Mechanical Systems Engineering Lead

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.   

 

"We sail to serve and connect the people and the coast of BC”  

At BC Ferries, our people are at the heart of delivering safe and reliable service along 1,600 km of coastline. Every day, we connect communities and move tens of thousands of passengers and vehicles across our 25 routes through the dedication, expertise and hard work of our teams. Guided by a shared commitment to safety, service, inclusion, and local commitment, we offer meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a positive impact. Whether you work onboard our vessels, in our terminals or behind the scenes, you'll play an important role in connecting people, supporting communities, and keeping coastal BC moving. 

We support employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace. 

We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.