Mechanical Systems Engineering Lead

BC Ferries

$105K — $131K *
Transportation
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or equivalent required
  • Master's degree in Mechanical or Marine Engineering preferred
  • Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) License preferred
  • 5+ years progressive experience as a marine engineer
  • Experience in a design role on shipboard systems

Responsibilities

  • Provide senior mechanical engineering expertise and guidance on propulsion and auxiliary systems
  • Lead and contribute to design, integration, and testing of complex engineering systems
  • Translate business needs into clear engineering requirements
  • Develop and maintain technical specifications and design documentation
  • Evaluate designs and ensure compliance with regulatory and safety requirements
  • Provide technical leadership and expertise across shipyards and project teams
  • Mentor and coach engineering staff to foster technical excellence

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and mentorship
  • Engagement in cutting-edge projects within the marine industry
  • Chance to contribute to sustainability and environmental initiatives
  • Work with a collaborative and innovative team
  • International travel opportunities for project oversight
Full Job Description
Job Description

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LEAD 

Fleet Renewal 

Victoria 

 

The Opportunity 

In order to address the challenges brought on by constrained system capacity, aging major assets, and environmental sustainability, BC Ferries has recently launched a new Fleet Renewal organization.  This team will deliver a large number of new major and minor vessels to the fleet in the near term, as well as significant builds and upgrades to shore-based infrastructure and facilities.  These projects together form the largest capital investment in the company’s history.     

Working as part of the Fleet Renewal technical staff, and in collaboration with other technical experts within BC Ferries, the Mechanical Systems Engineering Lead will contribute to the development of shipbuilding project requirements and specifications. They will develop engineering solutions that support each shipbuilding project's technical specifications, budget and schedule. They are primarily responsible for overseeing the design of the marine propulsion, auxiliary, and ancillary systems on all new BC Ferries vessels, including the integration of those systems into the vessel design. 

The role serves as a subject matter expert, providing professional design guidance and technical decisions to shipyards, contractors, suppliers, and operational stakeholders on matters related to design, regulatory requirements, engineering principles, and industry standards and practices. They respond to technical queries from site teams and support activities such as acceptance testing or requirements verification abroad in the shipyards and/or at-sea onboard vessels.  

The role must occasionally travel and work outside the local geographic area, including internationally, and onboard ships at sea.  

 

The Role 

Reporting to the Director, Technical & Design, this role is integral to the achievement of company objectives, and you contribute value through key areas of oversight such as: 

  • Provides senior mechanical engineering expertise and technical guidance related to propulsion, auxiliary, mechanical, piping, HVAC, and other mechanical systems; 
  • Leads or contributes to the design, integration, evaluation, testing, optimization, and delivery of complex engineering systems and technical projects, including technical reviews and approvals, design validation, acceptance testing, and performance verification; 
  • Translate business and operational needs into clear requirements, ensuring engineering solutions align with organizational objectives, corporate standards, operator needs, and operational priorities; 
  • Develops, reviews, and maintains technical specifications, design requirements, and supporting documentation; 
  • Evaluates engineering designs, technical solutions, and system performance to ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, environmental, and organizational requirements; 
  • Provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise to engineers, project teams, shipyards, contractors, suppliers, and operational stakeholders; 
  • Provides recommendations to improve designs in the areas of safety, reliability, maintainability, cost, and operational considerations; 
  • Investigates, analyses, and resolves complex engineering issues, technical risks, and operational challenges, providing recommendations for improvement. Maintains awareness of emerging technologies, industry trends, engineering practices, and regulatory developments, recommending opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement; 
  • Provides mentorship, technical coaching, and knowledge sharing to support the development of engineering capability and technical excellence across the organization. 

 

What you bring to the team 

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or equivalent is required 
  • Master's degree in Mechanical or Marine Engineering is preferred  
  • Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) License is preferred 
  • 5+ yrs Progressive experience working as a marine engineer including time spent working in a design role on shipboard systems 

 

Join us! 

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by August 28, 2026 at 11:59pm.

 

Additional information 

The target salary range: $105,200 – $131,500 per annum.  The starting salary is determined based on the successful candidate’s knowledge and experience, and on internal equity.   

 

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