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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Mechanical Officer

💰 $75,000 - $145,000

EngineeringMechanical EngineeringOperationsMaritimeIndustrial

🎯 Role Definition

As a Mechanical Officer, you are the backbone of our operational integrity, responsible for the hands-on management, maintenance, and repair of all critical mechanical systems. This role demands a proactive, technically-astute professional who can lead a team, solve complex problems under pressure, and ensure unwavering compliance with safety and environmental standards. You will be at the heart of our operations, whether at sea on a state-of-the-art vessel or within a large-scale industrial plant, guaranteeing that our machinery runs with peak efficiency and reliability. This is a position for a leader who is as comfortable with a wrench in hand as they are with planning a major overhaul or mentoring junior talent.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Mechanical Engineer / 3rd or 4th Engineer
  • Engine Cadet / Engineering Trainee
  • Senior Maintenance Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Mechanical Officer / First Engineer
  • Chief Engineer / Engineering Manager
  • Technical Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

  • Reliability Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Technical Sales Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee the complete lifecycle of operation, maintenance, and repair for all mechanical equipment, including main propulsion engines, auxiliary machinery, pumps, and compressors.
  • Lead, manage, and mentor a team of engine room ratings or maintenance technicians, ensuring the highest standards of workmanship and safe work practices are consistently upheld.
  • Conduct and document regular, thorough inspections and execute a robust preventative maintenance schedule on all plant equipment to maximize uptime and prevent failures.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot complex failures in mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, applying root cause analysis to implement effective and permanent corrective actions.
  • Meticulously maintain and update the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) with detailed work orders, spare part consumption, and comprehensive job histories.
  • Ensure absolute compliance with all international, flag state, and company-specific health, safety, and environmental regulations (e.g., MARPOL, SOLAS, ISM, ISO standards).
  • Manage the end-to-end inventory of spare parts, tools, and consumables; prepare detailed purchase requisitions and technical specifications to maintain optimal stock levels.
  • Prepare and submit precise technical reports, engine room logs, maintenance records, and trend analysis to the Chief Engineer or Plant Manager.
  • Supervise and meticulously document all bunkering, lubrication, and chemical transfer operations, ensuring strict adherence to quality and quantity specifications.
  • Develop, plan, and execute detailed work packages for major overhauls, dry-docking periods, and significant equipment upgrades in collaboration with senior leadership.
  • Operate, maintain, and test all pollution prevention equipment, such as oily water separators and emission control systems, ensuring they perform well within legal and environmental limits.
  • Respond immediately and decisively to machinery space emergencies, including fire, flooding, or catastrophic equipment failure, serving as a key leader in the emergency response team.
  • Analyze key performance data, including fuel consumption, engine performance metrics, and emission outputs, to identify and implement optimization strategies that enhance efficiency.
  • Liaise professionally with shore-based technical support, classification society surveyors, port state control, and third-party contractors during audits, inspections, and critical repairs.
  • Maintain the constant operational readiness of all safety and firefighting equipment located within the machinery spaces, including fixed and portable systems.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide hands-on training, technical guidance, and career mentorship to junior engineers and cadets, actively fostering their professional development.
  • Conduct and document regular safety drills, risk assessments, and pre-task "toolbox talks" for all engine room and maintenance operations.
  • Perform hands-on fabrication, welding, and machining tasks as necessary to address emergent repairs and execute approved system modifications.
  • Analyze vibrational data, thermal imaging, and oil analysis reports to predict potential equipment failures and transition towards a condition-based maintenance strategy.
  • Ensure the proper segregation, handling, storage, and disposal of all hazardous materials, chemicals, and waste streams generated within the operational area.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Diesel Engine Expertise: Deep, hands-on knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of large-bore 2-stroke and 4-stroke diesel engines (e.g., MAN, Wärtsilä, Caterpillar).
  • Systems Proficiency: Strong command of auxiliary systems including purifiers, air compressors, refrigeration plants, HVAC, hydraulic power units, and pneumatic controls.
  • CMMS Fluency: Proficiency in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (e.g., AMOS, SAP-PM, Maximo) for work planning, inventory, and reporting.
  • Technical Drawing Interpretation: Ability to expertly read and interpret complex P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), mechanical blueprints, and electrical schematics.
  • Automation & Control Systems: Solid understanding of PLC-based control systems, instrumentation, and alarm/monitoring systems for troubleshooting and calibration.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth familiarity with key maritime or industrial regulations and codes, such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and the ISM Code.
  • Fabrication & Repair: Practical, hands-on skills in welding, machining, and general fabrication for emergent repairs.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse technical team in a high-stakes environment.
  • Critical Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and diagnostic skills to rapidly identify the root cause of complex technical issues and implement effective solutions.
  • Calm Under Pressure: A resilient and composed demeanor, with the ability to make clear, decisive judgments during emergencies or high-stress situations.
  • Effective Communication: Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills for reporting to management, directing teams, and liaising with external parties.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A rigorous and thorough approach to maintenance, record-keeping, and safety procedures to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant engineering discipline OR a recognized marine engineering license (e.g., Officer of the Watch, Second Engineer).

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in Mechanical or Marine Engineering.
  • Professional certifications such as Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Project Management Professional (PMP).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Marine Engineering
  • Naval Architecture
  • Power Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-8 years of progressive experience in a relevant field (e.g., as a marine engineer on vessels, a maintenance engineer in a power plant, or in a heavy industrial setting).

Preferred: Direct experience with the specific types of machinery and systems used by the company. For maritime roles, experience on similar vessel types (e.g., LNG carriers, tankers, container ships) is highly advantageous.

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