A

American Bureau of Shipping

Maritime classification, certification, and advisory services

Senior Surveyor 1

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/15/2026
No salary listed
Mid, Senior
Bachelor's
Luanda, Angola
In Person
Aerospace Engineering

About the job

Requirements
  • Have qualifications from a tertiary institution within a relevant field of engineering or physical science through a minimum two-year program, or qualifications from a marine or nautical institution and relevant seagoing experience as a certificated ship officer.
  • Meet the minimum requirements and knowledge listed for Surveyor II.
  • Have a minimum of three years of experience working as a Surveyor II, or a minimum of eight years of experience in an engineering or survey capacity with an IACS member Classification Society.
  • Understand ABS strategic technical positioning in the relevant marine industry sector.
  • Hold appropriate certification and/or licenses in areas of specialization where required.
  • Develop a working knowledge of ABS Rules, Guides, statutory regulations, related instructions, and the ABS Employee Safety Policy.
  • Read engineering plans and have a basic understanding of shipbuilding practices and vessel operations.
  • Perform surveys in the prescribed format.
  • Know computer programs or software packages related to job responsibilities.
  • Know related technical interfaces required for group project work.
  • Know ships' engineering systems and machinery.
  • Communicate pertinent information in English orally and in writing relative to the assigned area of technical expertise.
  • Analyze problems and propose solutions.
  • Have sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, and visual and auditory acuity to perform the duties effectively.
  • Climb vertical ladders up to nine meters and navigate steep steps.
  • Work at heights on staging and lifting equipment.
  • Maneuver in tight spaces and work inside confined areas for extended periods, including kneeling and crawling.
  • Lift at least 25 pounds (11.34 kilograms).
  • Use small tools and wear Personal Protective Equipment in accordance with ABS safety procedures where required.
  • Successfully complete an annual physical that recertifies the ability to perform required physical actions where allowed by local laws.
Responsibilities
  • Examine and report on vessels and other marine structures during and after construction for compliance with applicable requirements for maintaining vessel classification with ABS and meeting statutory and special service requirements related to Safety of Life at Sea, Loadline, Tonnage, Cargo Gear, and Pollution Prevention Certification.
  • Administer office procedures and monitor business performance at an assigned port when necessary.
  • Apply related rules, regulations, requirements, concepts, principles, and processes as a professional specialist for the organization.
  • Perform routine surveys on classed vessels, platforms, or other marine structures and at manufacturers for classification and compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Prepare technically accurate and timely reports of inspections and surveys performed.
  • Engage with clients to resolve problems within areas of expertise.
  • Maintain survey files in an orderly and up-to-date manner within the area of responsibility.
  • Maintain awareness of new methods and developments affecting the technical scope of assigned responsibilities and recommend changes to surveying processes and safety programs as warranted.
  • Recommend new approaches to problems and make changes in methods, procedures, or design where necessary.
  • Plan, schedule, and coordinate phases of surveying work and monitor the quality of service on work performed.
  • Monitor work and projects performed by subordinate surveyors to maintain the quality, content, consistency, and continuity of work.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and training to lower-level and/or less experienced surveyors.
  • Promote ABS services and capabilities to present and potential customers.
  • Report to a Principal Surveyor or higher under the direction of a Survey Manager or District/Country Manager, as appropriate.
  • May supervise or provide leadership guidance to lower-level surveyors.

About the company

A

American Bureau of Shipping

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ABS is a maritime classification society that provides classification, certification, and technical advisory services for ships and offshore assets to ensure safety and compliance. It sets safety and environmental standards, conducts surveys and inspections, and issues approvals and certificates for vessels, manufacturers, and service suppliers across the asset lifecycle. A global team from 200+ offices in 70 countries performs asset performance, energy and environmental reviews, and lifecycle management, while collaborating with governments and industry on guidance and decarbonization efforts. Its 160-year history, non-profit mandate within IACS, and emphasis on safety and environmental protection distinguish it from many competitors, guiding customers toward safe, efficient, and low-emission operations.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Spring, Texas

Founded

1862

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What believers are saying

  • ABS signed a September 3, 2026 MOU with JB Energy for Brazilian floating wind.
  • ABS issued Fleetzero's battery system assessment on August 11, 2026, boosting electrification credibility.
  • ABS-backed TMV Logistics launched a $200 million maritime fund on May 26, 2026.

What critics are saying

  • DNV, Lloyd's Register, and Bureau Veritas still outrank ABS on installed fleet relationships.
  • ABS's Korea-U.S. shipbuilding push depends on 2026 subsidy politics and yard execution.
  • One class failure on ammonia, hydrogen, or nuclear approval would shred trust overnight.

What makes American Bureau of Shipping unique

  • ABS is an IACS member with 200 offices across 70 countries.
  • ABS combines classification, cyber consulting, and risk services after acquiring RMC Global in April 2026.
  • ABS leads frontier approvals for nuclear, floating data centers, ammonia, and hydrogen designs in 2026.

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Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

1%

2 year growth

8%
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