Marine Project Engineer

About the job Phoenix is a Yacht Management Company, based in Dubai, the rising hub of luxury yachting. Phoenix is at the centre of every need when it comes to yachting management, sales, charter and much more. Our vastly experienced and highly qualified team equips us with an extensive range of services, covering all areas of yacht management. We at Phoenix pride ourselves on providing an excellent working environment and exceptional service to our clients. We are currently seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Engineer with a solid engineering background to lead and manage a new build project in Italy. This role requires an individual with exceptional organizational skills, a deep understanding of engineering, shipyard operations, and a proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget. The successful candidate will be the primary liaison between the shipyard, contractors, and our internal teams, ensuring all refit specifications are met to the highest standards. The candidate will bring a deep understanding of yacht systems and operations, gained through significant experience as Chief Engineer. You understand the importance of nurturing strong relationships, as well as understanding the clients’ unique needs and preferences, ensuring the seamless delivery of the project. This role demands a blend of excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of luxury branding within the superyacht industry. You will enjoy a fast-paced and varied role and are not afraid to find creative solutions to complex problems and identify commercial opportunities at every stage of the way. This position is full time and will be primarily on-site in Northern Italy, after an introductory period at our Head Office in the UAE. You may need to travel worldwide at short notice, as and when required. If you are someone who is well organized, motivated and passionate in their role with excellent communicative skills and precise attention to detail, then we are keen to hear from you. Objectives of this role Reporting to the Head of Operations and Technical Department, you will be working closely with a team of specialist managers who will support you in the functions, which require their expertise. As Project Engineer you will be an integral part of our yacht management department, acting as a key pillar within the yacht management teams, bridging the gap between shipyards and the operational colleagues. Your primary objective is to successfully deliver the refit project, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards, whilst providing expert engineering oversight and technical leadership. The duties will include but are not limited to the following: Key Responsibilities: Project Planning & Leadership: Define project scopes, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with the shipyard, contractors, and internal teams. Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets for the refit, major repairs, and technical upgrades. Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments for the proposed project. Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement effective mitigation strategies. Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and critical path analysis. Oversee and coordinate the activities of all third-party contractors and suppliers involved in the refit. Technical Oversight & Execution: Leverage in-depth knowledge of yacht mechanical, electrical, navigation, structural, and interior systems to guide project execution. Oversee and coordinate work performed by shipyards, contractors, and specialized vendors. Troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide expert guidance for resolution. Ensure compliance with class society requirements, flag state regulations, and international maritime conventions. On-site inspections to monitor progress, quality, and adherence to specifications. Manage change orders, ensuring proper documentation, approval, and impact assessment. Oversee and actively participate in system commissioning, sea trials, and performance testing. Budget & Financial Management: Manage project budgets, tracking expenditure, approving invoices, and reporting on financial performance. Ensuing compliance with the company management systems Negotiate variation terms with the shipyard, suppliers, and service providers to ensure cost-effectiveness. Identify potential cost overruns and implement mitigation strategies. Stakeholder Communication & Reporting: Serve as the primary point of contact for management team and owner’s representative. Provide clear, concise, and regular progress reports, including technical details, financial updates, and any potential issues recommendations to be raised to senior management. Facilitate effective communication channels between all parties involved in the project. Foster strong working relationships with shipyard personnel, contractors, and regulatory bodies. Quality Assurance & Risk Management: Implement robust quality control processes to ensure the highest standards of workmanship and materials. Ensure quality control throughout the refit process, conducting regular inspections and audits. Proactively identify potential project risks and develop contingency plans. Ensure all work is performed safely and in compliance with industry best practices. Required skills and qualifications Proven experience as a Project Manager, or Chief Engineer for a minimum of 5-7 years. Demonstrable track record of successfully managing complex yacht refits, new builds, or major technical projects. Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk assessment. Excellent negotiation and contract management abilities. Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with owners, crew, shipyards, vendors and internal colleagues. Willingness to be primarily on-site at the shipyard in Italy, with right to live and work in the area. Ability to travel extensively and on short notice. A strong work ethic, high level of integrity, and ability to thrive in a demanding, fast-paced environment. Ability to think laterally and provide creative solutions to complex issues. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive information. A professional demeanor is paramount. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team, always thinking one-step ahead. Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines in a fast paced and dynamic environment. Proficiency in Project management software and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Proficiency in English is essential; Fluency in other Italian would also be a significant advantage. A genuine passion for the yachting industry and a deep understanding of the unique demands of superyacht ownership.