Compliance Engineer – ABS/USCG HVAC Standards and Certification

The Mid-Level Compliance Engineer – ABS/USCG HVAC Standards and Certification is responsible for ensuring that HVAC systems and components designed for shipboard or offshore use fully comply with the applicable regulations, codes, and standards established by ABS, USCG, and other relevant classification societies and authorities. The role involves reviewing designs, preparing certification documentation, and coordinating with engineering, QA, and external auditors to support product approval and vessel compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Review HVAC system layouts, schematics, and specifications to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements from ABS, USCG, IMO, SOLAS, and ASHRAE marine standards.

  • Prepare and submit complete certification packages for classification societies, including:

    • Compliance matrices

    • Fire/safety design evaluations

    • Ventilation layout certifications

    • Fan and damper type approval documentation

    • Material certificates and test results

  • Coordinate with design engineers to address compliance issues early in the development cycle.

  • Lead efforts to resolve non-conformities and ensure corrective actions are implemented prior to formal audits.

  • Interface directly with ABS, USCG, and other maritime authorities during design reviews, shop inspections, and vessel plan approvals.

  • Maintain current knowledge of updates to regulatory requirements, particularly related to HVAC systems on commercial vessels, naval ships, and offshore platforms.

  • Support product testing and validation (vibration, corrosion resistance, noise attenuation, airflow performance) to meet approval requirements.

  • Assist in internal and external audits to verify system compliance, documentation integrity, and process adherence.

  • Train and mentor junior compliance engineers and coordinate with QA/QC for factory readiness and audit support.

Key Focus Areas:

1. 1. Regulatory and Standards Compliance
      – Ensure HVAC systems meet the requirements of ABS Rules, USCG 46 CFR, IMO fire safety codes, and SOLAS ventilation provisions.

   2. Certification Management
      – Oversee submission of design documentation, test data, and inspection records for type approval and vessel-specific certifications.

   3. Engineering Collaboration and Risk Mitigation
      – Proactively engage with design teams to integrate compliance requirements during HVAC system development and minimize late-stage rework.

   4. Documentation and Audit Preparedness
      – Maintain traceable, audit-ready files for classification audits, factory acceptance tests (FAT), and on-board inspections.

Qualifications and Skills:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related technical field.

  • 3–6 years of experience in regulatory compliance or design engineering for marine HVAC or mechanical systems.

  • Strong working knowledge of ABS, USCG, DNV, IMO, and SOLAS codes relevant to shipboard environmental systems.

  • Familiarity with HVAC components and systems such as AHUs, ductwork, dampers, chillers, fire dampers, control panels, and fan systems.

  • Experience with document control systems, technical writing, and submission preparation.

  • Strong organizational, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills.

Preferred:

• • Experience interfacing with classification societies and participation in FAT/SAT or vessel inspections.

  • Knowledge of marine ventilation in hazardous environments, machinery spaces, or accommodation areas.

  • Familiarity with ASHRAE marine standards, fire and smoke control systems, and vibration/isolation practices for marine HVAC.

  • Exposure to HVAC system commissioning and validation procedures on ships or offshore platforms.

  • Proficiency in CAD/engineering documentation tools and standards management systems.