Technical Superintendent

Svitzer; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus plan

Catered lunches every day

Flexible working arrangements

Parental leave (18 weeks)

Access to discounted gym and health

Job summary

Svitzer is seeking a skilled maritime engineer to lead technical teams and manage vessel maintenance across port locations. You will advise on vessel condition, plan budgets, and coordinate repairs to ensure safe, compliant operations.

The role involves travel across port locations to support operations, with a focus on reliability and safety. A trade or technical qualification in marine engineering is preferred, along with experience leading crews and contractors.

Qualifications

• Solid marine engineering expertise or equivalent trade/qualification.
• Experience leading technical teams and managing third‑party providers.
• Strong knowledge of diesel engines, propulsion, hydraulics and power generation.
• Understanding of vessel certification, survey requirements and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice on vessel condition and readiness.
• Manage planned maintenance systems and support crews.
• Prepare docking specs, budgets and spending controls.
• Plan maintenance schedules, labour, and work programs.
• Ensure vessels meet survey and compliance standards.
• Liaise with regulators to maintain approvals.
• Oversee stores, parts, and local procurement.
• Coordinate repairs and equipment supply to meet ops needs.

Skills

Marine engineering

Team leadership

Diesel engines

Propulsion systems

Hydraulics

Maintenance planning

Regulatory compliance

Job description

Get to Know Us

At Svitzer, keeping ports running and global trade moving takes more than crews on the water. Behind every safe towage job is a shore-based team making it happen. From operations and technical to planning, systems, and compliance, we rely on capable people who understand the importance of doing things properly. If you’re looking for meaningful work with a tight-knit team that backs each other, you’ll be in good company.

Why You’ll Want to Join Us

This role puts you at the centre of vessel operations where your engineering expertise and hands‑on approach directly impact performance, safety, and reliability. It offers a mix of strategic planning and on‑the‑ground engagement with crews. You’ll work closely with the Port Manager and our national technical team to shape solutions and drive improvements across our operations.

We Also Offer

• Company performance‑based bonus incentive through participation in Svitzer’s Bonus Plan
• Complimentary catered lunches every day, helping you save time and money
• Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance
• 18 weeks of paid parental leave to support you and your growing family
• Discounted gym, pool and leisure centre access across Australia for you and your immediate family
• Discounted private health insurance to help you and your family stay healthy
• Access to novated leasing, offering a tax-effective way to finance your next vehicle

How You’ll Make a Difference

Reporting to the Port Manager, your key responsibilities will include:

• Provide technical advice on vessel condition and operational readiness
• Manage planned maintenance systems and support crews in using them effectively
• Prepare docking specifications, set maintenance budgets, and keep spending on track
• Plan maintenance schedules, labour requirements, and work programs with the team
• Ensure all vessels meet survey requirements and compliance standards
• Liaise with regulatory bodies to maintain vessel compliance and secure approvals
• Oversee ordering and management of stores, spare parts, and local procurement
• Coordinate repairs, inspections, and equipment supply to align with operational needs

What You’ll Bring

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Solid marine engineering expertise, ideally supported by a trade or technical qualification
• Experience leading technical teams and managing third‑party service providers
• A sound understanding of diesel engines, propulsion systems, power generation, and hydraulics
• Familiarity with classification societies, vessel certification, and compliance requirements
• Proficiency in using vessel planned maintenance systems or software
• A practical mindset with strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Initiative and the ability to work independently, while still knowing when to collaborate
• A willingness to travel across port locations as needed to support the operation

Building a Diverse Workplace

In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that members from some under‑representated groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!