Naval Certification Engineer - Luxury Yachts

Role Overview

We are seeking a Naval Certification Engineer to manage and coordinate regulatory compliance for pleasure craft and small commercial yachts. The role covers interpretation of regulations, preparation of certification documentation, production conformity checks, and as-built validation, working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders.

This position requires strong regulatory understanding, technical judgment, and structured documentation skills.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Frameworks & Compliance

• Identify, structure, and interpret applicable regulatory frameworks, including:
• CE Directive
• ISO standards
• Commercial Flag Codes (under 24m)
• Translate regulatory requirements into clear engineering and production actions.
• Provide pragmatic, solution-oriented interpretation of rules.

Engineering & Internal Coordination

• Coordinate with engineering, production, and project teams to ensure compliance throughout:
• Design phase
• Build phase
• Final delivery
• Assist in engineering of regulated fittings such as:
• Glass and glazing
• Insulation systems
• Life-saving and safety appliances
• Ensure solutions are compliant with applicable pleasure craft regulations.

Certification Documentation

• Prepare technical drawings and documentation required for certification approval.
• Compile and manage certification files and submission packages.
• Prepare Owner’s Manuals, operational documentation, and handover packages.

Production Follow-Up & As-Built

• Verify production execution against approved drawings.
• Ensure conformity between design, approval, and installation.
• Coordinate and validate as-built documentation updates.

Reporting & Support

• Report directly to the Head of Department.
• Escalate regulatory or compliance risks when required.
• Support continuous improvement of certification processes and documentation standards.

Software Requirements

• SolidWorks – essential
• AutoCAD – essential
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PDF editing tools) – essential

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of yacht regulatory frameworks (pleasure craft & small commercial).
• Solid technical knowledge of:
• Composite structures
• Electrical systems
• Mechanical systems
• Highly organised with strong documentation and reporting skills.
• Detail-oriented, structured, and analytical mindset.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple certification tracks in parallel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proactive, pragmatic, and solution-oriented approach to regulation interpretation.

Education & Experience

• Degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering preferred.
• Previous experience in:
• Yacht certification
• Classification societies
• Shipyards or notified bodies
  is highly desirable.

What We Offer

• Direct involvement in certification of world-class luxury yachts
• Exposure to full design-to-build certification cycles
• Close collaboration with engineering, production, and projects
• Long-term growth in an international shipyard environment
• Competitive Salary Package
• Basic Health Insurance
• Annual leave + Annual Ticket

Why Join Sunreef Yachts?

Sunreef Yachts is a global leader in luxury multihull design and manufacturing. We build complex, custom sailing and power catamarans fully in-house, combining innovation, engineering depth, and craftsmanship. This role offers real ownership of certification strategy across high-value yacht projects.