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: 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off rotation with a focus on diversity.
- 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.
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
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
- A Full UK Driving Licence
This is a senior engineering role for someone who wants responsibility, challenge, and influence – not just a job title.
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 - Greenock employer: Svitzer
Svitzer is an exceptional employer for those seeking a hands-on role as Chief Engineer in Greenock, offering a unique opportunity to take ownership of powerful tug vessels in a dynamic and safety-critical environment. With a commitment to high standards, modern equipment, and a supportive work culture, employees enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a balanced work-life schedule with a 2 weeks on/2 weeks off rotation. The company fosters diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
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 operations, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the 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 the interview by practising common technical questions related to tug machinery and fault diagnosis. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your problem-solving skills under pressure.
✨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 Svitzer and ready to take on the challenge of being a Chief Engineer.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer - Greenock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Experience:When applying for the Chief Engineer role, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with high-power 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 position.
Be Clear About Your Certifications:Don’t forget to mention your STCW III/3 Chief Engineer certification and valid ENG1. We need to know you’re qualified and ready to take on the responsibilities that come with this role, so be upfront about your credentials!
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, share specific examples of how you've diagnosed faults and solved problems under pressure. We love candidates who can think on their feet and keep things running smoothly, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Svitzer
✨Know Your Machinery Inside Out
As a Chief Engineer, you’ll be expected to maintain and operate high-power tug machinery. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss specific systems and components during the interview. Show them you’re not just familiar with the machinery but that you can diagnose faults and fix problems under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully diagnosed and resolved issues in a demanding environment. Highlight your ability to think on your feet and how you’ve kept operations running smoothly, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the challenges of the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Trust
Svitzer values a small, professional crew where trust and competence matter. Be ready to share stories about how you’ve worked effectively within a team, supported your colleagues, and contributed to a positive working environment. This will demonstrate that you understand the importance of collaboration in a safety-critical setting.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safety and Standards
Safety is paramount in this role, so be prepared to discuss your approach to maintaining high standards in engineering. Talk about your pride in safe, reliable engineering practices and how you ensure compliance with safety regulations. This will reassure them that you take your responsibilities seriously and are committed to excellence.
