Company Overview
For more than 40 years, FRS Clipper has connected travelers between downtown Seattle and Victoria, British Columbia aboard the iconic Victoria Clipper high-speed catamaran. We also operate the only whale watching tours departing directly from downtown Seattle, offering unforgettable experiences throughout the Pacific Northwest.
FRS Clipper, based in Seattle, Washington and Victoria, British Columbia, is seeking an experienced, organized, and highly motivated Technical Superintendent to join our team in Seattle or Victoria. The vessel lays overnight in Seattle and has an afternoon layover in Victoria.
Position Overview:
The Technical Superintendent is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost‑effective operation of the company’s high‑speed passenger vessels and terminal facilities. The role oversees technical management, maintenance planning, regulatory compliance, capital projects, and operational readiness.
Serving as a key liaison among vessel crews, regulators, contractors, shipyards, and senior leadership, the Technical Superintendent ensures that company assets are maintained to the highest standards while supporting long‑term fleet strategy and organizational growth.
Location: Victoria, BC. or Seattle, WA.
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Role Purpose
The Technical Superintendent maintains fleet reliability, executes technical projects, ensures regulatory compliance, manages vendor and shipyard relationships, and contributes to long‑term asset and infrastructure planning. The role requires strong engineering expertise, project management capability, regulatory knowledge, and leadership skills.
Technical Leadership
- Develop and oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs for vessels and terminal facilities.
- Plan and manage vessel repairs, dry dockings, inspections, and major overhauls.
- Monitor vessel condition and equipment performance to maximize reliability and minimize downtime.
- Provide technical and troubleshooting guidance to vessel engineering teams.
- Maintain technical records, drawings, maintenance histories, and compliance documentation.
- Ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard, Transport Canada, Class, environmental regulations, and internal safety standards.
- Coordinate inspections, audits, surveys, certifications, and corrective actions.
- Monitor regulatory changes and implement compliance strategies.
- Lead vessel modification, refit, and construction projects.
- Represent the company during shipyard periods and technical projects.
- Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical specifications.
- Coordinate contractors, consultants, suppliers, and shipyard personnel.
- Oversee commissioning, sea trials, acceptance testing, and warranty follow‑up.
- Support strategic initiatives including vessel acquisitions, disposals, terminal development, and fleet modernization.
- Support sustainability initiatives including fuel‑efficiency programs, emissions‑reduction efforts, and evaluation of emerging technologies.
People Leadership
- Recruit, onboard, develop, and retain vessel engineering personnel.
- Oversee workforce planning and scheduling to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Set performance expectations and support ongoing training and professional development.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across vessel and shore‑side teams.
Administration
- Develop annual operating and capital budgets for fleet and terminals.
- Manage maintenance and project expenditures.
- Create long‑term asset replacement and lifecycle management plans.
- Evaluate equipment performance and recommend capital improvements.
- Provide technical recommendations to executive leadership.
- Maintain regulatory documentation and support reporting requirements.
- Ensure accurate and timely administrative recordkeeping related to maintenance, compliance, and capital projects.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
- Marine Engineering degree or equivalent maritime technical education.
- Chief Engineer license or equivalent engineering experience.
- Minimum 5 years of marine engineering, vessel maintenance, or technical management experience.
- Experience managing shipyard projects, dry docks, and vessel modifications.
- Strong knowledge of marine mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and auxiliary systems.
- Experience managing contractors, vendors, and technical service providers.
- Strong organizational, budgeting, and project management skills.
- Ability to travel to shipyards, terminals, and vessel locations as required.
Preferred
- Experience with passenger vessels and high‑speed craft.
- Experience with vessel construction or major conversion projects.
- Familiarity with U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada regulations.
- Experience managing capital projects exceeding $500,000.
Desired Attributes
- Self‑directed and able to work independently.
- Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail.
- Comfortable working in dynamic environments with competing priorities.
- Able to balance immediate operational needs with long‑term strategic objectives.
Additional Requirements
- Regular presence at the office and terminal in Victoria and Seattle.
- Willingness to work weekends or evenings if required for urgent matters.
- Valid passport and ability/willingness to travel between Canada and the United States.
Job Type: Full-time, year-round
Location: Victoria, BC or Seattle, WA
Compensation: this position is eligible for the Annual Incentive Program (bonus)
Additional Benefits:
· Complimentary trips aboard the Victoria Clipper
Pay: From $145,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Victoria, BC V8V 2G6: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- How many years of experience do you have with Marine Engineering?
- Do you have a Chief Engineers license?
- Do you have the ability to travel between Victoria BC and Seattle WA?
Language:
Work Location: In person
