Chief Engineer

Birdon; Port Macquarie; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Birdon is seeking an experienced Chief Engineer for its ABF Charter Program vessels operating from Darwin. You will lead the engineering department, overseeing propulsion, auxiliary systems, and regulatory compliance to ensure safe, reliable operations.

The role requires a professional with AMSA qualifications, STCW certifications, and proven leadership on similar vessels to drive environmental and safety performance on a 21-day roster.

Qualifications

• Australian citizen with background check for baseline security clearance.
• AMSA Certificate of Competency - Engineer Class 3 NC mandatory.
• AMSA Approved Medical Fitness certificate mandatory.
• STCW Short Courses: Basic Safety Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid.
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving ability and clear 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, and ensure training and competency.
• Bunkering and monitor fuel consumption, machinery performance, and environmental controls.
• Maintain records of maintenance, inspections, and safety drills.
• Coordinate with the Master and shore-based teams on technical matters.
• Lead emergency response for engineering systems.
• Manage inventory of spare parts and consumables.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement preventive maintenance.
• Plan maintenance while at sea and when alongside.

Skills

Advanced diagnostic and problem‑solved

Effective communication and reporting

Leadership and team management

Education

AMSA Certificate of Competency - Engineer Class 3 NC

Certificate of Medical Fitness (AMSA Approved)

STCW Basic Safety Training (Security Awareness)

STCW Advanced Fire Fighting

STCW Medical First Aid

Job description

Contact information

• Contact Name People & Culture Team
• Contact Phone [phone]
• Contact Email [e-mail]

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 qualified Chief 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.