Reefer Engineer

A.P. Moller - Maersk; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Maersk is seeking a Reefer Engineer to deliver 24/7 technical support for vessel reefer operations, ensuring cargo safety and operational excellence across the fleet. The role requires strong technical expertise in reefer systems, housekeeping of the knowledge base, and proactive issue resolution.

Based in Modesto, CA, the position offers collaboration with global teams and opportunities to drive safety, reliability, and cost optimization initiatives within Maersk’s Reefer Excellence program.

Qualifications

• Strong technical expertise in reefer container systems.
• Proven experience in vessel operations / marine engineering / reefer troubleshooting.
• Ability to handle high-volume, time-critical technical issues.
• Strong stakeholder management across global teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Effective communication skills (written & verbal).

Responsibilities

• Provide 24/7 technical support to vessel teams via Hotline, email, and VCM systems.
• Manage and troubleshoot reefer malfunctions daily with focus on timely resolution.
• Support vessels in minimizing cargo risk and ensuring operational continuity.
• Act as escalation point for complex technical issues onboard.
• Serve as daily reefer operations focal for assigned fleet groups.
• Collaborate with Stowage, Commercial, and TbM teams to maximize intake and meet customer commitments.
• Monitor fleet performance and proactively address operational risks.
• Maintain and enhance the Vessel Reefer technical knowledge base.
• Drive competency development initiatives including training sessions, webinars, and cadet programs.
• Ensure vessel crew readiness to effectively manage reefer operations and malfunctions.
• Act as primary technical interface with OEM.
• Facilitate technical discussions, reliability reviews, and issue resolution coordination.
• Support feedback loops between vessels, VRE, and OEM to enhance equipment performance.
• Collaborate across VRE, Fleet Teams, Supply Chain, Commercial, and TbM.
• Lead Safety, reliability, and cost optimization projects across reefer network.
• Support vessel readiness and continuous improvement efforts across the reefer network.

Skills

Reefer systems

Vessel operations

High-volume troubleshooting

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Effective communication

Job description

Maersk is a global leader in integrated logistics and have been industry pioneers for over a century. Through innovation and transformation, we are redefining the boundaries of possibility, continuously setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and excellence.

At Maersk, we believe in the power of diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning and we work hard to ensure that the people in our organization reflect and understand the customers we exist to serve.

With over 100,000 employees across 130 countries, we work together to shape the future of global trade and logistics.

Join us as we harness cutting-edge technologies and unlock opportunities on a global scale. Together, let's sail towards a brighter, more sustainable future with Maersk.

What we offer

• Impact: Your work will directly contribute to the success of our global operations.
• Opportunity: Maersk provides ample opportunities for growth and development, both professionally and personally.
• Innovation: Join a forward-thinking team that embraces innovation and cutting-edge technologies.
• Global Exposure: Collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and gain exposure to international business practices.
• Work-Life Balance: We value work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements to support our employees

Role

The Reefer Engineer serves as a critical technical backbone within the Vessel Reefer Excellence (VRE) team, providing 24/7 technical support to vessels, ensuring reliable reefer operations, safeguarding customer cargo, and driving operational excellence across assigned fleet groups.

Key Responsibilities

• 24/7 Technical Support & Malfunction Management
• Provide round-the-clock technical support to vessel teams via Hotline, email, and VCM systems
• Manage and troubleshoot reefer malfunctions daily with a focus on timely resolution
• Support vessels in minimizing cargo risk and ensuring operational continuity
• Act as escalation point for complex technical issues onboard
• Fleet Operations Support
• Serve as daily reefer operations focal for assigned fleet groups
• Support vessel teams with technical queries, power management, and contingency handling
• Collaborate with Stowage, Commercial, and TbM teams to maximize intake and meet customer commitments
• Monitor fleet performance and proactively address operational risks
• Knowledge Management & Competency Development
• Maintain and enhance the Vessel Reefer technical knowledge base
• Drive competency development initiatives including training sessions, webinars, and cadet programs
• Ensure vessel crew readiness to effectively manage reefer operations and malfunctions
• OEM Technical Focal
• Act as primary technical interface with OEM
• Facilitate technical discussions, reliability reviews, and issue resolution coordination
• Support feedback loops between vessels, VRE, and OEM to enhance equipment performance
• Cross-functional Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives
• Collaborate across VRE, Fleet Teams, Supply Chain, Commercial, and TbM
• Contribute to major programs and Reefer seasons and lead Safety, reliability, and cost optimization projects
• Support vessel readiness and continuous improvement efforts across the reefer network

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong technical expertise in reefer container systems
• Proven experience in vessel operations / marine engineering / reefer troubleshooting
• Ability to handle high-volume, time-critical technical issues
• Strong stakeholder management across global teams
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure
• Effective communication skills (written & verbal)

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

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