At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure vessels are safe, compliant, and reliable while managing technical integrity and maintenance.
- Company: Join a leading maritime company in Hamburg with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vessel performance and safety in a dynamic maritime environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or equivalent experience in offshore vessel maintenance required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55200 £ per year.
The Technical Superintendent is responsible for the technical integrity, maintenance delivery and engineering assurance of assigned vessels, ensuring vessels remain safe, compliant, reliable and ‘In Class’, while supporting the Vessel Manager as the asset owner to deliver contracted performance and commercial outcomes. Operating within the North Star Integrated Management System (IMS), the role drives technical availability and reliability, reducing unplanned downtime/off‑hire exposure through disciplined maintenance governance, defect elimination and robust technical reporting.
For SOV/CSOV assets, the role provides technical authority for mission‑critical systems (e.g., DP/power management and walk‑to‑work systems) and, where applicable, supports commissioning/acceptance readiness for newbuilds, conversions or major upgrades.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
- Reports to: Group Technical Manager (Direct – Functional), Vessel Manager (Indirect - Matrix Asset Based)
- Key Interfaces: Master/Chief Engineer; Operations; QHSSE; Crewing & HR; Finance; Procurement/Projects; Class/Flag/Port State; OEMs and approved contractors.
AUTHORITY & ACCOUNTABILITY
The Technical Superintendent operates with delegated authority for technical planning, specification, contractor control and engineering decisions required to maintain assigned vessels in a safe, compliant, audit‑ready condition aligned to the North Star Integrated Management System (IMS) and the Vessel Manager’s approved asset plan. The role is accountable for delivering technical OPEX/CAPEX performance against approved budgets/forecasts, escalating material variance and risk before spending is committed, and ensuring all technical activity is evidence‑led and controlled through the company’s authoritative systems (e.g., Shipsure ERP), avoiding informal bypassing through spreadsheets or email‑only tracking.
KEY WORK AREAS RESPONSIBLE FOR
- Technical Integrity, Compliance & Audit‑Readiness: Maintain continuous oversight of vessel material condition, technical risk and certification status, ensuring vessels remain safe, compliant, In Class and audit‑ready at all times. Plan, coordinate and close out statutory, Class and Flag surveys, including Conditions of Class, with robust evidence and on‑time completion. Ensure technical records and close‑outs meet IMS expectations and stand up to audit scrutiny (quality evidence, traceability and governance).
- Planned Maintenance, Reliability & Defect Elimination: Own PMS/defect governance quality: defects are assessed, prioritised, actioned and closed with supporting evidence and system discipline. Monitor machinery performance and repeat failures; drive Root Cause Analysis (RCA), defect elimination and reliability improvements to protect availability and reduce unplanned downtime/off‑hire exposure. Provide clear technical direction to Masters and Chief Engineers on maintenance standards, breakdown response and escalation thresholds.
- SOV/CSOV Mission‑Critical Systems & Technical Readiness: Act as subject matter expert for mission‑critical systems (DP/station‑keeping, diesel‑electric/power management, walk‑to‑work/gangway systems, hotel/POB critical systems, and transfer craft where fitted). Ensure operational readiness through disciplined maintenance, vendor governance and performance trending to protect safety and charter compliance. Lead technical readiness for mobilisations/conversions/upgrades, including acceptance planning, punch‑list control and commissioning evidence where applicable.
- Major Repairs, Modifications CAPEX & Dry Dockings: Develop and deliver (with Vessel Manager approval) annual maintenance plans, docking specifications and rolling lifecycle/CAPEX plans based on condition, risk, surveys and obsolescence. Plan and technically manage emergency repairs/docking/major interventions, ensuring Class/Flag integration, variation control, cost control and safe execution. Ensure redelivery is supported by testing/commissioning records, Class acceptance, clear residual risk statements and full close‑out (including lessons learned).
- Financial Control – Technical OPEX/CAPEX Delivery: Provide bottom‑up vessel technical budget inputs and rolling forecasts based on real condition, defect maturity, survey windows and planned work. Monitor and control technical spend against approved OPEX/CAPEX, escalating material variance early and maintaining a clear audit trail through requisition/PO/invoice discipline. Ensure costs, work orders and defects are linked in the authoritative system to preserve financial and technical traceability.
- Leadership, Interfaces & Emergency Response: Act as the shore‑based technical authority for assigned vessels, coaching and challenging shipboard engineering teams to sustain consistent standards. Coordinate effectively with Operations, QHSSE, Crewing, Finance, Procurement, Projects, Class/Flag, OEMs and contractors to deliver controlled outcomes. Provide calm technical leadership during breakdowns/casualties, ensuring containment, documentation, escalation and learning (RCA and preventive actions).
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential: Degree in Marine/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or Chief Engineer CoC / STCW management level (or equivalent shore‑based competence). Proven track record delivering class/statutory compliance, dry dockings/major repairs, defect control and maintenance assurance in an offshore vessel environment. Demonstrable capability in technical budget control/forecasting and disciplined use of PMS/ERP systems for evidence‑led reporting.
Desirable: SOV/CSOV experience including DP and diesel‑electric/power management and/or walk‑to‑work access systems. Commissioning/acceptance exposure (FAT/SAT/sea trials/handover) for newbuilds, conversions or major upgrades. Strong competence in vendor management and performance improvement/learning transfer across vessels/fleet.
PERSONAL QUALITIES/CHARACTERISTICS: Evidence‑led judgement and strong governance mindset: no tolerance for undocumented deferral, weak close‑out or informal bypass of controls. Organised, resilient and decisive under pressure with strong stakeholder management across ship/shore, yards, OEMs, Class/Flag and internal functions. Commercially disciplined and improvement‑driven: protects uptime, controls cost and converts defects/incidents into reliability improvements.
Technical Superintendent (Hamburg) in Aberdeen employer: North Star Shipping
At North Star, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hamburg that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you have ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the technical division. Join us to be part of a team that values safety, compliance, and excellence in maritime operations, all while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of Germany's most vibrant cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Superintendent (Hamburg) in Aberdeen
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We think you need these skills to ace Technical Superintendent (Hamburg) in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Technical Superintendent (Hamburg), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to North Star Shipping specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
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How to prepare for a job interview at North Star Shipping
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with North Star Shipping, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like North Star Shipping want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
