At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead vessel operations, ensuring machinery is in top condition and safety is prioritised.
- Company: Join Svitzer, a global leader in towage with over 4000 employees and 400 tugs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a balanced lifestyle, competitive pay, and innovative tools in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Flexible work rotation with local accommodation options available.
- Why this job: Be part of a renowned company making waves worldwide while developing your maritime engineering skills.
- Qualifications: STCW III/3 Chief Engineer certification required; leadership and fault diagnosis skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Not Everyone Is Cut Out to Be a Chief Engineer on Tugs – That’s Exactly the Point. 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
- 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
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.
Chief Engineer - Felixstowe employer: Svitzer
At SVITZER, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the maritime industry, offering our Chief Engineers in Felixstowe a unique blend of global reach and local impact. Our commitment to a balanced lifestyle, innovative work environment, and continuous professional development ensures that you thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values your contributions and fosters a culture of safety, excellence, and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer - Felixstowe
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific machinery and technology used by SVITZER. Understanding their operational standards and maintenance protocols will give you an edge during interviews, showcasing your proactive approach and technical knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of SVITZER to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Chief Engineer role. This can provide you with valuable information that can help tailor your discussions during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in team management. SVITZER values strong leadership, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams and handled challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on maritime regulations and safety standards relevant to the Chief Engineer position. Demonstrating your knowledge of compliance and safety practices will show your commitment to operational excellence and risk management.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer - Felixstowe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Chief Engineer role at Svitzer. Emphasise your qualifications, such as your STCW certification and any leadership roles you've held in maritime engineering.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for maritime engineering and your understanding of Svitzer's operations. Mention specific responsibilities from the job description that you are excited about and how your background makes you a great fit.
Highlight Safety and Compliance Experience:Given the importance of safety and regulatory adherence in this role, include examples from your past work where you ensured compliance with safety standards and effectively managed machinery operations.
Showcase Leadership Skills:As a Chief Engineer, you'll be leading a team. Provide examples of your leadership experience, including how you've trained staff or improved team performance in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to foster a collaborative environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Chief Engineer, your technical skills are paramount. Be prepared to discuss your experience with machinery maintenance, fault diagnosis, and operational excellence. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed engineering challenges.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Safety is a top priority in maritime operations. Be ready to talk about your approach to maintaining safety standards and regulatory compliance. Share instances where you ensured safe operations or improved safety protocols on board.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your experience in supervising and training engineering staff. Provide examples of how you've fostered teamwork and collaboration within your team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential breakdowns or operational issues you might face and how you would handle them. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and readiness for the role.
