Chief Engineer

Belmond; Johor Bahru; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries and insurance plans

Complimentary and preferred rate experiences

Wellness programs

Meals Allowance

Health & Life Insurance

Job summary

Belmond is seeking a Chief Engineer for the Eastern & Oriental Express in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. You will oversee the engineering department, ensuring project planning and successful implementation while leading a team to meet safety and quality standards.

Your expertise in railway systems and compliance will guide the maintenance and operation of our trains, ensuring optimal performance. Experience in the hospitality industry is a bonus, but passion for travel and commitment to safety are essential.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in the railway or similar industry.
• Hands-on experience with train design and maintenance protocols.
• Proven expertise in regulatory compliance and railway systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee engineering department and manage technical goals.
• Ensure compliance with National Rail standards.
• Lead internal and external staffing for product operation.

Skills

Leadership

Technical Expertise

Safety Compliance

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's or higher degree

Tools

CAD

FEA

railway-specific simulation tools

Job description

Role Overview

As a Chief Engineer at Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train, you will be responsible for overseeing the engineering department, ensuring the successful planning, development, and implementation of projects. You will lead Engineering team to set technical goals, and ensure adherence to quality standards, safety regulations, sustainability and timelines. Additionally, you are responsible for budgeting, resource allocation, and mentoring engineers. Maintain a high level of technical expertise, monitor industry trends, and ensure that the engineering strategies align with the company's overall business objectives and goals. If you're looking to develop your skills and be part of the future of luxury, this is your moment.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the product is maintained and operated in line with National Rail standards and participate in required projects and improvement programs to roll out new functionality, procedures, scheduling, or reports
• Ensure equipment, spare parts and minimum holding levels are correctly ordered, received, stored, and maintained
• Ensure accurate forecasting and delivery of all required preventative maintenance
• Ensure accurate forecasting and delivery of all mandatory maintenance
• Compile equipment information, performance metrics and maintenance histories and make recommendations for improvements based on their findings
• Manage internal and external staff, contractors, and project managers to ensure successful setup and operation of the product
• Devise and manage a strategy that maintains the product in optimal condition and that works around the planned operating schedule

Ensure clear communication and workflow between product and ECM (Entity in Charge of Maintenance).

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical or relevant field) is required. A Master's or higher degree may be preferred
• At least 10-15 years of experience in the railway or similar industry, with a significant portion spent in senior engineering roles
• Hands‑on experience with train design, systems integration, maintenance, and safety protocols
• Proven expertise in railway systems (e.g., track, signaling, rolling stock, electrification, or operations)
• Deep understanding of railway safety standards, regulatory compliance, and environmental considerations
• Proficiency in specialized engineering software used in train design, simulation, and analysis (e.g., CAD, FEA, and railway‑specific simulation tools)
• Professional engineering certifications (e.g., Chartered Engineer, PE license) specific to the railway or transportation industry
• Certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or railway safety can be a plus
• A commitment to safety, environmental sustainability, and optimizing train performance
• Ability to lead complex projects involving both technical challenges and strategic goals

Interest in staying current with industry trends, such as advancements in rail technology and sustainability initiatives.

We seek warm, genuine, authentic people with a passion for travel and discovery. You are self‑assured without being arrogant, and keen to interact with our discerning guests. You are a great storyteller with a positive mindset and a can‑do attitude.

International exposure will be considered a plus. You must speak English. Additional languages, such as Japanese, Korean, Cantonese, French and German, are a benefit. We welcome a diversity of backgrounds, ethnicities and religions.

Experience in the hospitality industry is a bonus, but not a necessity.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and insurance plans
• Complimentary and preferred rate experiences at our iconic destinations
• Wellness programs
• Meals Allowance
• Health & Life Insurance

Working on board the Eastern & Oriental Express is an amazing experience. As part of the highly prestigious Belmond and LVMH family, you travel with and cater to international guests, work with universally recognised chefs and enjoy an ideal work-life balance, alternating between time on the train and time off between journeys.