Director of Engineering

The Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) Director of Engineering leads the Engineering Sub-Division within SOI’s Maritime Infrastructure Division and identifies, plans, implements, and oversees the smooth technical, safe, and efficient operations of the Institute’s oceanographic research vessel, all engineering systems on board, and other maritime assets. This includes management of the offshore and onshore technical teams, logistics and procurement, asset management, and budgetary responsibilities for the Engineering Sub-Division. The Director of Engineering is an integral part of the SOI Leadership team and participates in assessing the broader innovative and transformational strategic directions of the organization, especially related to the Institute’s engineering interests.

• Direct and in-person oversee dockside, shipyard and drydock repair projects.
• Perform periodic inspections of Vessel for repair, maintenance, Company and regulatory standards and procedures and overall material condition.
• Prepare specifications for shipyard and major repair activities.
• Oversee the scheduling of routine technical maintenance.
• Primary responsibility for research and specification of Vessel technical equipment, supplies, parts and services.
• Direct staff and crew in the organization and maintenance of the Vessel drawings and documents.
• Lead staff and crew in maintaining and ensuring the quality control of the Vessel’s Preventive Maintenance System.
• Direct staff and crew on research vessel specialty equipment maintenance and repair including but not limited to oceanographic launch and recovery systems, moonpools, vessel structure and stability, and off-vessel platforms to ensure smooth scientific operations.
• Assist the Senior Director of the Marine Infrastructure Division with generating reports after major repairs, dry dockings and equipment surveys.
• Keep Vessel in compliance with all regulatory agencies.
• Assist in the implementation of procedures, maintenance of documentation and compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements of flag state (Cayman Islands), port state, classification society (DNV GL), International Maritime Organization (including International Safety Management System Code), and oceanographic research vessel trade groups.

Strategic Planning Responsibilities

• Oversee and continually improve the vessel maintenance and logistics and procurement support programs.
• Develop Engineering Strategic Implementation Plan to ensure SOI’s vessel and engineering is in alignment with upcoming global trends and regulations in maritime operations (e.g. greener vessels).
• Develop and maintain a 10-year Capital Spend plan, including repair and maintenance.
• Work strategically with senior leadership to determine planning, expenditure and execution of annual capital expenditure and refurbishment projects.
• Present and discuss Engineering considerations to the Advisory Board and other relevant stakeholders.
• Drive and develop the short and long-term Technical goals and objectives, and operating and capital budgets necessary to achieve the strategic and financial goals of the organization.

Management Responsibilities

• Management of personnel in the Logistics and Procurement department, Robotics and Engineering Department, and shoreside IT department.
• Provide strategic guidance for the robotics and engineering department, aligning with company goals and objectives.
• Manage the Logistics and Procurement team regarding Vessel equipment, supplies, parts and services.
• Supervise the engineering services at sea, in collaboration with the onboard Chief Engineer and other vessel personnel.
• Oversee maritime engineering vendor contracts and services.
• Participate in staff and crew recruitment.
• Develop managers and staff through coaching, training, and mentoring.
• Lead technical staff and crew to create a professional and positive atmosphere of mutual respect and support that motivates and maintains a culture of productivity, integrity, safety, and service excellence.
• Budget preparation and management for engineering requirements of vessel and all engineering systems on board.
• Budget oversight of off-vessel systems and engineering projects under development, assuring budgetary control and cost containment.
• Assist Senior Director of Maritime Infrastructure in review and oversight of shoreside and vessel AVIT budget.
• Multi-year strategic budget planning for vessel upgrades and maintenance.
• Budgetary Approval authority on specific engineering plans and estimates.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility regarding technical and engineering purchases.

Other Job Responsibilities

• Travel globally.
• Attend dockside and shipyard repair projects up to several months at a time.
• Frequent travel to the ship in various locations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Nautical or related field of study.
• 15 years experience in a leadership role in technical marine operations, including 10 years of practical operational marine vessel engineering experience, or 10 years experience as Port Engineer, Chief Engineer, or as Ship Superintendent.
• Significant experience with Marine Classification societies and maritime regulatory bodies (IMO / ILO / Flag State / Port State, etc.).
• Experience with dry dock and vessel refit activities, including the management of complex ship modification projects.
• Excellent Budget and Project Management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to manage teams and work within the broader team.
• Proactive self-starter with demonstrated track record of meeting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Ship Management System softwares.
• Master’s Degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Nautical or related field of study.

Desired Skills

• Ability to conduct hull inspections, enter confined spaces, and survey damage.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with diverse groups.
• Advanced computer literacy in Google G-Suite, Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Smartsheet, project management software.
• Demonstrated knowledge of marine electrical and electronic systems.

Schmidt Ocean Institute is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and we aim to use our resources to generate greater impact through our work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.