We’re Hiring Chief Engineer, Offshore Factory Freezer Vessel
Ocean Choice International is one of Atlantic Canada’s most diversified seafood companies, sustainably producing and marketing a full range of shellfish, groundfish and pelagic species. Our success is driven by our people and our strong connection to the communities where we live and work.
The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall leadership and safe, efficient operation of all vessel engineering systems aboard Ocean Choice’s offshore factory freezer vessels. This is a full-time, permanent trip-on/trip-off position reporting to shore-based management and working closely with the vessel Captain.
The Chief Engineer provides full technical oversight of machinery, propulsion, refrigeration systems, and auxiliary equipment, ensuring optimal performance, regulatory compliance, and asset reliability. The role leads the engineering team, sets maintenance strategy, manages critical spares and inventory, and oversees all operational, safety, and environmental standards to ensure continuous vessel readiness and safe, efficient operations at sea.
Responsibilities
- Lead overall engine room maintenance strategy by identifying system deficiencies, developing worklists, and directing preventative and corrective maintenance programs to ensure optimal vessel performance and uptime.
- Take primary responsibility for engine room inventory control and critical spare parts procurement, ensuring full operational readiness while managing cost and supply efficiency.
- Act as system authority for all vessel machinery, ensuring safe operation, performance optimization, and strict compliance with company procedures and marine regulations.
- Oversee operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all major shipboard systems, including propulsion, auxiliary engines, pumps, compressors, generators, hydraulics, and refrigeration plants (R22 and ammonia/NH3 systems).
- Ensure asset integrity and lifecycle reliability through effective planning and execution of maintenance programs and continuous system improvement.
- Diagnose complex mechanical and electrical failures and lead repair strategies to minimize downtime and maintain safe vessel operations.
- Oversee engine room watchkeeping activities, ensuring proper monitoring of engine parameters, alarms, fuel consumption, and system performance indicators.
- Maintain and ensure accuracy of all technical records, including engine logs, refrigeration and environmental documentation, maintenance reports, and statutory compliance records.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to the engineering team while promoting a strong safety culture and continuous improvement mindset.
- Ensure full compliance with environmental, regulatory, and company safety standards, including pollution prevention and waste management practices.
- Maintain readiness of firefighting and emergency response equipment and ensure active participation in drills and emergency preparedness activities.
- Oversee trip-on/trip-off operational rotations, ensuring effective engineering handovers and coordination of maintenance activities with relief crews in port.
- Liaise with shore-based management, the captain, deck officers, and engineering staff to ensure efficient coordination of repairs and uninterrupted vessel operations.
Qualifications
- Minimum valid Class 2 Motor Ticket.
- Valid Marine Emergency Duties and a Transport Canada Seafarer’s Marine Medical Certificate.
- Factory freezer/trawler experience is an asset.
- Knowledge of refrigeration systems and trawl winch systems is an asset,
- Experience with preventative maintenance software, particularly MxSuite.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel as well as other computer and data entry software.
- Confidence in organizing, leading and monitoring engine room staff and contractors to build effective and efficient turn-round schedules.
- Valid Code of Conduct.
Interested candidates should apply by email to [email protected], fax 709-368-2260 or mail resumes by Wednesday, June 3, 2026, to:
Ocean Choice International
Attention: Human Resources
1315 Topsail Road
St. John’s, NL
A1B 3N4
Ocean Choice is an equal opportunity employer.
Work Location: In person
