VP, Technical Operations

About the role

The VP of Technical Operations will serve as a key strategic and operational leader to support the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of our fleet. Reporting directly to the SVP of Technical Operations, this role will serve as a critical link between the fleet and shoreside leadership, with direct oversight of vessel maintenance strategy, drydock execution, engineering performance, and technical compliance.

Responsibilities

• Fleet Technical Management - Provide strategic and operational leadership over shipboard technical operations, including mechanical, propulsion, electrical, HVAC, and structural systems.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex engineering challenges, collaborating closely with Technical Operations Directors/Managers and relevant shipboard technical leaders as well as cross-departmental leads.
• Ensure all technical operations meet or exceed requirements under SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM Code, Flag State, Class, and corporate HESS policies.
• Maintenance & Drydock Planning - Lead the strategic development and execution of major drydock projects, including scope development, contractor selection, budget adherence, and delivery timelines.
• Direct lifecycle management and scheduling of major drydock including cost estimation, contractor negotiations, and project execution oversight.
• Drive adoption of predictive and condition-based maintenance practices to improve reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Operational Performance & Efficiency - Develop and track key technical KPIs (e.g., fuel consumption, technical downtime, maintenance backlog) and recommend data-driven interventions to improve performance.
• Collaborate with the Environmental and Marine Operations teams to implement energy efficiency initiatives and reduce carbon intensity.
• Partner with the Fuel & Energy Management team to support CCL’s decarbonization strategy and compliance with IMO 2030/2050 objectives.
• Partner with procurement and supply chain to evaluate technical vendor performance, improve spare parts logistics, and standardize critical components across the fleet.
• Ensure all systems and processes comply with environmental standards and Carnival’s sustainability commitments, including emissions reduction, waste treatment, and energy efficiency.
• Safety, Risk & Compliance - Champion a safety-first culture across shipboard and shoreside teams; support root cause analysis and corrective actions following technical incidents.
• Lead technical audits and inspections, coordinate with internal auditors and external regulators on safety and compliance reviews.
• Leadership & Collaboration - Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of technical professionals including Technical Operations Directors, managers, technical superintendents.
• Provide feedback on development and succession planning of shipboard engineering leadership roles.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with Marine Operations, Environmental Compliance, Finance, and Supply Chain, and Finance teams to align strategies, share resources, and manage costs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Chief Engineer license or equivalent credential preferred.
• Master’s degree is a plus.
• Demonstrated expertise in marine systems, drydock execution, fuel optimization, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong business acumen, with experience managing technical OPEX and CAPEX budgets.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills; able to influence across all levels.
• Strong understanding of international maritime regulatory frameworks and classification society requirements.
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar technical budgets and large-scale projects.
• Ability to assess operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Techically proficient with maintenance management systems (e.g., AMOS, Maximo), ship automation platforms, and data analytics tools.
• 10–15 years of experience in shipboard and shoreside technical roles, including drydock oversight.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership position with multi-vessel responsibility.

Benefits

• Health Benefits: - Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
• Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage
• Financial Benefits: - 401(k) plan that includes a company match
• Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Paid Time Off: - Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 8 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee’s discretion.
• Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year. Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours/year. All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure.
• Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year. Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.
• Other Benefits: - Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends
• Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement

About Us

At Carnival Cruise Line, our mission is to consistently deliver safe, fun, and memorable vacations at a great value. As the world’s most popular cruise line, we offer a variety of unique experiences across our fleet, ensuring that every voyage is filled with excitement and discovery. From world-class entertainment and dining to exploring stunning destinations, we create lasting memories for our guests while maintaining a dedication to the places we visit and the lives we touch.

Contact Information

To apply, please visit our careers page at carnival.com/careers.