About the role

  • Director of HVAC-R responsible for compliance, leadership, and performance of HVAC-R systems. Managing strategic oversight for Royal Caribbean Group's cruise fleet's climate control systems.

Responsibilities

  • responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and continuous improvement of all HVAC-R systems across the global Royal Caribbean Group cruise fleet.
  • ensure safe, efficient, reliable, and regulatory-compliant climate control systems that support guest comfort, crew welfare, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
  • set technical standards, manage lifecycle planning, and lead cross-functional teams to support new builds, dry docks, refurbishments, and ongoing vessel operations.
  • oversee performance, maintenance, and reliability of HVAC-R systems on all vessels.
  • provide technical support and guidance to shipboard engineering teams and shoreside technical ship managers.
  • lead root-cause analysis for HVAC-R failures and implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • ensure HVAC-R systems support public health standards, including air quality, filtration, and humidity control.
  • oversee HVAC-R scope for dry docks, major upgrades, and refurbishment projects.
  • manage commissioning, testing, and acceptance of HVAC-R systems.
  • drive energy optimization initiatives to reduce fuel consumption and emissions related to HVAC-R systems together with newbuilding and Decarbonization team.
  • ensure compliance with all applicable maritime regulations and standards (e.g., SOLAS, Class Society rules, Flag State, IMO, CDC/VSP where applicable).

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent is a plus.
  • Minimum 12–15 years of progressive HVAC-R engineering experience, preferably in marine, cruise, offshore, or large hospitality environments.
  • At least 5–7 years in a senior leadership or director-level role.
  • Strong experience with large-scale marine HVAC-R systems, including chillers, AHUs, ducting, automation, and controls.
  • Proven involvement in new builds, dry docks, or major retrofit projects.
  • Experience managing large budgets and cross-functional technical teams.
  • Marine HVAC-R design, operation, and troubleshooting.
  • Chilled water systems and energy management.
  • Automation, controls, and monitoring systems.
  • Indoor air quality and public health standards.
  • Regulatory compliance and class requirements.
  • Lifecycle cost analysis and asset management.
  • Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
  • Decisive leader with excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Effective communicator across technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Comfortable working in a global, multi-cultural environment.
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally and visit vessels as required.

Benefits

  • competitive compensation and benefits package
  • excellent career development opportunities

Job title

Director, HVAC-R

Job type

Experience level

Lead

Salary

Not specified

Degree requirement

Bachelor's Degree

Location requirements

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