At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and operate powerful tug machinery in a live port environment.
- Company: Join Svitzer, a leader in tug engineering with high standards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, life cover, and medical insurance.
- Other info: 1 week on / 1 week off rotation for work-life balance.
- Why this job: Take ownership and face technical challenges in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: STCW III/3 Chief Engineer certification and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 68440 - 68440 £ per year.
Svitzer is looking for a Chief Engineer to join our Felixstowe operation. This is not a supervisory role from the sidelines. As Chief Engineer, you are hands-on, accountable, and ultimately responsible for keeping powerful tug vessels operational in a demanding, safety-critical environment where downtime is not an option. If you want real ownership, technical challenge, and responsibility this is the role where it counts.
This Is What the Job Really Looks Like
- Maintaining and operating high-power tug machinery in a live port environment
- Diagnosing faults and fixing problems under pressure
- Owning the condition, safety, and readiness of your engine room
- Supporting the Master and crew to keep the tug operational at all times
- Working as part of a small, professional crew where trust and competence matter
If you’re looking for a desk-based Chief Engineer role, this isn’t it. If you want to be trusted with real authority and responsibility, it probably is.
Why Svitzer?
- 1 week on / 1 week off rotation – work hard, then properly switch off
- Modern, well-maintained fleet – no corner-cutting, no neglected machinery
- A company that expects high standards — and backs you to meet them
- Local technical support – close, capable, responsive
We don’t promise an easy job. We promise one worthy of the title Chief Engineer.
What You Get
- Competitive Salary of £68,440.88 per annum
- Permanent, Time-for-Time contract
- Pension matched up to 10%
- Life Cover (4x pensionable salary) and Single Private Medical Insurance
- Uniforms and PPE provided
- Employee Assistance Programme
What You Bring
- Minimum STCW III/3 Chief Engineer <6000kW (III/2 Unlimited preferred)
- Valid ENG1 and STCW certification (minimum 6 months validity)
- Strong fault-finding, maintenance, and problem-solving skills
- Harbour towage or small-vessel experience preferred
- A professional mindset and pride in safe, reliable engineering
- The right to live and work in the UK
- Full UK Driving Licence and Own Vehicle to be able to access the port
- Ideally living locally to the Port of Felixstowe
This is a senior engineering role for someone who wants responsibility, challenge, and influence — not just a job title. If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you.
Building a Diverse Workplace
In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.
Chief Engineer - Felixstowe employer: Svitzer
Svitzer is an exceptional employer that prioritises operational excellence and commercial growth while fostering a diverse and high-performance culture. Located in the UK, employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes pension and health plans, alongside ample opportunities for professional development and strategic leadership within a safety-critical environment. Joining Svitzer means being part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to sustainable growth and strong internal relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer - Felixstowe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Svitzer, their values, and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Chief Engineer role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role is all about practical skills, brush up on your fault-finding and maintenance techniques. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities under pressure during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role. Don’t hesitate – if you think you’ve got what it takes, we want to hear from you!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer - Felixstowe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with tug machinery. We want to see how you've tackled challenges in a live port environment and what makes you the right fit for this demanding role.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! We appreciate authenticity, so share your passion for engineering and why you’re excited about the Chief Engineer position. It helps us get to know the real you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Use keywords from the posting, like 'fault-finding' and 'safety-critical environment', to show that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit the bill.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, creating a Candidate Home will help you manage your applications easily. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to high-power tug machinery. Be prepared to discuss specific systems you've worked with and how you've tackled challenges in a live port environment.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've diagnosed faults and fixed problems under pressure. Svitzer values hands-on experience, so be ready to share stories that highlight your ability to maintain safety and operational readiness.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As a Chief Engineer, you'll be part of a small crew. Talk about your experiences working collaboratively and how you support your team. Emphasise trust and competence, as these are key in a demanding environment.
✨Express Your Passion for Engineering
Svitzer is looking for someone who takes pride in their work. Share why you love engineering and what motivates you to keep machinery operational. Show them you're not just looking for a job title, but a role where you can make a real impact.
