Senior Manager, Underwater Systems

Journey with us! Combine your career goals and sense of adventure by joining our incredible team of employees at Royal Caribbean Group. We are proud to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, and excellent career development opportunities, each offering unique ways to explore the world.

We are proud to be the vacation-industry leader with global brands — including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises — the most innovative fleet and private destinations, and the best people. Together, we are dedicated to turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations for our guests.

Royal Caribbean Group’s Global Marine Operations Team has an exciting career opportunity for a full-time Senior Manager, Underwater Systems reporting to the AVP, Global Technology Engineering Services.

This is a land-based position that will work onsite in Weybridge, England. 

Position Summary:

In this position, you would be responsible for the mechanical underwater systems. We are seeking a dedicated technical specialist with specialized expertise in underwater mechanical systems including podded propulsion drives, thrusters and fin stabilizers to support our fleet’s technical operations. This shore-based role focuses on overseeing the performance, maintenance, and optimization of underwater mechanical systems across the Royal Caribbean Group fleet, that includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. You would ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of all underwater mechanical systems contributing to reduced fuel consumption, enhanced maneuverability, and minimal environmental impact. You would need to collaborate with vessel crews, shipyards, vendors, and classification societies, with occasional vessel visits and travel.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership and Support:

• Acts as the technical specialist within Underwater Mechanical Systems and is responsible for providing technical support and guidance to Marine Technical Operations and onboard technical teams. 
• Monitors and analyzes the performance of podded propulsion systems fleet-wide using remote diagnostics, condition monitoring tools in close collaboration with Vendors and Marine Asset Management. 
• Plans, coordinates, and supervises maintenance, repairs, and overhauls of podded propulsion units during dry docks and scheduled stops. 
• Troubleshoots propulsion issues remotely and on-site, minimizing vessel downtime and ensuring operational reliability. 
• Manages large-scale underwater system repairs and projects. 
• Plans, oversees and leads underwater systems capital- and dry-dock projects/maintenance. 
• Responsible for obsolescence management and compliance strategies.
• Follows up on technical issues, manages corrective actions, and shares lessons learned. 

Operational Management:

• Offers first and second-level support for underwater mechanical systems to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient vessel operations.
• Maintains effective communication with the Marine Technology team, Marine Technical Operations, and senior Marine Management onboard.
• Works closely with Ship Managers, keeping them informed about electrical issues and overseeing electrical projects.
• Coordinates major underwater systems projects with Ship Managers and senior Marine Management.
• Supervises and supports repairs and maintenance of vessel underwater systems. 
• Provides technical guidance and training to shipboard engineering teams on podded propulsion operation and best practices. 

Compliance and Safety:

• Collaborates with classification societies and regulatory agencies. 
• Ensures compliance with international maritime regulations (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL), classification society rules (e.g., DNV, Lloyd’s), and company safety/environmental standards. 
• Conducts ship visits and inspections to confirm compliance with regulations and company policy. 
• Ensures all underwater system-related failures, incidents, and damages are investigated, with root cause analyses and corrective actions implemented. Conducts risk assessments and implement preventive measures for propulsion-related failures.
• Shares lessons learned to prevent recurrence across the fleet. 
• Follows up on all underwater systems related conditions of class, non-conformities, and findings, ensuring corrections and preventive measures. 

Project and Vendor Management:

• Identifies obsolete systems and manages upgrades. 
• Liaises with ABB service teams, OEMs, and shipyards for warranty claims, upgrades, and system optimizations.  
• Coordinates, oversees, and supports underwater system aspects of dry-dock, Revitalization, and special projects.
• Keeps up with vendor technical and safety bulletins, coordinating and overseeing corrective actions. 
• Prepares detailed technical reports, performance analyses, and recommendations for fleet improvements, including hybrid integrations or efficiency enhancements. 
• Supports the Newbuilding Department with specifications, sea trials, and guarantee processes for new vessels.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Supervises Underwater Mechanical Systems team morale, motivation, and performance.
• Supervises and supports GMO-MT Underwater Mechanical Systems riding team members. 
• Mentors junior colleagues, conduct training, and liaise with onboard teams and external stakeholders.
• Assists the Director Electrical Systems in the succession planning, training, evaluation and development for key Marine Technology personnel shipboard and shoreside.  
• Responsible for training and acting as mentor for new Underwater Mechanical Systems colleagues by sharing relevant information and making sure that we apply consistent ways of working.
• Acts as deputy to the Director Underwater Mechanical Systems, as needed. 

Financial Responsibilities:

• Develops and provides guidance on maintenance budgets, spare parts inventory, and long-term service agreements for podded propulsion components and other underwater system components in close collaboration with Technical Operations. 
• Manages underwater system CAR projects, including those valued at several million dollars.
• Accountable for budgets on assigned CAPEX projects. 

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent maritime qualifications (e.g., Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency). 
• Minimum 10 years of experience in marine propulsion systems, with proven expertise in Azipod or similar podded/azimuth thrusters (prior sailing experience as Engineer Officer highly advantageous).
• In-depth knowledge of electric propulsion and other underwater mechanical systems. 
• Familiarity with ABB Azipod systems (e.g., XO, VI, CZ series) and tools like remote diagnostics and condition monitoring. 
• Experience in fleet technical management, dry-dock planning, and budget control within a shipping company or ship management firm.
• Strong understanding of high-power systems (10-22 MW) and vessel types using Azipod (cruise, ferry, offshore). 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for a multicultural environment. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities efficiently. 
• Financial acumen, including cost efficiency management. 

Preferred Skills:

• ABB Marine Academy certification in Azipod systems. 
• Experience with ice-class or high-maneuverability vessels. 
• Knowledge of sustainable propulsion trends, such as battery-hybrid compatibility. 
• Proficiency in fleet management software and data analytics tools. 

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit, stand, write, review / type reports, compile data, operate a computer, communicate, and assess information. 
• May require movement around office complexes, travel, and occasional lifting (10–15 pounds). 
• Work environment includes both office and non-office settings. 
• When visiting vessels, work may require walking up and down ramps, stairs, ladders, bending, kneeling, stooping, stretching, reaching with arms, working in confined spaces as well as working in noisy environments, wet environments, and outdoors to include various weather conditions.

Agency and Third-Party Submissions: Please note this is a direct search by the Company, and applications through agencies and other third parties will not be accepted, nor will fees be paid for unsolicited resumes. Any unsolicited resumes will be considered the Company's property.

We know there's a lot to consider. As you go through the application process, our recruiters will be glad to provide guidance, and more relevant details to answer any additional questions. Thank you again for your interest in Royal Caribbean Group. We'll hope to see you onboard soon!

It is the policy of the Company to ensure equal employment and promotion opportunity to qualified candidates without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sexuality, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Royal Caribbean Group and each of its subsidiaries prohibit and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.

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