Not Everyone Is Cut Out to Be a Chief Engineer on Tugs - That’s Exactly the Point.
Svitzer is looking for a Chief Engineer to join our Southampton operation, working on terminal towage and marine services.
This is not a supervisory role from the sidelines.
As Chief Engineer, you are hands-on, accountable, and ultimately responsible for keeping powerful tug vessels operational in a demanding, safety-critical environment where downtime is not an option.
If you want real ownership, technical challenge, and responsibility this is the role where it counts.
This Is What the Job Really Looks Like
Maintaining and operating high-power tug machinery in a live port environment
Diagnosing faults and fixing problems under pressure
Owning the condition, safety, and readiness of your engine room
Supporting the Master and crew to keep the tug operational at all times
Working as part of a small, professional crew where trust and competence matter
If you’re looking for a desk-based Chief Engineer role, this isn’t it.
If you want to be trusted with real authority and responsibility, it probably is.
Why Svitzer?
Because tug engineering should be done properly.
1 week on / 1 week off rotation – work hard, then properly switch off
Modern, well-maintained fleet – no corner-cutting, no neglected machinery
A company that expects high standards — and backs you to meet them
Local technical support – close, capable, responsive
We don’t promise an easy job.
We promise one worthy of the title Chief Engineer.
What You Get
Competitive Salary of £68,440.88 per annum
Permanent, Time-for-Time contract
Pension matched up to 10%
Life Cover (4x pensionable salary) and Single Private Medical Insurance
Uniforms and PPE provided
Employee Assistance Programme
What You Bring
Minimum STCW III/3 Chief Engineer <6000kW (III/2 Unlimited preferred)
Valid ENG1 and STCW certification (minimum 6 months validity)
Strong fault-finding, maintenance, and problem-solving skills
Harbour towage or small-vessel experience preferred
A professional mindset and pride in safe, reliable engineering
The right to live and work in the UK
Living approximately within a 30 minute commute of the Port of Southampton
A full UK driving licence and own transport are required
This is a senior engineering role for someone who wants responsibility, challenge, and influence — not just a job title.
If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you.
Building a Diverse Workplace
In Svitzer we value the diversity of our talent and will always strive to recruit the best person for the job – we value diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to gender, age, nationality, race, sexual orientation, disability, or religious beliefs. We are proud of our diversity and see it as a genuine source of strength for building high performing teams.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that members from some under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. At Svitzer we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles, and we are excited about hearing from you!
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply Now' button and create a Candidate Home to manage your applications.
Skills Required
- STCW III/3 Chief Engineer <6000kW
- STCW III/2 Unlimited
- Valid ENG1 medical certificate (minimum 6 months validity)
- Strong fault-finding, maintenance, and problem-solving skills
- Harbour towage or small-vessel experience
- Right to live and work in the UK
- Living approximately within a 30 minute commute of the Port of Southampton
- Full UK driving licence and own transport
- Professional mindset and pride in safe, reliable engineering
What We Do
Svitzer is a leading global port and terminal infrastructure provider specializing in towage and marine services. Operating a fleet of 456 vessels, the company serves approximately 2,000 customers in 141 ports and 40 terminals across 37 countries. Their mission is to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable marine solutions, ensuring the efficient movement of goods and enhancing safety within the maritime industry.
