The Senior Compliance Engineer – ABS/USCG HVAC Standards and Certification leads regulatory assurance activities for HVAC systems and components designed for marine and offshore platforms. This role ensures full compliance with applicable codes and standards from ABS, USCG, IMO, DNV, and other relevant authorities. Responsibilities include managing certification processes, advising on regulatory strategy, mentoring engineering teams, and interfacing directly with classification societies during design reviews, inspections, and audits.
Serve as the technical authority for HVAC compliance with classification society requirements (ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s, Bureau Veritas) and regulatory bodies (USCG, IMO, SOLAS).
Review and approve HVAC system designs, ventilation layouts, material selections, and installation details for compliance with:
ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels
USCG 46 CFR Subchapter F (Engineering) and J (Electrical)
SOLAS/IMO environmental and fire safety provisions
ASHRAE standards adapted for marine applications
Manage the submission and tracking of all HVAC-related certification packages including design dossiers, test reports, fire/smoke control evaluations, material traceability documents, and type approval applications.
Lead interactions with classification societies and regulators during plan reviews, factory audits, FATs, and onboard inspections.
Establish and maintain internal compliance guidelines and control processes for marine HVAC systems to ensure ongoing alignment with evolving standards.
Provide cross-functional leadership to engineering, QA/QC, procurement, and manufacturing to proactively address compliance risks.
Oversee corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes related to non-compliance or audit findings.
Mentor and guide junior and mid-level compliance engineers; support training programs and knowledge management initiatives.
Monitor changes in marine regulations and translate them into actionable engineering and design directives.
Strategic Regulatory Compliance Leadership
– Lead organization-wide alignment to ABS, USCG, IMO, and classification standards for HVAC systems in ships and offshore platforms.
Certification & Documentation Oversight
– Manage all HVAC-related certification processes and ensure full traceability of approvals, inspections, and deviations.
Technical Design and Risk Advisory
– Provide early-stage compliance input to HVAC design teams to reduce project risk and rework.
Regulatory Engagement and Audit Management
– Act as primary liaison to external authorities and classification surveyors during all HVAC-related reviews and audits.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or Naval Architecture.
7–10+ years of experience in HVAC systems compliance, preferably in a marine or offshore industry setting.
In-depth knowledge of:
ABS, USCG, IMO, SOLAS codes relevant to ventilation, fire protection, hazardous area systems
HVAC system design principles for marine environments
Type approval, material certification, and regulatory documentation
Experience leading classification society engagements and managing HVAC system certification end-to-end.
Proficiency in technical documentation platforms, compliance tracking tools, and standards libraries.
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Previous approval authority or reviewer background at a classification society (ABS, DNV, etc.).
Experience in HVAC compliance for military/naval vessels, LNG carriers, offshore platforms, or cruise ships.
Familiarity with ventilation/fire zone boundaries, toxic gas extraction, smoke control systems, and CO₂/suppression ventilation integration.
Certifications: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Lead Auditor (ISO 9001), or ASME/ASHRAE membership.