Senior Manager, Underwater Systems
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
In this position you would be responsible for the mechanical underwater systems We are seeking a dedicated technical specialist with specialized expertise in underwater mechanical systems including podded propulsion drives thrusters and fin stabilizers to support our fleet's technical operations This shore-based role focuses on overseeing the performance maintenance and optimization of underwater mechanical systems across the Royal Caribbean Group fleet that includes Royal Caribbean International Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises You would ensure reliable efficient and compliant operation of all underwater mechanical systems contributing to reduced fuel consumption enhanced maneuverability and minimal environmental impact You would need to collaborate with vessel crews shipyards vendors and classification societies with occasional vessel visits and travel, Technical Leadership and Support:
Acts as the technical specialist within Underwater Mechanical Systems and is responsible for providing technical support and guidance to Marine Technical Operations and onboard technical teams Monitors and analyzes the performance of podded propulsion systems fleet-wide using remote diagnostics condition monitoring tools in close collaboration with Vendors and Marine Asset Management Plans coordinates and supervises maintenance repairs and overhauls of podded propulsion units during dry docks and scheduled stops Troubleshoots propulsion issues remotely and on-site minimizing vessel downtime and ensuring operational reliability Manages large-scale underwater system repairs and projects Plans oversees and leads underwater systems capital- and dry-dock projects/maintenance
- Responsible for obsolescence management and compliance strategies Follows up on technical issues manages corrective actions and shares lessons learned
Operational Management:
Offers first and second-level support for underwater mechanical systems to ensure safe compliant
- and efficient vessel operations Maintains effective communication with the Marine Technology team Marine Technical Operations
- and senior Marine Management onboard Works closely with Ship Managers
- keeping them informed about electrical issues and overseeing electrical projects
- Coordinates major underwater systems projects with Ship Managers and senior Marine Management Supervises and supports repairs and maintenance of vessel underwater systems Provides technical guidance and training to shipboard engineering teams on podded propulsion operation and best practices
Compliance and Safety:
Collaborates with classification societies and regulatory agencies Ensures compliance with international maritime regulations (IMO SOLAS MARPOL) classification society rules (eg DNV Lloyd's) and company safety/environmental standards Conducts ship visits and inspections to confirm compliance with regulations and company policy Ensures all underwater system-related failures incidents and damages are investigated with root cause analyses and corrective actions implemented
- Conducts risk assessments and implement preventive measures for propulsion-related failures Shares lessons learned to prevent recurrence across the fleet Follows up on all underwater systems related conditions of class non-conformities and findings ensuring corrections and preventive measures
Project and Vendor Management:
Identifies obsolete systems and manages upgrades Liaises with ABB service teams OEMs and shipyards for warranty claims upgrades and system optimizationsCoordinates oversees and supports underwater system aspects of dry-dock Revitalization
- and special projects Keeps up with vendor technical and safety bulletins coordinating and overseeing corrective actions Prepares detailed technical reports performance analyses and recommendations for fleet improvements including hybrid integrations or efficiency enhancements Supports the Newbuilding Department with specifications sea trials
- and guarantee processes for new vessels
Team Leadership and Development:
Supervises Underwater Mechanical Systems team morale motivation
- and performance Supervises and supports GMO-MT Underwater Mechanical Systems riding team members Mentors junior colleagues conduct training
- and liaise with onboard teams and external stakeholders Assists the Director Electrical Systems in the succession planning training evaluation and development for key Marine Technology personnel shipboard and shoreside
- Responsible for training and acting as mentor for new Underwater Mechanical Systems colleagues by sharing relevant information and making sure that we apply consistent ways of working Acts as deputy to the Director Underwater Mechanical Systems as needed
Financial Responsibilities:
Develops and provides guidance on maintenance budgets spare parts inventory and long-term service agreements for podded propulsion components and other underwater system components in close collaboration with Technical Operations Manages underwater system CAR projects
- including those valued at several million dollars Accountable for budgets on assigned CAPEX projects
Requirements
Do you have experience in Leadership?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering or equivalent maritime qualifications (eg Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency) Minimum 10 years of experience in marine propulsion systems
- with proven expertise in Azipod or similar podded/azimuth thrusters (prior sailing experience as Engineer Officer highly advantageous) In-depth knowledge of electric propulsion and other underwater mechanical systems Familiarity with ABB Azipod systems (eg XO VI CZ series) and tools like remote diagnostics and condition monitoring Experience in fleet technical management dry-dock planning
- and budget control within a shipping company or ship management firm Strong understanding of high-power systems (10-22 MW) and vessel types using Azipod (cruise ferry offshore) Excellent analytical problem-solving and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for a multicultural environment Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities efficiently Financial acumen including cost efficiency management
Preferred Skills: ABB Marine Academy certification in Azipod systems Experience with ice-class or high-maneuverability vessels Knowledge of sustainable propulsion trends such as battery-hybrid compatibility Proficiency in fleet management software and data analytics tools
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to sit stand write review / type reports compile data operate a computer communicate and assess information May require movement around office complexes travel and occasional lifting (10-15 pounds) Work environment includes both office and non-office settings When visiting vessels work may require walking up and down ramps stairs ladders bending kneeling stooping stretching reaching with arms working in confined spaces as well as working in noisy environments wet environments and outdoors to include various weather conditions
