Chief Engineer

Birdon Group; Port Macquarie; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Birdon Group seeks a Chief Engineer for its ABF Charter Program vessels operating from Darwin. You will oversee propulsion and auxiliary systems, ensure compliance with AMSA Marine Orders, SOLAS and MARPOL, and maintain vessel mechanical integrity and safety.

You will lead the engineering team, manage maintenance at sea and onshore, coordinate with Master and shore teams, and drive environmental and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Must be an Australian Citizen and able to obtain baseline security clearance
• AMSA Certificate of Competency - Engineer Class 3 NC
• Valid AMSA Medical Fitness Certificate
• Completion of STCW Short Courses (Basic Safety Training incl. Security Awareness, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid)
• Advanced diagnostic and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and reporting skills
• Previous experience as a Chief Engineer on similar vessels

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems onboard
• Ensure compliance with AMSA Marine Order 72, SOLAS, MARPOL and company standards
• Manage engineering crew, assign duties, ensure training and competency
• Monitor fuel consumption, machinery performance and environmental controls
• Maintain records of maintenance, inspections, and safety drills
• Coordinate with Master and shore teams on technical matters
• Lead emergency response efforts related to engineering systems
• Maintain inventory of spare parts and consumables
• Conduct risk assessments and preventive maintenance schedules
• Perform planned and corrective maintenance at sea and alongside

Skills

Diagnostics

Communication

Leadership

Education

AMSA Engineer Class 3 NC

Medical Fitness AMSA

STCW Basic Safety Training

STCW Advanced Fire Fighting

STCW Medical First Aid

Job description

Birdon is passionate about innovation, in-house engineering and maritime operations & crewing. We don't shy away from a challenge; we thrive on it. A proudly Australian manufacturer and industry partner, we provide whole of life solutions to multinational defence, government, maritime, energy and resource sectors.

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualifiedChief Engineers to join our Australian Border Force (ABF) Charter Program in permanent positions.

These Domestic Class Vessels are 40m LOA and 8m breadth, operating with a complement of 8 crew on a 21 day even time roster. Operating out of Darwin, with opportunities available for both local and FIFO personnel.

Position Overview:The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall management and operation of the vessel’s engineering department. This includes oversight of all propulsion and auxiliary systems, ensuring compliance with international and Australian maritime regulations, and maintaining the vessel’s mechanical integrity and safety. The Chief Engineer leads the engineering team and plays a critical role in the vessel’s operational readiness and environmental compliance.

Key Accountabilities:

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of all mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems onboard
• Ensure compliance with AMSA Marine Order 72, SOLAS, MARPOL, and company engineering standards
• Manage engineering crew, assign duties, and ensure training and competency
• Bunkering. Monitor fuel consumption, machinery performance, and environmental controls
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, inspections, and safety drills
• Coordinate with the Master and shore-based teams on technical and operational matters
• Lead emergency response efforts related to engineering systems
• Ensure inventory of spare parts and consumables is maintained and managed efficiently
• Conduct risk assessments and implement preventative maintenance schedules
• Manage and/or conduct planned and corrective maintenance while at sea and alongside.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills:Essential

• Must be an Australian Citizen and checkable background to obtain a baseline security clearance
• AMSA Certificate of Competency - Engineer Class 3 NC
• Valid Certificate of Medical Fitness (AMSA Approved)
• Completion of STCW Short Courses:
  Basic Safety Training (Including Security Awareness)
  Advanced Fire Fighting
  Medical First Aid
• Advanced diagnostic and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and reporting skills
• Previous experience as a Chief Engineer on Similar Vessels

We deliver value for our customers through our innovative people, organisational agility, and operational excellence. As an equal opportunity employer, all positions are open to any person that may have the required characteristics and experiences. We Strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. At Birdon, we’re committed to building inclusive crews that reflect the communities in which we work.