Vessel Engineer-Maritime North - OOP Operations

Serco; Kyle of Lochalsh; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme (up to 6% contribution)

Internal courses & apprenticeships

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing and healthcare benefits

Retail discounts

Volunteer day and Payroll Giving

Job summary

Serco is seeking a Vessel Engineer to oversee the safe operation and maintenance of onboard propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary systems. You will work with the Vessel Master to ensure efficient performance and reliability, while maintaining accurate records and complying with safety and environmental standards.

The role requires MCA EOOW, full STCW endorsements, and an ENG1 medical certificate. A challenging, mission‑critical position within our Maritime Services team awaits the right

Qualifications

• EOOW certification is required as a minimum.
• STCW certificates including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Survival Craft and Elementary First Aid are required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe operation, maintenance and repair of propulsion, auxiliary, deck and electrical machinery onboard the vessel.
• Plan and oversee preventive and corrective maintenance to maximise reliability and availability.

Skills

Problem-solving

Independence

Team collaboration

Maintenance planning

Attention to detail

Education

MCA Certificate of Competency EOOW

STCW Certificates (including PT, Fire, Safety)

ENG1 medical certificate

Job description

Vessel Engineer

Location: Kyle of Lochalsh, Ross-Shire, IV40 8AJ

Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits

Schedule: Perm/FT/48 hours - rostered 4 weeks on, 4 weeks off

For applicants who live further than 80 miles away from Kyle of Lochalsh, Serco will pay a maximum of 0.55p per mile for travel to and from base.

Ready to impact a better future?

As a Vessel Engineer in our Maritime Services team, you’ll be responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, reliability and performance of onboard machinery and engineering systems. Your work will help ensure vital marine services operate safely, efficiently and reliably every day.

This is a role with real purpose. By maintaining vessel systems to the highest standards, you’ll help create impactful solutions that support operations, protect the environment and deliver a positive impact on communities. Working as part of a trusted maritime team, you’ll play an important role in helping us impact a better future while supporting innovation, safety and operational excellence.

What You’ll Do As a Vessel Engineer

• Ensure the safe and efficient operation, maintenance and repair of propulsion, auxiliary, deck and electrical machinery onboard the vessel.
• Plan and oversee preventative and corrective maintenance activities to maximise reliability and availability of equipment.
• Work closely with the Vessel Master to maintain operational efficiency and respond promptly to engineering matters that could affect vessel operations.
• Monitor fuel, lubricants and water consumption, maintaining accurate engineering records and reports.
• Supervise contractors and ensure engineering work is completed safely, effectively and to the required standards.
• Support compliance with safety, environmental and pollution prevention requirements, ensuring emergency equipment and procedures are fully maintained and understood.

Does this sound like you?

• You hold an MCA Certificate of Competency Officer of the Watch Engineering (EOOW) as a minimum.
• Current STCW certificates including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Survival Craft and Elementary First Aid.
• You hold a valid unrestricted ENG1 medical certificate
• You take a methodical approach to problem-solving and can work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• You demonstrate trust, resilience, accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement and growth.

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).