The Director of Environmental Systems leads the design, integration, and performance assurance of shipboard HVAC and air quality systems across multiple vessel platforms. This role is responsible for driving compliance with maritime regulations, advancing sustainable HVAC technologies, and ensuring crew/passenger comfort, health, and operational reliability through high-performing environmental systems.
Lead engineering strategy and lifecycle management for shipboard HVAC, air handling, pressurization, filtration, ventilation, and air quality monitoring systems.
Oversee design reviews, system integration, testing, and commissioning for HVAC and environmental systems aboard newbuild and retrofit vessels.
Ensure systems comply with international maritime regulations and standards, including IMO, MARPOL, SOLAS, ASHRAE, and classification society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s).
Direct multi-disciplinary teams of engineers and specialists to deliver technically sound, efficient, and sustainable environmental control systems.
Spearhead initiatives for energy-efficient design, low-emission HVAC systems, and advanced air quality technologies (e.g., HEPA filtration, UV-C, CO₂ monitoring).
Collaborate with shipyards, naval architects, and owners/operators to align environmental system performance with vessel mission profiles and operational needs.
Develop and maintain standard design packages, technical documentation, and QA/QC procedures for shipboard environmental systems.
Lead risk assessments and system safety analysis (e.g., for HVAC in hazardous areas, or isolation in case of onboard contamination).
Track system performance in service, gather feedback, and drive continuous improvement based on operational data.
Support troubleshooting, maintenance planning, and crew training related to HVAC and environmental control systems.
HVAC System Design and Performance
Ensure climate control systems deliver thermal comfort, air exchange, and energy efficiency in dynamic marine conditions.
Air Quality and Health Standards
Implement and monitor solutions that protect crew and passenger health via filtration, disinfection, and contaminant control.
Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Stewardship
Maintain full compliance with IMO, SOLAS, and other marine regulatory frameworks, while advancing eco-friendly technologies.
Project Oversight and Delivery
Manage engineering resources, budgets, and schedules for HVAC/environmental system delivery across multiple projects.
Innovation and Sustainability
Lead adoption of smart HVAC controls, digital monitoring, and green ship design initiatives.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in shipboard HVAC and environmental system engineering, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Expertise in design and operation of marine HVAC systems, including pressurization, air quality, and space conditioning under naval or commercial standards.
Strong understanding of IMO, SOLAS, ASHRAE, and MARPOL Annex VI as they relate to HVAC and air quality control.
Experience managing teams across engineering, commissioning, and technical support functions.
Proficiency in tools like AutoCAD, Revit, HVAC load modeling software (e.g., HAP, TRACE), and CFD analysis.
Excellent communication and project management skills, with a track record of leading successful system implementations.
Background in naval shipbuilding, cruise ship systems, or offshore platform environmental systems.
Knowledge of smart HVAC/BMS integration and remote diagnostics.
Participation in industry organizations such as ASHRAE, SNAME, or IMarEST.
Familiarity with hazardous ventilation designs (e.g., for battery rooms, fuel systems, or containment zones).