Fleet Technical Manager
Summary:  
Description:  

 

Who We Are
Mercy Ships is a global faith-based charity that uses hospital ships to bring life-changing surgeries and transformational medical training to people in some of the most challenging contexts along the African coast. For over 40 years, Mercy Ships has been delivering lasting hope and healing through safe surgical care, while working alongside partners and stakeholders to strengthen local healthcare systems in more than 55 countries. Since the inception of this dream by founders Don and Deyon Stephens in 1978, Mercy Ships has served more than 2.7 million direct beneficiaries without regard for race, gender, or religion.

 

The Opportunity
The Fleet Technical Manager leads the development and oversight of the fleet’s Planned Maintenance System (PMS), ensuring consistent, compliant, and effective maintenance across all vessels. This role supports technical reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. In addition to managing the PMS, the position oversees technical documentation, supports marine software systems, and coordinates with shipboard and office personnel. The Fleet Technical Manager works closely with the Director of Technical Operations to optimize performance and align practices with the organization’s mission.

Preference will be given to candidates who are able to work in a hybrid capacity from our Lindale, Texas headquarters. 

How You’ll Contribute
To perform this role successfully, the individual must be able to carry out each essential duty with competence and professionalism:

  • Lead the management, development, and continuous improvement of the Planned Maintenance System (PMS) for the fleet.
  • Ensure the PMS is accurately structured and maintained, including task creation, scheduling, and documentation of maintenance activities.
  • Train and support shipboard and shore-based personnel in the effective use of maintenance software and processes.
  • Serve as the primary liaison for all PMS-related issues, coordinating with users, internal IT, and software providers to resolve technical challenges and implement enhancements.
  • Develop and maintain technical data within the PMS, including equipment records, spare parts, and maintenance plans for new and modified installations.
  • Liaise with the Procurement team regarding purchasing and spare parts.
  • Perform regular audits of maintenance records, system entries, and task execution to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Oversee the quality and accuracy of maintenance instructions, improving clarity and effectiveness of tasks within the system.
  • Support the management and organization of technical manuals, nameplate data, and equipment documentation.
  • Provide technical oversight for Management of Change (MOC) processes affecting vessel systems and maintenance documentation.
  • Maintain up-to-date vessel technical drawings and registers in alignment with procedural requirements.
  • Generate and manage monthly Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports related to maintenance performance and system usage.
  • Monitor and manage communications related to maintenance activities via a dedicated mailbox.
  • Provide user support for condition monitoring programs, electronic logbooks, and other maritime software.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the fleet’s technical operations.

 

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements)
The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for successful performance in this role:

  • Strong ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical manuals, industry publications, and engineering documents.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Experienced in the use of standard computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and marine-specific software.
  • Willingness and ability to travel both nationally and internationally, as needed.
  • Alignment with the mission, vision, and core values of Mercy Ships.
  • Demonstrated servant leadership, integrity in collaboration, and a high level of personal accountability.

 

Education and Experience
The following qualifications are representative of the education and experience typically required for this role. Candidates should meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • A bachelor’s degree or diploma in marine engineering or a degree in a marine-related field, along with a background in planned maintenance software with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a marine-related industry.
  • STCW III/2 certification with at least five (5) years of experience working as a senior officer on oceangoing vessels.
  • STCW III/1 certification with at least seven (7) years of experience working as a junior officer on oceangoing vessels.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in the United States. Salary Range (U.S. Market Only): $85,000 – $90,500 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.