Assistant Refrigeration Engineer

Assistant Refrigeration Engineer

The Assistant Refrigeration Engineer is under the supervision of the Chief Refrigeration Engineer, the Assistant Refrigeration Engineer operates, maintains, and repairs ventilation, provision, galley and bar equipment, ice rink cooling where applicable, and all air conditioning systems aboard the vessel. This role supports safe, reliable climate control and environmental stewardship, and must adhere to The Royal Way, Anchored in Excellence Credo, SQM standards, USPH guidelines, and all shipboard safety and environmental policies. The position may require work in various engineering spaces and other shipboard locations as part of a coordinated engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure ventilation, cooling, freezing equipment, ice rink cooling (where applicable), and all air conditioning equipment are kept in full and proper working condition.
• Assist the Chief Refrigeration Engineer in training division personnel in safety procedures and assigned duties.
• Assist in the proper maintenance and repair of all refrigerators, walk-in coolers, cold water drinking fountains, minibar (with refrigerant gas), and ice-making machines.
• Assist in the maintenance and condition of ship safety systems related to HVAC, including fire dampers, shut-off dampers, remote shut down, and Gaylord systems for all air-conditioning and ventilation ducts.
• Adhere to and promote environmental policies; immediately inform supervision if any environmental system does not function properly.
• Perform additional routines and work as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications & Training

• Formal education in HVAC and Refrigeration.
• Minimum three years of experience in Industrial or Commercial Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
• Certifications or trainings as required by Flag State or Royal Caribbean policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education or working experience in Automation & Electronics.
• Strong mechanical skills with experience using power tools and welding equipment.

Internal Candidate Requirements

• Minimum two to three years as 2nd Assistant Refrigeration Engineer.
• No written warnings on file within the last 6 months.
• Minimum two recommendations for promotion from two different Chief Refrigeration Engineers and/or Chief Engineers.
• The last two sign-off evaluations must meet company expectations in all categories.

Language Requirements

• Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly, and cordially with guests and employees.
• Ability to read and write English to understand and interpret written procedures; ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, management, and co-workers.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Physical: Regularly stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Environmental: Must be physically able to participate in emergency situations and drills; operate in shipboard environments with exposure to heat, cold, humidity, noise, and confined spaces; wear appropriate PPE; work at heights and in other challenging conditions as required. Full use of arms, legs, vision, hearing, and communication abilities is required to perform duties effectively, including emergency procedures.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be committed to safety and environmental standards.
• Work involves physical activity and exposure to challenging environments.