Lead Planning Engineer

Lead - Plan Approval Engineer About the role We are seeking an experienced Plan Approval Engineer to lead and coordinate plan review for newbuild vessels, with a strong focus on design compliance, risk management, and stakeholder guidance throughout the design cycle. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience reviewing plans and technical specifications, collaborating closely with shipyards, makers, and classification societies to ensure designs meet rules, regulations, and our client's specifications. Key Responsibilities Lead and coordinate the plan review process for newbuild vessels and manage review activities across stakeholders. Provide technical expertise and guidance through all stages of the design process. Evaluate and approve designs, plans, drawings, and technical specifications for compliance with newbuild specifications and applicable rules, regulations, and guidelines. Participate in design risk assessments; identify potential design issues and recommend improvements and solutions. Drive and/or participate in Yard Selection and Maker Selection, consistently acting in the client's best interests. Stay current with advancements in technologies, rules, and best practices in vessel design, construction, and operation. Requirements Excellent written and verbal English (business and technical) and strong computer skills: MS Office, SharePoint, AutoCAD. Served as lead plan approval engineer for at least one project (on behalf of a Class Society, Ship Owner/Manager, or Charterer). Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering. 8+ years in design of tankships (or 5+ years if focused on gas carriers). 2+ years acting as the technical interface / point of contact with a shipyard during the design review phase of a shipbuilding contract for a gas carrier (or 5+ years for other tanker types). Related experience (any of the following) will be considered favorably: Newbuilding site supervision Negotiation of shipbuilding contracts Repair/upgrade of gas carriers on behalf of owner/manager or shipyard Proven plan approval / approval coordination experience in marine or new shipbuilding. Gas carrier plan approval experience preferred. Preferred Candidate Profile Former 2nd Engineer or Chief Engineer with demonstrable plan approval responsibilities. Strong working knowledge of class rules, IMO/IGC Code, and applicable regulatory frameworks. Confident communicator with shipyards, makers, and classification societies; able to challenge and resolve design issues constructively.