Ship Repair Superintendent

Darwin Recruitment; California (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking a Ship Repair Superintendent to lead urgent and planned repair operations on commercial vessels, focusing on emergency response, troubleshooting rotating equipment, pumps, seals, and propulsion systems with on-site coordination of crews and vendors.

You will drive safety, ensure quality workmanship, manage field teams under time-sensitive conditions, and develop repair scopes, estimates, and schedules while coordinating with vessel crews and clients.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of ship repair or heavy mechanical service experience.
• Hands-on background with rotating equipment, pump systems, seals, and mechanical overhauls.
• Proven experience leading field repair teams in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to diagnose complex mechanical failures quickly and accurately.
• Working knowledge of marine mechanical systems and repair standards.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.
• Ability to travel on short notice and work irregular hours during emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead emergency and scheduled ship repair operations from initial assessment through completion.
• Diagnose and coordinate repairs on rotating equipment, pumps, seals, and associated mechanical systems.
• Oversee equipment overhauls, disassembly/reassembly, alignment, and performance verification.
• Mobilize field teams and subcontractors for rapid response repairs.
• Ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards.
• Serve as primary on-site technical contact with vessel crews, clients, and service partners.
• Develop repair scopes, cost estimates, and timelines under urgent conditions.
• Monitor job progress, quality control, and documentation.
• Manage labor resources, tooling, and materials to meet operational deadlines.

Skills

Field leadership

Troubleshooting

Coordination

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Marine engineering certification

Tools

Rotating equipment

Pumps

Seals

Propulsion systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Ship Repair Superintendent leads urgent and planned repair activities for commercial vessels, with a primary focus on emergency response work. This role oversees troubleshooting, coordination, and execution of mechanical repairs involving rotating equipment, pumps, seals, and propulsion-related systems. The superintendent ensures rapid mobilization, technical accuracy, safety compliance, and high-quality workmanship while managing crews, vendors, and customer communication under time-sensitive conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead emergency and scheduled ship repair operations from initial assessment through completion
• Diagnose and coordinate repairs on rotating equipment, pumps, seals, and associated mechanical systems
• Oversee equipment overhauls, disassembly/reassembly, alignment, and performance verification
• Mobilize field teams and subcontractors for rapid response repairs
• Ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards
• Serve as primary on-site technical contact with vessel crews, clients, and service partners
• Develop repair scopes, cost estimates, and timelines under urgent conditions
• Monitor job progress, quality control, and documentation
• Manage labor resources, tooling, and materials to meet operational deadlines

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of ship repair or heavy mechanical service experience
• Strong hands-on background with rotating equipment, pump systems, seals, and mechanical overhauls
• Proven experience leading field repair teams in high-pressure environments
• Ability to diagnose complex mechanical failures quickly and accurately
• Working knowledge of marine mechanical systems and repair standards
• Strong communication and coordination skills
• Ability to travel on short notice and work irregular hours during emergencies

Preferred Qualifications

• Marine engineering or technical trade certification
• Experience with commercial vessel repair operations
• Familiarity with alignment, vibration analysis, or condition monitoring
• Prior supervisory or superintendent-level experience

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Field-based work in shipyards, docks, and onboard vessels
• Exposure to industrial environments, noise, and confined spaces
• Ability to lift tools/equipment and climb ladders as required
• Availability for after-hours and emergency callouts