At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and operate high-power tug machinery in a live port environment.
- Company: Join Svitzer, a leader in Harbour Towage operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, life cover, and medical insurance.
- Other info: 1 week on / 1 week off rotation with a focus on safety and reliability.
- Why this job: Take real 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 Liverpool 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?- 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
- 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 - Liverpool employer: Svitzer
Svitzer is an exceptional employer for those seeking a hands-on role as Chief Engineer in Liverpool, offering a unique opportunity to take real ownership of powerful tug vessels in a dynamic port environment. With a commitment to high standards, a modern fleet, and a supportive work culture that values trust and competence, employees enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a balanced work-life schedule with a 1 week on / 1 week off rotation. Join us to be part of a diverse team where your skills and contributions are truly valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer - Liverpool
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Svitzer.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Svitzer love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Svitzer and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer - Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Svitzer and the Chief Engineer - Liverpool role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Svitzer.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Svitzer.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Svitzer, making you a more appealing candidate.
