Job Description

SOLE ENGINEER, 40M CLASSIC MOTOR YACHT

Vessel: 40m Classic Motor Yacht, Private
Start Date: Mid-late October 2026 for a full handover
Package: €6,000+ per month, DOE + 13th month bonus, 90 days leave
Location: USA | Bahamas winter | Mediterranean summer

Please note: Male candidates only due to cabin arrangements. B1/B2 visa and a Schengen/EU passport are essential. 

We are seeking a dedicated, hands-on Sole Engineer to join a beautiful 40m classic motor yacht with a strong reputation and a very well-maintained engineering program within a well-established private family program. 

The engine room is considered a centrepiece of the vessel and the owners take great pride in keeping everything running to a high standard with a strong maintenance culture onboard. The yacht combines historically significant 1963 Gardner main engines with modern generators, stabilisers and updated systems, making this a particularly interesting boat for an Engineer who enjoys classic machinery alongside modern yacht systems.

The yacht sits within a wider family fleet and is operated to high standards, with the owners placing strong emphasis on proper maintenance, presentation and investing in the right people and infrastructure. They take genuine pride in the vessels and particularly in the engineering and condition of this classic yacht. 

The program offers excellent support for the Engineer, with a dedicated Engineering Manager overseeing the fleet, strong shore-side and yard support, and proper engineering cover provided during leave. This means you have the autonomy of a Sole Engineer position without being left to manage everything alone. 

The vessel is currently in the US, with a program taking her through the Bahamas over winter before a proposed return to the Mediterranean for the summer. 

We are looking for someone who takes genuine pride in their work, enjoys being hands-on and wants to look after a vessel properly rather than simply keep things ticking over. Continuity and loyalty are valued within the program, so this would suit someone looking for a long-term commitment. 

The yacht has a predominantly British, Kiwi and South African crew, with English as the first language. We are looking for someone who will naturally fit into a relaxed, English-speaking crew environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take full ownership of the engineering department and systems onboard
• Manage planned and preventative maintenance across the vessel
• Maintain the engine room to a very high standard of cleanliness and organisation
• Monitor and maintain main engines, generators, stabilisers and associated machinery
• Troubleshoot faults and carry out repairs and maintenance as required
• Keep the planned maintenance system and engineering records up to date
• Coordinate with contractors, shipyards and specialist engineers when required
• Assist with engineering preparations during yard periods and intensive maintenance periods
• Assist the deck team with docking, manoeuvring and tender launching when required
• Ensure the vessel remains operationally ready throughout the program

• AEC 2 minimum - MEOL candidates will also be considered, with salary adjusted accordingly
• 2-3 years' experience in a similar Sole Engineer role
• Strong hands-on engineering and troubleshooting skills
• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership
• High standards of cleanliness, organisation and preventative maintenance
• B/1B2, Schengen/EU passport essential
• Powerboat Level 2 advantageous but not essential
• Positive, practical and team-focused personality
• Male candidate due to cabins
• Fluent English essential, both written and spoken, due to the work environment onboard 

• Starting salary €6,000+ per month, subject to experience and qualifications (MEOL and above)
• 90 days leave
• 13th month bonus, plus additional discretional gratuity depending on vessel usage
• 2 return flights per year
• Training allowance based on time served
• Dedicated Engineering Manager across the fleet
• Engineering cover provided while on leave
• Strong support from the wider fleet and access to reputable yards and specialist contractors