity that helps me recharge!


Meet more of our team

If you’d like to find out what it’s like to work in other roles at Starion, read more stories from across the Group.