At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and operate powerful tug machinery in a live port environment.
- Company: Join Svitzer, a leader in Harbour Towage operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension matching, life cover, and medical insurance.
- Other info: 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off rotation with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Take ownership and responsibility in a hands-on engineering 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 Greenock operation and become an integral part of our Harbour Towage operations. 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?- 2 weeks on / 2 weeks 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
- Minimum STCW III/3 Chief Engineer <6000kW>
- 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
- A Full UK Driving Licence
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 WorkplaceIn 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 ApplyTo apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.
Chief Engineer - Greenock employer: Svitzer
Svitzer is an exceptional employer for those seeking a hands-on role as Chief Engineer in Greenock, offering a competitive salary and a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and high standards. With a modern fleet and local technical support, employees enjoy a two weeks on/two weeks off rotation that allows for a healthy work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer - Greenock
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Svitzer's values, mission, and recent projects. This way, when you chat with them, you can show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to hands-on engineering challenges. Think about how you'd handle pressure in a live port environment and be ready to share your experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Svitzer team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer - Greenock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Chief Engineer role shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely excited about the challenges and responsibilities that come with this position.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in maintaining and operating high-power tug machinery. We love details, so share specific examples of how you've diagnosed faults and solved problems under pressure in similar environments.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. We appreciate candidates who take the time to align their experiences with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website by clicking the 'Apply Now' button. This way, you can easily manage your application and stay updated on the process. We’re excited 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 tug machinery and fault diagnosis. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled problems in high-pressure situations, as this role demands hands-on expertise.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Even though this is a hands-on role, demonstrating your ability to lead and support a small crew is crucial. Prepare to share experiences where you've taken charge or supported your team effectively, showcasing your professional mindset and commitment to safety.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Svitzer's values and their commitment to high standards and diversity. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, and why you’re excited about contributing to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the challenges they face in maintaining their fleet or how they support their engineers in achieving high standards. This will demonstrate your proactive attitude and eagerness to be part of the team.
