Chief Engineer

Serco Group; Garelochhead; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 6% contributory pension scheme

Internal courses & apprenticeships (60

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts across 1,000 retailers

Volunteer day

Diversity networks

Job summary

Serco Group in the United Kingdom is seeking an In Chief Engineer for our Defence Maritime team. You will oversee operation, maintenance and repair of vessel machinery, systems and equipment to ensure safe, reliable and compliant performance.

You will lead engineering records, support vessel dockings and coordinate with Port Technical teams, with BPSS and security clearance readiness embedded in the role. A strong focus on safety and continuous improvement is required.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrate excellent awareness of health, safety and risk management principles.
• Take pride in solving problems, building trust and delivering against commitments.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain and repair vessel auxiliary machinery, systems and equipment to ensure compliance with Flag State and Class standards.
• Manage the performance, availability, safety and security of engineering equipment under your responsibility.
• Maintain accurate engineering records, reports and maintenance documentation using company systems.
• Lead standards of fire prevention and firefighting onboard assigned vessels.
• Act as the Ship’s Safety and Environmental Officer, promoting safe working practices and environmental compliance.
• Work with the Port Technical team to support vessel dockings, maintenance activities and operational readiness.
• Manage engineering stores, fuel and spare parts requirements.
• Support engineering maintenance activities across multiple vessels when required.
• Operate winches during towing operations where appropriate.

Skills

Strong communication

Health, safety & risk management

Problem solving

Education

Certificate of Competency STCW 95 Chief Engineer (≤9000KW)

STCW ancillary courses completed

ENG1 Medical Certificate

BPSS/ Security Clearance eligibility

Job description

Schedule: Perm/FT/ 48 hours per week – 3 weeks on/3 weeks off working pattern

Ready to impact a better future?

As an In Chief Engineer in our Defence Maritime team, you'll play a vital role in ensuring our vessels operate safely, efficiently and reliably. Your work will help maintain critical maritime capabilities by overseeing the operation, maintenance and repair of vessel machinery, systems and equipment.

From supporting vessel availability to maintaining safety and environmental standards, your work has purpose and helps create a positive impact for colleagues, customers and the communities that rely on essential maritime services. Working closely with vessel crews and technical teams, you'll help deliver trusted solutions while contributing to a culture of safety, innovation and continuous improvement.

What you’ll do as an In Chief Engineer

• Operate, maintain and repair vessel auxiliary machinery, systems and equipment to ensure compliance with Flag State and Class standards.
• Manage the performance, availability, safety and security of engineering equipment under your responsibility.
• Maintain accurate engineering records, reports and maintenance documentation using company systems.
• Lead standards of fire prevention and firefighting onboard assigned vessels.
• Act as the Ship’s Safety and Environmental Officer, promoting safe working practices and environmental compliance.
• Work with the Port Technical team to support vessel dockings, maintenance activities and operational readiness.
• Manage engineering stores, fuel and spare parts requirements.
• Support engineering maintenance activities across multiple vessels when required.
• Operate winches during towing operations where appropriate.

Does this sound like you?

• Hold a Certificate of Competency STCW 95 Chief Engineer qualification, with less than 9000KW.
• Have completed all required Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) ancillary courses.
• Possess strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrate excellent awareness of health, safety and risk management principles.
• Take pride in solving problems, building trust and delivering against commitments.
• Be eligible to obtain Home Office Security Clearance.
• Hold a valid ENG1 Medical Certificate.

What we offer

• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (we currently offer over 60 different apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including veterans, LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, and people from all cultural backgrounds

Vetting and checks:

This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.

A little bit about us:

At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:

We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
• Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).