Propulsion Systems Manager

Royal Caribbean International - Miami, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

Miami, FL

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

The Manager, Propulsion Systems position at Royal Caribbean Group is a pivotal role that provides comprehensive technical support and expertise for propulsion systems across all brands. This position is responsible for initiating and driving activities related to ongoing upgrades, enhancements, standards, and maintenance of podded propulsion systems. The manager will prepare scopes for upcoming wet/dry docks in collaboration with brand ship managers, arrange purchase orders for projects, manage suppliers, and interface with shipyards. Additionally, the role involves following up with accounting and assisting in forecasting the financials of various projects. The manager will be required to attend dry/wet docks to oversee planned or unplanned maintenance or projects related to propulsion systems, ensuring that all tasks are completed within the designated time frame and budget. In this role, effective communication is essential, as the manager will regularly update the shoreside project team and stakeholders on the status of project plans. The position also entails maintaining communication with Marine Operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and safety, operational, and environmental policies. The manager will ensure that any changes to construction or relevant equipment onboard receive the necessary approvals from Flag state, DNV, or other governing bodies. Furthermore, the manager will participate in the creation of planning models that align with the organization's mission and values, based on thorough internal and external needs assessments. The Manager, Propulsion Systems will also be responsible for conducting pilot programs on equipment in collaboration with ship personnel, preparing capital projects, and overseeing the successful execution of these projects as they relate to lifecycle maintenance and technical upgrades of propulsion machinery. The role includes developing and updating the RCG Maintenance Strategy, managing propulsion machinery performance KPIs, and maintaining a fleet overview of asset maintenance and performance. The manager will work closely with RCG Marine Operations management, superintendents, manufacturers, and class to enhance propulsion technology, improve reliability, and optimize maintenance and operational aspects. Additionally, the manager will evaluate data, recommend adjustments to the 5-year maintenance plan, and participate in repair scheduling and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall technical support and expertise for propulsion systems for all brands.
• Initiate and drive activities of ongoing upgrades, enhancements, standards, and maintenance of podded propulsion systems.
• Prepare scopes for upcoming wet/dry docks in collaboration with brand ship managers.
• Arrange purchase orders for projects and manage suppliers.
• Interface with shipyards and follow up with accounting to assist in forecasting project financials.
• Attend dry/wet docks to manage planned or unplanned maintenance or projects for propulsion-related systems.
• Communicate project plan status to shoreside project team and stakeholders regularly.
• Maintain communications with Marine Operations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and policies.
• Ensure communication and approval from Flag state, DNV, or other government bodies for changes to construction or equipment onboard.
• Participate in the creation of planning models based on internal and external needs assessments.
• Conduct pilot programs on equipment with ship personnel as directed by senior management.
• Prepare capital projects, including drafting capital memos and detailed budgets.
• Develop and update RCG Maintenance Strategy, including procedures and documentation.
• Oversee propulsion machinery performance KPIs and manage fleet maintenance and performance overview.
• Develop a Propulsion Systems reference library.
• Work closely with management, superintendents, manufacturers, and class to improve propulsion technology.
• Provide reports, evaluate data, and recommend adjustments to the 5-year maintenance plan.
• Participate in preparation of repair scheduling and budgeting.
• Research and identify new industry technology for use onboard RCG ships.
• Oversee technically related incidents, ensuring proper investigation and corrective actions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field from an accredited college or university; Master of Science preferred.
• 10+ years of experience as a Naval Architect or Marine/Mechanical Engineer.
• Experience from a ship management organization, classification society, or similar is a plus.
• Previous shipyard/dry-docking/major repair or conversion experience required.
• Working knowledge of steel structure, welding application, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and machining.
• Understanding of DNV requirements/protocols, USCG, and Flag state regulations/requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of safe work practices in shipyard environments.
• Ability to manage financial aspects of the assigned function, including expense reduction through cost efficiencies.
• Ability to manage headcount within the area.
• Knowledge of human resources policies and practices.
• Ability to manage staff positively and productively, motivating and developing employees.
• Ability to utilize and administer the disciplinary action process through coaching and counseling.
• Working knowledge of computers and various software packages such as MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Project, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, and maintenance databases.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Career development opportunities
• Unique ways to explore the world