Job Description/Specification:
Nakilat is seeking an experienced maritime engineering professional to support and lead fleet technical projects, newbuild initiatives, technology development, digitalization, and environmental improvement projects. This role is suited to candidates with a strong background in LNG vessel operations, marine engineering, and shore-based project management.
The position combines technical leadership with project planning, research, and innovation. The successful candidate will oversee projects from initial concept and feasibility studies through design, implementation, testing, and closeout. They will also research emerging maritime technologies and identify opportunities to improve fleet efficiency, asset performance, safety, and sustainability.
Working with shipyards, equipment manufacturers, classification societies, customers, and internal stakeholders, the role helps ensure that projects meet technical specifications, contractual requirements, budgets, schedules, and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
Fleet Technical Projects and Newbuilds
The role involves overseeing marine engineering projects and activities from planning through completion.
Key responsibilities include:
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Managing project deliverables, schedules, milestones, progress tracking, and closeout.
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Defining project specifications and requirements while ensuring compliance with contracts.
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Monitoring trials and pilot projects on fleet vessels.
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Developing project contractual strategies and supporting tendering activities.
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Preparing feasibility studies, technical specifications, bid evaluations, design development, and plan approvals.
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Coordinating projects involving Nakilat customers, stakeholders, and charterers.
Technology, Innovation, and Digitalization
The successful candidate will identify technologies and initiatives that can improve fleet operations and support long-term business objectives.
Responsibilities include:
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Researching emerging maritime technologies, industry trends, and market opportunities.
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Evaluating technology options for newbuild vessels and retrofit projects.
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Conducting technology testing and trials and documenting lessons learned.
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Coordinating implementation with original equipment manufacturers, design houses, shipyards, and classification societies.
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Supporting automation, fleet digitalization, and sustainability improvements.
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Facilitating innovation workshops, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional pilot projects.
Technical Documentation and Project Management
The role requires careful control of technical documentation, project schedules, and costs.
Duties include maintaining drawing registers and document trackers, coordinating approvals, preparing reports, and managing project timelines and budgets. The candidate will review technical specifications, drawings, and maritime regulations while protecting the owner's interests by ensuring that shipyards and contractors comply with building contracts, maker lists, and approved specifications.
Stakeholder Coordination and Compliance
The candidate will serve as a key technical contact for vendors, designers, project teams, and other stakeholders. This includes managing technical correspondence, meeting minutes, and engineering responses.
The role also involves coordinating with classification societies such as DNV, ABS, and Lloyd’s Register, as well as Flag State authorities, to support vessel safety, environmental, and regulatory certification.
Fleet Technical Support
The position provides technical assistance to fleet operations on engineering matters, refit activities, and voyage repairs. The candidate will also monitor regulatory developments and ensure that project activities comply with applicable codes, company procedures, and maritime requirements.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should meet one of the following education pathways:
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Minimum Class 1 Certificate of Competency (CoC) as a Marine Engineer, with gas endorsements; or
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A relevant engineering degree, preferably in Mechanical or Marine Engineering, supported by relevant maritime experience.
A project management qualification or certification is an advantage. Professional accreditation and industry membership are also valued.
Candidates should have:
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At least 3 years of experience in a senior technical rank, preferably as Chief Engineer on LNG vessels, or within the LNG industry.
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Shore-based experience in maritime project management and research and development.
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Knowledge of shipbuilding, which is an advantage.
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Strong written and verbal communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
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Experience with risk assessments and familiarity with HAZOP, HAZID, and FMEA.
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Proficiency in MS Office, MS Project, and Visio.
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Knowledge of tendering, contract drafting, bid evaluation, and project commercial requirements.
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Experience evaluating and deploying maritime technologies.
About Nakilat
Nakilat is a Qatar-based maritime company operating in the LNG shipping and transportation sector. Its fleet and technical operations depend on reliable engineering, effective project management, and continued investment in technology and operational efficiency.
This role contributes to the development and improvement of fleet assets through technical projects, innovation, digitalization, and environmental initiatives.
Is This Role Right for You?
This opportunity may suit senior marine engineers and maritime project professionals who combine LNG vessel experience with strong technical, commercial, and project management skills. Candidates interested in newbuild projects, fleet modernization, digitalization, and emerging maritime technologies may find this role especially relevant.