Service Engineer Propulsion

Wärtsilä•Houston, TX

About The Position

Wärtsilä is seeking a Field Service Engineer – Propulsion to join its Parts & Field Service team. This permanent position is preferably based in the USA. The role supports customers through maintenance, repairs, inspections, and troubleshooting of marine propulsion systems. The engineer works independently and with field service teams, providing on-site technical expertise and ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with Wärtsilä standards. The position reports to the Field Service Resources Coordinator. Work takes place at shipyards, workshops, onboard vessels, offshore locations, and customer sites. Engineers may encounter changing weather, elevated noise, moving mechanical equipment, electrical and hydraulic systems, heights, confined spaces, dust, fumes, and other industrial hazards. The work involves hands-on tasks such as climbing, lifting and carrying equipment, bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. The position requires a 75–80% travel commitment, both domestically and internationally, including onshore and offshore sites. Candidates for regular U.S. and Puerto Rico positions must meet the stated citizenship or immigration eligibility requirements; candidates requiring current or future work authorization sponsorship are not eligible. A voluntary security check may be required depending on the applicable country.

Requirements

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
Experience servicing, maintaining, and troubleshooting marine propulsion equipment.
Experience working in customer-facing field service environments.
Strong mechanical and hydraulic troubleshooting skills.
Ability to interpret technical documentation and specifications.
Strong communication and reporting skills.
Fluent English, written and spoken.
Safety-first mindset and commitment to quality.
Ability to work onboard vessels, in shipyards, workshops, offshore sites, and other industrial environments.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including climbing, lifting, bending, kneeling, and working in confined spaces when required.
Willingness to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally.
For regular U.S. and Puerto Rico positions, must be a U.S. citizen, national, or an alien admitted as a permanent resident, refugee, asylee with valid work permit, or temporary resident under 8 U.S.C. 1160(a) or 1255a(1); individuals with the listed temporary visas or who need work authorization sponsorship now or in the future are not eligible.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading service activities in complex marine environments.
Exposure to propulsion system commissioning, major overhauls, or drydock projects.
Familiarity with OEM marine propulsion technologies and service practices.
Knowledge of electrical and automation systems.
Experience working with international customers and multicultural teams.
Customer-focused and solution-oriented approach.
Strong ownership mindset and ability to work independently.
Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.
Comfortable operating in dynamic environments where schedules and priorities may change.

Responsibilities

Perform field service, maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities on marine propulsion equipment.
Troubleshoot mechanical and hydraulic systems and identify root causes of equipment failures.
Lead assigned service teams during on-site assignments.
Coordinate service activities directly with customers and site representatives.
Provide detailed service documentation, reports, measurements, and recommendations.
Monitor and communicate work progress to customers and internal stakeholders.
Track labor hours, spare parts usage, and service-related documentation.
Perform technical inspections and site audits as required.
Ensure compliance with Wärtsilä Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) requirements and customer procedures.
Promote Wärtsilä services, upgrades, and solutions when relevant.
Continuously seek opportunities to improve safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.