The Director of Ship Systems Engineering is responsible for overseeing the design, integration, and lifecycle performance of all shipboard systems across commercial, naval, or offshore platforms. This includes propulsion systems, auxiliary systems, HVAC, electrical distribution, fluid handling, automation, and control systems.
The role demands strong systems engineering leadership, deep technical knowledge of shipboard operations, and the ability to manage complex multi-disciplinary teams. The director ensures that all systems are fully integrated, optimized for performance, and compliant with classification and regulatory standards.
Lead the architecture, integration, and execution of shipboard systems engineering across newbuild and retrofit programs.
Coordinate design and operational requirements across propulsion, electrical, HVAC, hydraulics, and auxiliary systems.
Oversee system-level requirements definition, interface management, and verification and validation activities.
Ensure all systems meet performance, safety, reliability, maintainability, and regulatory compliance criteria.
Lead cross-functional design reviews, technical audits, and model-based systems engineering efforts.
Serve as the primary technical authority for ship systems, liaising with customers, regulatory bodies, and classification societies (e.g., ABS, DNV, USCG, IMO).
Develop and manage engineering schedules, budgets, staffing plans, and quality assurance activities.
Support shipyard teams during construction, installation, integration, commissioning, and sea trials.
Identify and implement best practices in digital ship design, systems modeling, and lifecycle engineering.
Drive innovation in smart ship systems, hybrid propulsion, automation, and energy efficiency.
Ship Systems Integration
Full technical coordination of propulsion, power, fluid, and environmental control systems.
System Engineering Governance
Management of system-level requirements, traceability, interfaces, and lifecycle performance.
Regulatory & Classification Compliance
Ensure alignment with classification societies and international maritime regulations.
Project & Team Leadership
Manage cross-discipline engineering teams and drive consistent technical excellence.
Innovation & Digital Transformation
Leverage tools like MBSE, digital twins, and predictive analytics for system optimization.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
12–15+ years of experience in ship systems design and integration, including leadership roles.
In-depth understanding of shipboard systems (mechanical, electrical, automation, HVAC, auxiliary).
Familiarity with classification society standards (ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s) and international maritime regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL, IMO).
Experience in ship construction, integration, and commissioning.
Proficient with engineering tools and systems modeling software (e.g., AVEVA, Rhino, ShipConstructor, Simcenter, SysML).
Strong leadership, communication, project management, and cross-functional coordination skills.
PE license or Chartered Engineer certification.
Experience with naval defense, commercial shipping, or offshore energy platforms.
Knowledge of green propulsion technologies (LNG, hydrogen, battery systems).
Familiarity with digital shipyard concepts, remote diagnostics, or autonomous systems.