Director of Engineering & Maintenance - UnCruise Adventures

About UnCruise
At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortes, and Galapagos. Every team member plays a role in bringing the adventure to life.

Job Summary 
The Director of Engineering & Maintenance is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the engineering operations of our fleet of small expedition vessels. This role ensures operational excellence, drives strategic shipyard planning, and manages a high-performing engineering team to maintain and enhance vessel performance. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with exceptional leadership and management skills to support the company’s mission of delivering unparalleled adventure travel experiences. This exempt, full-time position is based in Seattle, WA, and requires regular on-site presence. Travel to shipyards and vessels is required.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the day-to-day engineering operations of the fleet, ensuring vessels are safe, reliable, and compliant with all regulatory requirements (USCG, IMO, ABS, etc.).
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance programs to optimize vessel performance and minimize downtime.
• Regularly collaborate with Port Engineers, Captains, and other departments to ensure seamless operations and resolve technical challenges efficiently.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track fleet reliability and maintenance effectiveness, recommending improvements as needed.
• Excellent budget and project management skills.

Shipyard Planning and Execution

• Lead strategic planning for annual shipyard periods, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Collaborate with Port Engineers, Nautical Operations, Purchasing Manager, and contractors to define work scopes, secure resources, and manage shipyard projects.
• Drive cost-effective solutions for vessel upgrades, repowering, and retrofits to align with environmental and operational goals.
• Drive and develop the short and long-term technical goals and objectives and operating and capital budgets necessary to achieve the strategic and financial goals of the organization.
• Conduct post-shipyard reviews to evaluate project success and identify areas for improvement in future cycles.

Leadership and Management

• Manage and mentor a team of Port & Shipboard Engineers and staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth. This while working in close collaboration with ships Captains and off-season project managers.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and establish goals to enhance individual and team capabilities.
• Ensure clear communication and collaboration between shoreside and onboard engineering teams.
• Oversee engineering budgets, ensuring cost control while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

Strategic and Regulatory Oversight

• Stay ahead of industry trends, regulations, and innovations to guide long-term engineering strategies for the fleet.
• Develop and maintain relationships with regulatory agencies, vendors, and shipyards to support compliance and operational needs.

Qualifications

• 10 years of marine engineering experience, including senior-level management roles.
• Proven experience in shipyard planning, project management, and vessel maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance (USCG, ABS, SOLAS, MARPOL).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, taking ownership for jobs/tasks to completion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Typical office environment. Position will require bending, climbing, reaching, repetitive motion, and lifting.
• Work on board vessels locally or in remote locations. Will require climbing a gangway or ladder and navigating a vessel under construction.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly and navigate shipyard environments, including climbing ladders and overcoming other physical obstacles.

Work Schedule
This position primarily follows a Monday through Friday schedule. However, weekend work may be required depending on operational needs, such as during shipyard periods, season start-ups, or shutdowns. Flexibility is essential to support the dynamic nature of the role and the demands of maintaining a safe, efficient, and high-performing fleet. While the standard work hours are aligned with regular business operations, the Director of Engineering must be available to address critical issues as they arise.

Interviewing Timeline
For qualified candidates, interviewing will begin January 15, 2025.

Pay and Employee Benefits

• Pay – This is an exempt, salaried position within the range of $120,000 - $145,000 annually.
• Cruise Benefit – Explore the world as our guests do: employees receive one complimentary cruise for two people every year, after each year of employment.
• Health and Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and flexible spending account options.
• 401k – Employees are eligible after 6 months of employment with an employer match.
• Time off – Enjoy fifteen company-paid holidays annually. Earn paid vacation and sick time throughout the year and qualify for more vacation days as you gain tenure.
• Give Back to the Community – Make a difference by volunteering for non-profit and community organizations that you choose using two company-paid VTO (volunteer time off) days each year.
• Eco-Commute – When you commute to work without the use of a single-occupancy motorized vehicle you will receive a daily stipend. You can carpool, walk, bike, take the bus, or kayak.  
• Free Parking – Employees may park for free at our Seattle office on days they commute by car.
• Housing – This position qualifies for onboard housing, on one of the company ships, while moored at Fishermen’s Terminal from mid-September to early May.   

Disclaimer Statement  
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.
 

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