Vessel IT Engineer (SmartSea)
Columbia Shipmanagement LTDSmartSea, formed by industry leaders SITA (aviation) and Columbia Shipmanagement (maritime), leverages aviation-grade technology and expertise to deliver the next wave of maritime digital applications on an innovative unified platform—transforming how shipping companies operate.
Role Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Vessel IT Engineer to join our IT and Ship Management department. You will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and support of all IT and communication systems across our fleet. This role requires a blend of remote support from our shoreside office and hands-on, on-board support during port calls, dry-docking or takeovers. Must be able to travel at short notice.
Key Responsibilities:
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On-board Infrastructure: Install, configure, and maintain servers, computers, printers, switches, firewalls and peripheral hardware as well as company specific and industry standard software on all vessels.
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Network & Connectivity: Manage and troubleshoot satellite communication systems (Starlink, VSAT, FBB, Iridium), on-board Wi-Fi networks, and local area networks (LAN) to ensure constant connectivity for crew and operations.
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System Security & Backups: Implement cybersecurity protocols across fleet systems, monitor end-point protection, respective updates, and ensure flawless functionality of daily/weekly automated data backups.
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User Support & Training: Provide remote IT helpdesk support to ship crews, resolve system outages, and train onboard personnel on IT policies and new software.
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Hardware Inventory: Manage the lifecycle of on-board IT assets, track spare parts, and procure new equipment in coordination with the purchasing department.
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Shoreside Liaison: Work closely with technical superintendents and shore-based IT teams to plan system upgrades and report on fleet IT health.
Technical Specifications & Requirements:
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Marine Electronics, or a related field.
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Experience: Minimum 1-3+ years of professional IT experience, preferably within the shipping, offshore, or maritime industry.
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Core Competencies:
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Networking: Deep knowledge of TCP/IP and core protocols, network security, routing, switching, and VSAT configurations will be a plus.
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Hypervisor Deployment: Hands-on experience enabling, configuring, and updating the Hyper-V role on Windows Server environments onboard vessels
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Virtual Machine Management: Ability to provision, configure, and migrate Virtual Machines (VMs) and Virtual Hard Disks (VHDX) for ship operational systems.
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OS & Servers: Strong proficiency in Windows Server environments, Active Directory, and Windows 11 (thin and fat clients).
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Hardware: Experience troubleshooting PC/server hardware.
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Security: Solid understanding of firewall configuration, endpoint protection, and data recovery strategies.
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Soft Skills: Exceptional problem-solving abilities, excellent English communication skills, and a high degree of cultural awareness for working with multinational crews.
Why Join Our Team:
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Dynamic Environment: Opportunities to work in a fast-paced, multicultural, and globally recognized maritime organization.
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Travel: Opportunities for on-board visits and international travel for dry-dock and emergency support.
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Professional Growth: Continuous training in cutting-edge marine communication technologies.
To apply, please send us your CV at: [email protected]