Director of Mechanical Engineering – Marine Systems

Job Title: Director of Mechanical Engineering – Marine Systems

Job Summary:

The Director of Mechanical Engineering – Marine Systems is responsible for leading the mechanical engineering function across all marine platforms and projects. This role provides strategic direction and technical oversight for the design, integration, testing, and lifecycle support of shipboard mechanical systems—including propulsion, HVAC, piping, valves, steam systems, fuel, and auxiliary machinery. The Director ensures engineering excellence, regulatory compliance, and innovation in both new construction and in-service vessels, acting as the principal authority on all mechanical system matters within the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership:

• Oversee mechanical system design, modeling, analysis, and integration for marine vessels (commercial, naval, offshore, or cruise)

• Serve as the technical authority for mechanical engineering, establishing design standards, documentation control, and performance criteria

• Guide engineering teams in the application of class rules, flag state regulations, and industry standards (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL)

• Lead system optimization efforts for fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and thermal performance

Project Oversight:

• Provide mechanical engineering leadership across newbuild, retrofit, dry dock, and R&D programs

• Ensure that project deliverables meet safety, quality, cost, and schedule goals

• Support shipyard and vendor collaboration for equipment selection, installation reviews, and commissioning

• Oversee root cause analysis for major mechanical failures and direct corrective actions

Team & Organizational Development:

• Manage and grow a high-performing mechanical engineering team across multiple locations or projects

• Mentor engineers and technical staff, promoting career development and knowledge sharing

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including naval architecture, electrical, procurement, operations, and regulatory affairs

Strategic & Business Engagement:

• Develop long-term strategies for system innovation and fleet performance improvements

• Participate in strategic planning, CAPEX forecasting, and lifecycle cost optimization

• Engage with classification societies, OEMs, and regulatory bodies on behalf of the company

Key Focus Areas:

• Leadership of shipboard mechanical system design and integration

• Compliance with Class, IMO, SOLAS, and other technical standards

• Optimization of system reliability, maintainability, and efficiency

• Team development and cross-functional collaboration

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related discipline

• Professional Engineer (PE), Chartered Engineer, or equivalent registration preferred

Experience:

• 12–18 years of experience in marine mechanical engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership or director-level role

• Strong background in design, integration, and troubleshooting of marine propulsion systems, piping, HVAC, and auxiliary systems

• Experience in ship design, shipyard engineering, or fleet technical support across commercial or naval projects

Technical Proficiency:

• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, structural loads, and marine equipment standards

• Proficiency with engineering tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, ANSYS, or similar)

• Familiarity with PMS/CMMS platforms, project management tools, and digital engineering environments

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership, mentorship, and organizational skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication for internal and external stakeholders

• Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to risk management and problem-solving