Mechanical Project Engineer

Position Overview: As a Project Engineer – Mechanical, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality, schedule adherence, and technical compliance across all machinery, mechanical, and piping systems for a new heavy-lift vessel. Acting as the Owner’s Representative, you will supervise, inspect, and manage the shipyard's execution of machinery installations to ensure full compliance with contractual specifications, approved drawings, NK Class rules, Japan Flag regulations, and international marine mechanical standards.

You will serve as the key liaison between the shipyard’s project team, mechanical subcontractors, internal stakeholders, and classification society/flag state surveyors to uphold the vessel’s mechanical and machinery integrity throughout construction and commissioning. Key Responsibilities: Technical Oversight & SupervisionRepresent the Owner in all mechanical, machinery, and piping installation, alignment, and testing activities at the shipyard. Oversee shipyard activities for main engine installation, gearbox and shaft alignment, thruster mounting, auxiliary equipment installation (e. g. , pumps, purifiers, compressors), HVAC, and piping systems (fuel, lube oil, ballast, bilge, cooling water).

Ensure compliance with approved P&IDs, general arrangements, ISO/API standards, and contractual specifications. Inspection & Quality AssuranceConduct routine inspections on all machinery components and piping installations, including material verification, alignment checks, joint integrity, and insulation. Witness key tests such as piping pressure tests, machinery functional checks, alarm system verifications, and FAT/HAT/SAT for primary and auxiliary equipment. Review and approve all related quality documentation including installation procedures, test reports, and equipment certification. Compliance & Risk ManagementIdentify and document non-conformances (NCRs), deviations, and ensure effective corrective actions are implemented.

Participate in shipyard quality meetings and ensure alignment with the project's Quality Assurance Plan for mechanical systems. Monitor construction progress against schedule and milestones; flag any delays or risks and propose mitigation strategies. Coordination & Interface ManagementFacilitate timely technical clarifications and issue resolutions between shipyard, subcontractors, and the Owner’s engineering team. Review mechanical drawings and technical submissions, including P&IDs, arrangement drawings, and test procedures. Evaluate proposed changes by the shipyard for technical, safety, performance, and cost implications.

Regulatory & Classification LiaisonCollaborate with NK Class (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai) surveyors to ensure compliance with classification rules and requirements, including those specific to heavy-lift vessels. Liaise with Japan Flag authorities to confirm all mechanical systems comply with statutory requirements (safety, environmental, crew comfort). Facilitate inspections and approvals for all propulsion, auxiliary, and heavy-lift-related mechanical systems. Qualifications & Experience: Education: Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field with a maritime focus. Experience: Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in shipbuilding or offshore fabrication, with strong expertise in mechanical and piping systems.

At least 3 years in a similar client representative or superintendent role overseeing mechanical works on newbuilds or major conversions. Prior experience with heavy-lift vessels, offshore construction vessels (OCV), or DP vessels is highly desirable. Technical Competencies: In-depth knowledge of marine propulsion systems (main engines, gearboxes, shaft lines, thrusters), auxiliary systems (pumps, HVAC, boilers), and complex piping systems. Familiarity with NK Class rules and Japan Flag statutory requirements; prior experience on Japan-flagged or NK-classed vessels is a plus. Proficient in reading and interpreting mechanical drawings (P&IDs, GAs, isometrics), specifications, and documentation.

Strong grasp of vibration analysis, machinery alignment, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics in marine systems. Experience in shipyard commissioning, inspections, and mechanical testing procedures. Soft Skills & Tools: Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills. Proficient with MS Project, Primavera P6 (for monitoring), and MS Office Suite. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail. Proactive, independent, and effective in fast-paced, dynamic shipyard environments.