Birdon is passionate about innovation, in-house engineering and problem solving. We don't shy away from a challenge; we thrive on it. A proudly Australian manufacturer and industry partner, we provide whole of life solutions to multinational defence, government, maritime, energy and resource sectors.
As we continue to grow, so too does our team. We are looking for the right candidate to take on the role of Project Engineer - Ship Maintenance & Repair. This is a Full-Time role based in our Port Macquarie Shipyard.
Position Overview
The Project Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering vessel maintenance, repair, refit, and upgrade activities to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Key Accountabilities:
Project Planning & Execution
- Develop work scopes, work packs, and technical specifications for vessel maintenance and repair activities.
- Assist in preparing project schedules, resource plans, and cost estimates.
- Coordinate engineering and production activities throughout project execution.
- Monitor project progress against schedule, budget, and performance targets.
- Support dry-docking, maintenance periods, emergency repairs, and vessel refits.
- Participate in project meetings and provide status updates to stakeholders
Technical Management
- Review vessel drawings, specifications, maintenance records, and inspection reports.
- Develop repair methodologies and engineering solutions for structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, and marine systems.
- Manage technical queries and provide engineering support to production teams.
- Ensure all repair work complies with applicable standards, class requirements, statutory regulations, and customer specifications.
- Liaise with Classification Societies, regulatory authorities, and surveyors as required.
Commercial & Cost Control
- Assist with preparation of quotations, change proposals, and variation requests.
- Monitor project costs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
- Review subcontractor quotations and technical submissions.
- Support procurement activities including technical evaluation of materials and services.
- Track and manage project variations and scope changes.
Stakeholder Management
- Act as a key point of contact for customers during maintenance periods.
- Coordinate activities with ship’s staff, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal departments.
- Facilitate effective communication between engineering, planning, procurement, and production teams.
- Build strong relationships with clients and support repeat business opportunities.
Quality Assurance
- Ensure work is completed in accordance with approved procedures, standards, and specifications.
- Support development and review of Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs).
- Participate in inspections, defect investigations, and root cause analyses.
- Verify completion and close-out of maintenance and repair activities.
- Ensure accurate project documentation and records are maintained.
Health, Safety & Environment
- Promote a strong safety culture across all project activities.
- Ensure compliance with company HSEQ policies and procedures.
- Participate in risk assessments, toolbox talks, and safety reviews.
- Identify and mitigate project risks relating to safety, quality, schedule, and cost.
- Support environmental compliance requirements during maintenance activities.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Project delivery against schedule milestones.
- Budget and cost performance.
- Customer satisfaction.
- Safety performance and compliance.
- Quality outcomes and defect reduction.
- Timely closure of technical queries and variations.
Accuracy of project reporting and documentation.
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Qualifications, Experience and Skills
Essential.
- Experience in the shipbuilding maintenance and repair industry.
- Relevant marine trade qualification and or mechanical engineering degree.
- 3–10 years’ experience in engineering or project delivery.
- Experience managing maintenance, repair, refit, or construction activities.
- Experience working with subcontractors and technical suppliers.
- Experience interpreting engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Confident in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project or Primavera P6, ERP systems (SAP, Pronto, IFS, etc.).
- Strong communication and stakeholder management.
Desirable.
- Chartered Professional Engineering status in relevant discipline.
- Project Management qualification (PMI, AIPM, PRINCE2, etc.).
- Ship repair, dry dock, or marine maintenance experience.
- Defence maritime sustainment experience.
- Experience with classification societies (DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, Bureau Veritas, etc.).
- Experience with Defence sustainment contracts.
We deliver value for our customers through our innovative people, organisational agility, and operational excellence. As an equal opportunity employer, all positions are open to any person that may have the required characteristics and experiences. Veterans are encouraged to apply.
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