Senior Technician - Inboard Engine Marine Maintenance
Division:
Operations
Department:
Mobility
Company:
Red Sea Global
Job Purpose:
- To ensure the reliable operation and optimal performance of inboard marine engines through expert maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. The Inboard senior technician plays a key role in minimizing vessel downtime, supporting safe marine operations, and extending the life of propulsion systems by applying technical knowledge and best maintenance practices.
Job Responsibilities:
Perform Maintenance and Repairs:
Carry out scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of inboard engines and related mechanical systems (fuel, cooling, exhaust, and electrical).
Engine Overhaul and Rebuilds:
Disassemble, inspect, repair, and reassemble inboard engines and components, including cylinder heads, pistons, injectors, and turbochargers.
Installation and Alignment:
Install new inboard engines and systems, ensuring proper alignment and integration with propulsion and control systems.
Diagnostics and Testing:
Use diagnostic tools and software to identify faults and verify repairs; perform engine performance testing and sea trials as required.
Technical Documentation:
Maintain detailed service records, including maintenance logs, inspection reports, and parts usage documentation.
Compliance and Safety:
Follow all safety procedures and regulatory standards related to marine engine maintenance (e.g., IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL).
Inventory and Parts Management:
Assist in identifying required spare parts and ensure proper inventory levels for routine maintenance and emergency repairs.
Team Collaboration:
Coordinate with other technicians, engineers, and departments to support operational schedules and vessel readiness.
Training and Support:
Provide technical guidance to junior technicians and support knowledge sharing within the maintenance team.
Continuous Improvement:
Recommend improvements to maintenance procedures and participate in root cause analysis of recurring engine issues.
Qualification and Experience:
- Diploma or Technical Certificate in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Certifications or training from recognized inboard engine manufacturers (e.g., Volvo Penta, Cummins, Yanmar, MTU, Caterpillar) are highly desirable.
- Knowledge of marine safety standards and practices (IMO, SOLAS, etc.) is preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 8–10 years of hands-on experience with inboard marine engines, including diesel and gasoline systems.
- Proven track record in diagnosing, repairing, and overhauling various makes and models of inboard propulsion systems (e.g., MAN, Caterpillar, Volvo Penta, MTU, Yanmar).
- Extensive experience in troubleshooting engine performance issues, fuel systems, cooling systems, and electronic control modules (ECMs).
- Familiarity with shaft alignment, propeller installation, and gearbox maintenance (e.g., ZF, Twin Disc).
- Strong background in scheduled preventative maintenance programs and technical documentation.
- Previous supervisory or lead technician role, with experience in mentoring junior technicians and coordinating repair projects.
- Experience working in shipyards, marinas, or onboard luxury yachts/commercial vessels.
Skills:
- Advanced Engine Diagnostics: Proficient in using diagnostic software and tools for fault-finding on inboard marine engines.
- Mechanical Overhaul Expertise: Skilled in complete teardown and rebuild of diesel and petrol inboard engines.
- Propulsion System Knowledge: In-depth understanding of shaft drives, gearboxes, propellers, and alignment techniques.
- Fuel & Cooling Systems Maintenance: Expertise in servicing fuel injection systems, cooling circuits, heat exchangers, and sea water pumps.
- Electrical & Electronic Systems: Competent in troubleshooting engine control units (ECUs), sensors, alternators, and starter systems.
- Preventative Maintenance Planning: Strong capability to implement and manage routine service schedules and condition monitoring.
- Technical Documentation: Accurate in maintaining service logs, technical reports, and compliance documentation.
- Workshop & Field Repairs: Comfortable working both in workshop environments and conducting on-board service calls or emergency repairs.
- Team Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor junior technicians, delegate tasks, and ensure safety and quality standards are upheld.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Solid understanding of marine safety procedures, risk assessments, and engine room best practices.
- Vendor & OEM Liaison: Experienced in working with engine manufacturers and suppliers for parts sourcing and technical support.
- Time Management & Flexibility: Efficient in managing multiple priorities and adapting to tight schedules or last-minute repair needs.
Job Context:
The Senior Inboard Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the reliable performance and safety of marine inboard propulsion systems across the company’s fleet. This position involves both hands-on technical work and leadership responsibilities, requiring deep mechanical knowledge, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to manage service tasks efficiently.
The technician will be responsible for maintaining, repairing, and overhauling inboard engines and associated systems on yachts, speedboats, or commercial vessels. Work is performed both in workshops and onboard vessels, sometimes under challenging weather or operational conditions. The role demands a proactive approach to preventative maintenance, high attention to detail, and a strong commitment to marine safety standards.
The Senior Inboard Technician will report to the Marine Superintendent or Technical Manager and may be required to coordinate with planners, spare parts teams, OEM service reps, and junior technicians to ensure smooth operations and timely job completion.
Job Financial Dimensions:
- The Senior Inboard Technician plays a key role in supporting the department's cost-efficiency goals by ensuring optimal engine performance, minimizing equipment downtime, and avoiding costly breakdowns through effective preventative maintenance.
- Although the role does not typically involve direct budget ownership, the technician contributes significantly to the financial performance of the technical operations by:
- Reducing Repair Costs: Accurate diagnostics and timely interventions help prevent major engine failures and reduce the need for expensive third-party repairs or replacements.
- Controlling Spare Parts Usage: Recommending cost-effective parts and ensuring proper inventory use to avoid wastage and overstocking.
- Supporting Budget Planning: Providing technical input and estimates for annual maintenance budgets, refits, and overhauls.
- Maximizing Asset Life Cycle: Ensuring engines and propulsion systems are maintained in line with OEM and class requirements to extend service life and delay capital expenditures.
- Vendor Coordination: Liaising with suppliers and service providers to obtain competitive pricing and ensure value for money.
- Through technical excellence and operational efficiency, the Senior Inboard Technician indirectly influences overall operational costs, asset uptime, and vessel reliability.
Computer Skills Administrative and Supervisory :
- Maintenance Planning: Ability to prioritize tasks and organize preventive and corrective maintenance activities to minimize vessel downtime.
- Time Management: Manages workload efficiently, meeting service deadlines even under pressure.
- Resource Coordination: Ensures tools, spare parts, and documentation are prepared ahead of job execution to avoid delays.
- Root Cause Analysis: Capable of diagnosing complex engine and system issues using a combination of experience, manuals, and diagnostic tools.
- Quick Decision-Making: Makes sound technical decisions under time constraints during critical operations or emergency repairs.