Summary
Position: Chief Engineer
Location: Shipyard, USA
Start Date: Within 2 weeks (flexible)
Contract Type: Full-time
Salary: DOE (in Euros) – please include expectations in your cover letter
Leave: Standard MLC leave terms apply
We are seeking a hands-on and technically competent Chief Engineer to join a 45m private motor yacht currently in an intensive shipyard period. This role is suited to someone proactive, experienced with refits, and comfortable working in a non-rotational, full-time position.
About the Vessel:
- 45m motor yacht
- Built in 2002
- Steel hull / Aluminium superstructure
- Private use only
- Currently in shipyard for class-related technical works
- Operates as a dry vessel with a clean-living, professional crew culture
The Role:
This is a very active engineering role—not a desk job. You will be directly involved in getting the vessel back to full operational standard, managing and working alongside contractors, completing class and flag survey items, and physically handling systems reactivation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
We require a Chief who is not afraid to get involved in physical work, from stripping and servicing pumps and valves to supporting electrical diagnostics, installations, and recommissioning tasks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all engineering systems onboard and during refit
- Carry out hands-on mechanical servicing, repairs, and diagnostics
- Manage class and flag survey requirements
- Liaise with contractors, surveyors, and shipyard management
- Support reactivation of laid-up systems
- Update maintenance logs and inventory systems (Triton or similar)
- Execute safety and compliance protocols
Requirements:
- Chief Engineer Y3 or Y2 CoC preferred
- Proven experience in shipyard or refit environments
- Strong hands-on engineering background (not a supervisory-only role)
- Familiarity with class, ISM, and flag procedures
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
- Valid B1/B2 visa required
- STCW and ENG1 required
- All documents must be in date with no expiry within the next 6 months
Important:
Do not apply if you do not hold a valid B1/B2 visa, STCW, ENG1, and supporting documents with at least 6 months’ validity remaining.
Additional Information:
This is a refit-heavy period with a small, committed crew. The successful candidate will be expected to lead the engineering department practically and professionally—getting involved in all aspects of bringing the vessel back to spec. We value a positive attitude, attention to detail, and someone who takes ownership from day one.