Reef Fleet Engineer

Reef Encounter; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A marine tourism company in Cairns is seeking a seasoned Reef Fleet Engineer to lead the maintenance and refit of two iconic Great Barrier Reef vessels. This hands-on position requires a proactive leader who thrives in solving complex challenges and has a strong commitment to quality and safety. The role offers the chance to make a significant impact during a once-in-a-decade refit from January to Easter 2026, alongside competitive compensation and a supportive workplace.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Superannuation

Performance incentives

Senior leadership role

Supportive ownership

Qualifications

• Chief Engineer or equivalent experience required.
• Strong background in fleet maintenance and refit management.
• Demonstrated capability in practical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead fleet maintenance and reliability across two vessels.
• Drive preventative maintenance and minimize breakdowns.
• Oversee preparation and delivery of a major vessel refit.

Skills

Responsibility

Problem-solving

Hands-on

Organizational skills

Quality focus

Job description

Reef Fleet Engineer | Senior Marine Leadership Role

📍 Cairns, QLD | Great Barrier Reef

🛠️ Fleet Engineering • Major Refit • Hands-On Leadership

This is not a retirement role.

This is a build, fix, lead, and deliver role.

We operate two iconic Great Barrier Reef vessels — including a 35m, 4-deck liveaboard mini cruise ship — and we are entering a defining chapter for our business, including a major 2026 refit that will shape our future for the next decade.

We are seeking a Reef Fleet Engineer to take full ownership of the technical performance, maintenance, and refit delivery of our fleet.

This role suits someone who:

• Likes responsibility
• Enjoys solving real problems
• Is hands-on, practical, and organised
• Takes pride in well-run vessels
• Wants to make a visible, lasting impact

What you’ll be doing

• Leading fleet maintenance and reliability across two vessels
• Driving preventative maintenance and reducing reactive breakdowns
• Preparing and delivering a major vessel refit (Jan–Easter 2026)
• Working directly with shipyards, contractors, and surveyors
• Ensuring AMSA compliance and survey readiness
• Improving systems, documentation, and long-term planning

Who this suits

You’re not winding down — you’re still building.

You may currently be a:

• Chief Engineer
• Senior Marine Engineer
• Fleet Engineer / Superintendent
• Marine Refit Project Manager

What matters most is your capability, energy, and attitude.

Why join us

• Senior, trusted role with real authority
• Opportunity to lead a once-in-a-decade refit
• Long-term position in a growing Great Barrier Reef business
• Competitive salary + super + performance incentives
• Supportive ownership that values quality, safety, and people

📩 To apply:

Please email your CV and a short cover note outlining your fleet or refit experience directly to:

👉 [e-mail]

Applications are confidential.