Meet Wijnand Schoemakers our Thermohydraulics Engineer
Originally from Amersfoort, Wijnand combines a wealth of technical expertise with a drive for creating practical solutions in the energy sector. With a background in structural mechanical engineering and a keen interest in thermohydraulics, he plays a pivotal role at Thorizon. Outside of work, Wijnand enjoys spending time with his family, which helps him maintain balance while tackling the challenges of his role.
- Technology
- Origin
How did your journey lead you to Thorizon?
Wijnand began his career as a technical consultant at Dynaflow Research Group, where he worked on a wide range of structural mechanical and fluid dynamical problems. He started in Oil & Gas industry as a structural mechanical engineer, performing detailed engineering calculations and later transitioned into nuclear. Reflecting on his early career, he says, "These experiences gave me valuable insights into how teams can solve complex technical problems effectively."
Seeking to apply his technical expertise to a broader societal impact, Wijnand joined Thorizon in 2024 as Lead Mechanical Engineer for the Cartridge. His role quickly evolved, and by the summer of 2024, he was promoted to Lead Thermal Hydraulics Engineer. Today, as Lead Engineer, Wijnand is responsible for integrating thermal hydraulics and reactor design, driving Thorizon's mission to develop sustainable nuclear energy solutions.
What does your role as Lead Engineer involve?
Wijnand's role is at the heart of Thorizon's mission. As Lead Engineer, he conducts and coordinates thermal hydraulics analyses, which are critical for designing Thorizon's molten salt reactor. His day-to-day tasks include assessing designs, performing calculations, and making sure that the reactor adhere to safety and performance requirements.
What sets Thorizon apart from other companies in the energy sector?
Wijnand is drawn to Thorizon's unique combination of technical challenge and societal impact. He explains, "I've always been driven by technical challenges, but I wanted to work on something that makes a real difference."
Thorizon's mindset resonates with him. The company is focused on breaking conventional barriers and finding more efficient ways to address complex challenges He expresses that "we're about challenging dogmas and rethinking how things are done to achieve faster, smarter solutions." Thorizon's mindset truly also resonates with him. The team is dedicated to breaking conventional barriers and finding more efficient ways to solve complex problems. "We're about challenging dogmas and rethinking how things are done to achieve faster, smarter solutions," he shares.
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"At Thorizon, we focus on creating solutions that work in the real world, not just on paper. This flexibility and emphasis on innovation allow us to move quickly and effectively, which is vital in this field."
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