Head of Engineering & Design
Position Overview
We are seeking an accomplished Head of Engineering & Design to lead the full engineering, design, and technical development function for a global shipbuilding and maritime solutions organization. This leadership role is responsible for driving innovation, ensuring engineering excellence, overseeing vessel design integrity, and delivering high‑quality, cost‑effective technical solutions across commercial, government, and specialized vessel programs.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned engineering leader with deep shipbuilding experience, strong stakeholder management skills, and a proven track record of guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership
- Define and execute the company's engineering and design strategy aligned with long‑term business goals.
- Lead innovation initiatives in new vessel concepts, materials, propulsion systems, sustainability solutions, and digital engineering.
- Oversee continuous improvement across engineering workflows, processes, and standards.
Engineering & Design Oversight
- Direct all naval architecture, structural engineering, mechanical/electrical engineering, and outfitting design activities.
- Ensure technical accuracy, compliance, and reliability of vessel designs from concept through delivery.
- Approve engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, and classification submissions.
Project & Stakeholder Management
- Collaborate with production, project management, procurement, and commercial teams to ensure seamless execution of vessel programs.
- Participate in customer engagements to assess requirements, support bid proposals, and provide technical leadership during negotiations.
- Coordinate closely with classification societies, regulatory bodies, and external engineering partners.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and build high‑performing engineering teams across multiple disciplines.
- Establish technical competencies, training programs, and succession plans.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and engineering excellence.
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure adherence to international maritime regulations, classification rules, and internal quality standards.
- Implement robust engineering governance, risk controls, and design assurance systems.
- Lead root‑cause analysis and technical problem‑solving for complex engineering challenges.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
- 17+ years of relevant experience in shipbuilding, vessel design, or maritime engineering.
- Strong technical expertise across vessel design, structural engineering, and marine systems.
- Proven leadership in managing large engineering teams within a shipyard or maritime OEM environment.
- In‑depth knowledge of IMO, SOLAS, ISO standards, and classification society rules (DNV, ABS, Lloyd's, BV, etc.).
- Track record of delivering engineering programs for a variety of vessels.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and decision‑making skills.
FAQs
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