The Chief Engineer – Marine Environmental and HVAC Systems is responsible for overseeing the design, operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of shipboard environmental control systems, including HVAC, ventilation, refrigeration, and emissions control systems. This role leads technical initiatives for energy efficiency, environmental performance, and equipment reliability across a fleet or within shipbuilding/refit projects.
The ideal candidate is an expert in marine HVAC and environmental engineering, familiar with IMO and class regulations, and capable of leading cross-functional teams in high-stakes maritime operations.
Lead and manage the operation and maintenance of all onboard HVAC, ventilation, refrigeration, and air handling systems for crew/passenger spaces, cargo holds, and control rooms.
Oversee the performance and reliability of marine environmental systems, including scrubbers, ballast water treatment systems (BWTS), oily water separators (OWS), incinerators, and waste heat recovery systems.
Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance plans for HVAC and environmental systems across vessels or shipyard projects.
Ensure full compliance with IMO MARPOL Annexes, SOLAS, ASHRAE, and flag/state requirements, as well as class society regulations (ABS, DNV, LR).
Supervise and mentor onboard engineers and technicians in HVAC and environmental systems operation and troubleshooting.
Conduct energy audits and recommend design or operational changes for fuel savings and emissions reduction.
Lead or support commissioning, sea trials, and performance validation of newbuild or retrofitted HVAC/environmental systems.
Interface with shipyards, OEMs, and consultants for system upgrades, design reviews, and specification alignment.
Prepare and present detailed technical reports, root cause analyses, and budget recommendations for capital equipment or overhaul projects.
Coordinate emergency response and contingency plans for system failures in HVAC or pollution prevention equipment.
Maintain records for environmental compliance, refrigeration gas logs, and machinery service histories.
Marine HVAC Engineering Excellence
Performance and compliance of chilled water systems, AHUs, air handling and ductwork balancing, and control systems.
Environmental Systems Oversight
Leadership on ballast water treatment, exhaust gas cleaning (scrubber) systems, bilge water treatment, and emissions control.
Ensure operations align with IMO Tier III, MARPOL Annex VI, F-Gas regulations, and class-specific standards.
Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Strategy
Drive shipboard initiatives for HVAC optimization, VFD integration, heat recovery utilization, and low-GWP refrigerant transitions.
Leadership & Fleet Support
Provide strategic technical guidance across fleet or newbuild programs; train vessel engineers and support troubleshooting remotely or onboard.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or HVAC/Environmental Engineering.
Chief Engineer Class I Certificate of Competency (Unlimited) or equivalent experience in design and operations.
10+ years of experience, with at least 5 years in a senior-level role managing HVAC and environmental systems in marine settings.
Deep technical understanding of marine HVAC design, psychrometrics, refrigerant management, and shipboard ventilation strategies.
Strong knowledge of international maritime regulations, flag state requirements, and class society rules.
Experience with shipboard automation, HVAC control systems (BMS/PLC/SCADA), and performance monitoring tools.
Strong communication, project leadership, and stakeholder coordination skills.
Experience with cruise ships, LNG carriers, or specialized vessels with high HVAC and environmental system loads.
Participation in newbuild, retrofit, or conversion projects involving HVAC and pollution control upgrades.
Membership in professional societies (ASHRAE, SNAME, IMarEST) and/or HVAC-related certifications.