Position Summary
The Senior Mechanical Field Engineer provides hands-on waterfront engineering support during vessel construction, mechanical completion, commissioning, testing, and delivery activities aboard the SOV program.
This is not a traditional office-based design engineering role. The position is heavily field-oriented and requires daily interaction with production trades, commissioning teams, ABS surveyors, USCG representatives, subcontractors, and vessel management teams.
The engineer will split time between onboard vessel support and engineering office coordination while serving as a liaison between engineering and production to help resolve technical issues, support commissioning execution, validate system readiness, and maintain schedule progress.
The successful candidate must understand how marine systems are physically installed, tested, integrated, and operated aboard complex vessels.
Primary Areas of Support
The position directly supports the three core areas identified by FBS leadership:
1. Commissioning Oversight & Coordination
Support mechanical system turnover and commissioning readiness.
Coordinate testing and operational verification activities.
Assist commissioning teams with troubleshooting and issue resolution.
Validate system completion status prior to testing.
Coordinate mechanical test boundaries and lockout/tagout activities.
Support dock trials and sea trial preparation.
2. Engineering-to-Production Liaison Support
Serve as the daily interface between engineering teams and waterfront production groups.
Resolve installation conflicts and field engineering issues.
Support clarification of drawings, specifications, and work packages.
Coordinate technical responses to production questions.
Verify field conditions and support as-built validation activities.
3. Status Reporting & Technical Problem Resolution
Provide daily updates to engineering and program leadership.
Identify schedule risks and technical obstacles early.
Support deficiency tracking and closeout efforts.
Coordinate corrective actions with production, vendors, and subcontractors.
Assist with turnover documentation and final delivery readiness.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Mechanical Systems Integration
Support installation and commissioning of:
Propulsion systems
Thrusters
Auxiliary systems
Fuel systems
Cooling systems
HVAC systems
Hydraulic systems
Offshore support equipment
Pumps and piping systems
Verify installation compliance with ABS and USCG requirements.
Conduct onboard inspections and ship checks.
Commissioning & Testing Support
Support mechanical test execution and operational verification.
Assist with:
Pre-functional testing
Functional testing
Integrated systems testing
Dock trials
Sea trials
Coordinate with vendors and OEM representatives during startup activities.
Track deficiencies and support closure efforts.
Production & Waterfront Coordination
Work directly with:
Ship superintendents
Craft labor
Production management
Test teams
Planning teams
Vendors
Help sequence work to support commissioning schedules.
Resolve technical conflicts impacting production flow.
Regulatory & Quality Support
Support ABS inspections and regulatory reviews.
Verify work aligns with:
ABS requirements
USCG regulations
Vessel technical specifications
Offshore wind operational requirements
Support turnover package reviews and completion documentation.
Physical Job Requirements
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
Daily onboard vessel access required.
Ability to:
Climb ladders
Traverse unfinished ship spaces
Enter confined spaces
Work in industrial shipyard environments
Combination office and waterfront work environment.
Extended work hours may be required during critical commissioning periods.
Education/Certification Requirements
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or related discipline preferred.
Minimum 5–10 years supporting:
Vessel construction
Ship repair
Commissioning
Marine systems integration
Strong understanding of:
Marine mechanical systems
Shipyard production operations
Waterfront execution
Commissioning processes
Familiarity with:
ABS
USCG
DP systems preferred
Ability to read and interpret:
P&IDs
Mechanical drawings
Technical manuals
Ship specifications
Strong troubleshooting and coordination skills.
Preferred Experience
Offshore wind vessel experience.
DP vessel experience.
Experience supporting:
SOV vessels
OSVs
Offshore construction vessels
Complex commercial vessel builds
Previous shipyard waterfront support experience.
