Chief Engineer

About REV Ocean

REV Ocean is a not-for-profit company established July 20th, 2017, and funded by Norwegian businessman Kjell Inge Røkke. The company was created with one overarching purpose and ambition: To make the ocean healthy again. With the REV Ocean vessel as a platform, the goal is to enable a new generation of ocean solutions and raise awareness of global impacts on the marine environment. We are a highly dedicated team now looking for a deeply engaged and committed colleague to join us on our journey.

Are you the one?

Position overview

The Chief Engineer plays a vital role in building, leading and developing the engineering team required to complete, commission and operate the REV Ocean vessel.

During the final outfitting phase, the Chief Engineer will provide key support to the interior and exterior site teams, ensuring a smooth transition from final fit-out, testing and re-commissioning to full operational status.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record from large, complex vessels, demonstrates strong leadership capabilities, and is a collaborative team player. The role requires the ability to balance the operational demands of a world-class research vessel while supporting high-end guest experiences.

Key responsibilities

• Overall operation and maintenance of the ship’s machinery, equipment and technical systems.


• Overall responsibility for the planned maintenance system, ensuring compliance across all departments.


• Re-commissioning of vessel systems and equipment following final fit-out.


• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, classification society rules and flag state regulations, in close cooperation with the Technical Superintendent and Vessel Manager.


• Develop and maintain vessel-specific operational procedures in collaboration with the engineering team, Technical Superintendent and Vessel Manager.


• Together with the Master, hold overall responsibility for the vessel’s safety, operability and general appearance.


• Plan, manage and maintain inventories of spare parts, fuel, lubricants and consumables in cooperation with the Storekeeper and First Engineer.


• Contribute to the preparation, execution and follow-up of budgets.


• Assist in the recruitment, management, and development of personnel within the technical department.


• Support and coordinate with the interior/exterior owner’s build team, subcontractors and shipyard during final construction and outfitting.

Competency requirements

• Valid national Certificate of Competency in accordance with STCW 2010 (Management Level).


• Previous experience as Chief Engineer on large, complex vessels; experience from new builds and/or major retrofit projects is highly desirable.


• Thorough knowledge of Safety Management Systems based on the ISM Code, as well as mandatory international regulations such as IMO and SOLAS.


• All mandatory certificates and training required for the position in accordance with applicable regulations.


• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
  

Personal qualities 

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Organizational and problem-solving abilities, particularly under pressure

• Capacity to collaborate with all departments, including science, technical, and hospitality crew

• A genuine passion for ocean conservation and scientific research, with a commitment to sustainability 

• Must excel in guest relations, being able to adapt to changing needs, ensuring both science and guest cruises exceed expectations 

• Self-reliant and proactive in job execution

We offer

• The chance to shape one of the most advanced vessels dedicated to ocean exploration and conservation 

• A collaborative, dynamic environment focused on global impact and sustainability

• The opportunity to be part of a pioneering initiative advancing the future of ocean health through cutting-edge science and exploration

• Opportunity to work with great people on projects that create real impact

• International and dynamic working environment

• Open and friendly company culture

• 1:1 rotation 

• Comprehensive Health Insurance package 

Line of reporting

The Chief Engineer reports to the Master of REV Ocean.

Workplace

REV Ocean Vessel

For questions regarding the position, please contact: 

Chief Engineer Trond Kjersem: [email protected] 

Application deadline: March 13, 2026

NB! We only accepts applications sent through BambooHR application link