Job description
Elburg Shipmanagement Phils Inc. is actively recruiting a seasoned Chief Engineer for a Bulk Carrier. This is a leadership role responsible for the safety, reliability, and performance of the vessel engine department. The Chief Engineer oversees the entire technical operations of the engine room, ensures compliance with international maritime standards, and leads a skilled team to deliver optimal vessel performance on assigned trades.
In this role you will be accountable for planning and directing maintenance, machinery inspections, and critical repairs while maximizing propulsion efficiency and minimizing downtime. You will work closely with the Captain and shore based technical support to implement preventative maintenance programs, manage spares inventory, and ensure readiness for sea trials and port calls. The position requires hands on engineering expertise, strong leadership, and a proactive approach to problem solving under challenging marine environments. If you thrive in a high responsibility, safety focused setting and have a track record of reliable engine room management, this opportunity offers a rewarding career path with competitive compensation.
This role is based in Manila, Philippines, with worldwide itineraries on bulk carrier vessels.
Responsibility
- Lead and develop engine room crew, ensuring safety training and high performance.
- Oversee all engine room operations, including propulsion, power generation, and auxiliary systems; monitor performance and optimize fuel efficiency.
- Plan, direct, and supervise preventive maintenance, repairs, and overhauls; ensure compliance with ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL, and class requirements.
- Manage maintenance scheduling and spare parts inventory; ensure readiness for voyages and port calls; maintain accurate engine room logs.
- Troubleshoot equipment failures, coordinate with shore-based technical support, and implement timely corrective actions.
- Enforce safe operating procedures and participate in safety drills, audits, and incident investigations.
- Monitor budgets, authorize expenditures, and control costs related to engine operations and spares management.
- Represent the engine department in shipboard management meetings and liaise with the master and classification society as needed.
Qualification
- Certificate of Competency as Chief Engineer or equivalent, with valid STCW endorsement.
- Proven experience as Chief Engineer on bulk carrier or similarly large offshore vessels; minimum 2-5 years in rank preferred.
- Deep knowledge of marine propulsion systems, boilers, diesel engines, turbochargers, and auxiliary machinery.
- Strong background in preventive maintenance, CMMS, and spare parts management.
- Leadership and crew management skills with excellent communication and decision-making abilities.
- Solid understanding of ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL, and safety/regulatory compliance; ability to conduct safety audits and emergency response planning.
- Willingness to travel and endure long sea-going assignments; physically fit and capable of managing high-pressure situations.
- Fluent in English; demonstrated ability to coordinate with shore side teams and on-board officers.