About the job Chief Engineer--135 ft M/Y (Private/Charter)
Chief Engineer — 135' Horizon Motor Yacht (Private/Charter)
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Cruising Area: Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, and potentially the Northeast U.S.
Flag: Foreign Flag (change anticipated)
Start Date: Flexible, ideally within 1–2 weeks
Compensation: $9,000/month, 40 days leave, health insurance, performance bonuses possible
About the Program
Newly acquired 135' Horizon Motor Yacht seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to join a new private/charter program. The vessel is currently undergoing a full interior refit and is expected to do approximately 10–12 charters per year.
This is an opportunity for a hands-on Chief Engineer to help establish the engineering program, oversee the vessel through its refit, and maintain a high standard of reliability and operational readiness.
The vessel is approximately 399 GT and powered by twin Caterpillar C32 main engines.
Responsibilities
- Oversee all engineering operations, maintenance, and repairs
- Manage preventative maintenance and engineering schedules
- Work closely with shipyards, contractors, vendors, and yacht management
- Oversee main engines, generators, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, stabilizers, and thrusters
- Maintain technical records, inventories, and spare parts
- Ensure compliance with flag, class, and regulatory requirements
- Establish and maintain a professional engineering department
Qualifications
- Y3 Engineer license required
- Previous Chief Engineer experience on 120'+ motor yachts preferred
- Strong Caterpillar C32 experience preferred
- Strong mechanical and electrical knowledge
- Refit/shipyard experience strongly preferred
- Hands-on, organized, and professional
- Strong troubleshooting and preventative maintenance skills
- Valid B1/B2 visa or legal authorization to work in the USA