Director, Engines in Surrey

This is a land-based position that will work onsite in Weybridge, UK. The Director, Power Plant is a subject matter expert overseeing power plant performance, engine overhaul schedules, budgets, and maintenance for Royal Caribbean Group’s fleet. The role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant operations of LNG, methanol, and conventional marine engines, while supporting the implementation of alternative‑fuel procedures.

Responsibilities include providing technical support, managing vendor and regulatory relationships, leading financial planning for retrofits and CAPEX, and driving efficiency and safety initiatives. The position also fosters collaboration with ship engineering and Marine Operations teams, and regularly updates executive leadership on power plant status.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Support
• Ensure safe and efficient operation of conventional- and alternative‑fueled cruise vessels and all related marine engine systems.
• Develop and maintain shipboard and shoreside procedures for LNG and methanol operations in alignment with RCG standards.
• Oversee the technical integrity, design, and approval of alternative‑fuel and engine systems for existing ships.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies, including software‑based solutions, to optimize engine and fuel system performance.
• Develop short‑, mid‑, and long‑term strategies for compliance with EEXI, CII, and broader decarbonization objectives.
• Establish and maintain KPIs to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Operational Management
• Provide second‑level technical support on alternative‑fuel and engine‑related issues to ensure safe, compliant operations.
• Deliver clear and timely updates to executive leadership on retrofit progress and energy‑efficiency initiatives.
• Maintain strong communication channels with Marine Technology, Marine Technical Operations, and onboard leadership.
• Compliance & Safety
• Partner with classification societies and regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance across fuel and engine systems.
• Conduct ship visits and inspections to confirm compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Engage with key vendors (e.g., Wärtsilä, Everllence, DNV, ABS and Lloyd’s Register) to monitor industry developments and optimize adoption of new fuel and engine technologies.
• Monitor technical and safety bulletins and coordinate necessary corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Energy Management and fuel‑supply teams on energy‑efficiency initiatives and emerging fuel opportunities.
• Provide newbuilding support, collaborating with engineering teams to ensure optimal design and functionality.
• Team Leadership
• Lead, develop, and performance‑manage the Engines team, fostering a high‑performance, collaborative culture.
• Provide day‑to‑day directions, coaching, and feedback to specialist engineers and riding team members.
• Drive team capability development through mentoring, structured training, and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
• Support succession planning, talent development, and onboarding of new team members.
• Ensure consistent ways of working across the team and alignment with broader Marine Technology strategy.
• Overall responsibility for ensuring the efficient utilization of our Diesel riding team and developing their competencies.
• Lead financial planning for fleet retrofit and decarbonization programs.
• Manage budgets for assigned CAPEX projects.

Qualifications / Skills

• Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent maritime qualifications (e.g., Chief Engineer License).
• Experience
• Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred; 10+ years cruise ship experience and 10+ years diesel engine installation commissioning experience (including marine and power plant).
• In‑depth knowledge of marine power plant systems and engine performance monitoring techniques.
• Proven track record in managing main engine overhauls and related projects.
• Experience in fleet technical management, dry‑dock execution, and budget oversight.
• Familiarity with alternative fuel engines and associated systems.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Preferred
• In‑depth knowledge of Wartsila or Everllence 4‑stroke engines.
• Proficiency with data‑analytics tools and fleet‑management systems.

It is the policy of the Company to ensure equal employment and promotion opportunity to qualified candidates without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sexuality, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Royal Caribbean Group and each of its subsidiaries prohibit and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.