Naval MRO Power & Propulsion Specialist

Job Purpose:

The Naval MRO Power & Propulsion Specialist is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing the propulsion and power-generation systems that keep naval vessels operational and mission-ready. This includes diesel engines, waterjet, hybrid/auxiliary power systems, gearboxes, shaft lines, cooling systems, fuel systems, steering, and associated control systems. Knowledge and understanding of Marine Gas Turbines will be of value for future growth opportunities and additional class responsibility.

Initially tasked with finalizing project details prior to contract commencement, you will work alongside marine engineers, OEM representatives, shipyards, and the MRO programme team to deliver safe, compliant, and efficient maintenance across O-D, O-I, and I-D levels. This is a technical, hands-on, high-responsibility role that directly impacts a fleet’s operational availability.

Initially reporting to the Maritime Project Lead before transition to the Maritime Head of Operations, the role will be split across the organizational Headquarters and the end-user sites in and around Qatar.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Work Package & MRO Planning Support

• Assist in the creation and development of technical scopes prior to contract commencement.
• Define material, tooling, and technical needs for maintenance periods, overhauls, and defect response tasks.
• Identify long-lead items and risks for power-train-related work packages.
• Work with planners and logistics specialists to ensure material readiness before dockings and major inspections.
• Provide technical input to annual maintenance plans, readiness reviews, and availability-based contracts.

2. Maintenance, Repair & Technical Execution

• Conduct preventative and corrective maintenance on propulsion systems, generators, auxiliary machinery, and mechanical power trains.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot engine and propulsion issues, using OEM diagnostics, vibration analysis, thermography, and performance data.
• Support emergency defect rectification on vessels at sea, at base, and in dry-dock environments.
• Oversee and execute tasks such as shaft alignment checks, gearbox inspections, exhaust system repairs, and cooling system maintenance.

3. Power & Propulsion System Management

• Maintain technical documentation for engines, gearboxes, CPP systems, steering gear, alternators, and power conversion equipment.
• Assist in configuration control and ensure maintenance aligns with class requirements and OEM guidelines.
• Analyze system performance trends, fuel consumption, oil analysis results, and engine health indicators.
• Develop recommendations to improve reliability, efficiency, and lifecycle performance.

4. Technical Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure work meets naval engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and classification society rules.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, service bulletins, defects, and modification kits.
• Support audits, condition assessments, and class surveys related to power and propulsion systems.
• Validate the competence and safe working practices of subcontractors and OEM technicians.

5. Operational Support & Trials

• Support sea trials, HATs/SATs, and post-maintenance performance testing.
• Assist crews in understanding proper operation, fault reporting, and routine checks for propulsion and power systems.
• Respond to operational queries about power endurance, load balancing, engine parameters, vibration, and casualty recovery.

6. Continuous Improvement & Fleet Reliability

• Capture lessons learned from breakdowns, failures, and recurring issues.
• Contribute to reliability-centred maintenance (RCM) reviews and obsolescence management.
• Recommend upgrades, system enhancements, or changes in operating procedures to improve availability.
• Report KPIs such as Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), fuel efficiency trends, and defect recurrence rates.

Requirements:

Educational Requirement :

Postgraduate or Bachelor’s degree qualification in Appropriate Engineering / Engineering Management field.

Experience Requirement:

Military Naval Maintenance Management: Practical experience and an excellent understanding of Naval MRO including maintenance and repair policy and procedure; drafting/developing technical documentation; personnel and stakeholder management; development of business opportunities.

Skills & Experience:

Essential:

• 5+ years in naval, maritime, or heavy marine engineering with direct experience in power & propulsion systems.
• Strong hands-on experience with diesel engines, gas turbines, generators, gearboxes, shaft lines, and propulsion control systems.
• Ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, and control-system issues in complex propulsion systems.
• Experience working in shipyard, dockside, or underway maintenance environments.
• Understanding of class requirements, OEM maintenance philosophy, and MRO work controls.
• Comfortable reading technical drawings, engine manuals, wiring diagrams, and lubrication charts.

Desirable:

• Experience in working internationally and specifically in the Middle East would be advantageous.
• Experience and/or formal qualification in Engineering Management Systems / Quality Management Systems and Project Management and delivery
• Working in, or interfacing with end users in the Middle East and surrounding region
• Experience with fast patrol boats, OPVs, corvettes, or naval auxiliary vessels.
• Familiarity with waterjets, CPP systems, hybrid propulsion, and integrated platform management systems (IPMS).
• OEM qualifications or training with MTU, Caterpillar, MAN, Rolls-Royce, Wärtsilä, or equivalent.
• Certification: Marine engineering diploma/degree, STCW III/1 or III/2, or naval engineering qualifications.