Principal Engineer - Technology
About the job
- A university graduate with a minimum of 15 years of related industry experience, or an experienced engineer from industry meeting the applicable hull or machinery requirements.
- For hull backgrounds, a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or another related discipline; a Master of Science degree is preferred.
- For hull backgrounds, demonstrated computer literacy in engineering software and exposure to the Finite Element Method through coursework or supervised research.
- For machinery backgrounds, a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline; a Master of Science degree is preferred.
- Graduates from a marine-industry-recognized college or university are preferred.
- A good command of English is required.
- For experienced hull engineers, a professional or chartered engineer license, plus at least 15 years of related engineering experience in a shipyard, design or consulting office, shipping or oil company, or classification society; alternatively, at least three years as an ABS Senior Engineer II.
- For experienced machinery engineers, at least 15 years of related engineering experience in a shipyard, design or consulting office, shipping or oil company, or classification society; alternatively, at least three years as an ABS Senior Engineer II. A seagoing engineering license or professional/chartered engineer license is also required.
- Extensive previous experience in the listed tasks.
- Skill developing computer solutions in at least one of engineering, human resources information systems, financial systems, or computer-aided design.
- Expertise across multiple tools, technical platforms, and techniques.
- Understanding of program development methodology.
- Knowledge of relational and hierarchical database management systems.
- Qualification in computer systems design and maintenance.
- Data analysis and modeling skills.
- Ability to instruct others.
- Ability to obtain working knowledge of the ABS Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Management System.
- Plan, conduct, and supervise engineering design reviews and analysis assignments involving larger, more critical projects or multiple projects, applying engineering or scientific knowledge to complex and difficult work.
- Maintain awareness of technical, business, and management developments affecting current and potential customers, and communicate relevant information promptly to senior-level managers.
- Serve as account manager for designated and potential customers and promote ABS services and capabilities in the business community.
- Provide day-to-day leadership to assigned engineering staff; assign projects to Engineers and Senior Engineers and monitor their progress; ensure high-quality service and good customer relations.
- Develop suggested Rule changes and Rule development projects as assigned, and advise staff on applying Rules and Regulations.
- Advise managers of short- and long-term staffing needs to ensure qualified, trained technical staff are available, and identify related training needs.
- Appraise subordinates' performance and development potential.
- Develop or assist in developing qualification statements, proposals, and bids, and present them to prospective clients when needed.
- Ensure accurate and timely client billing.
- Work closely with a senior-level Manager on day-to-day activities, including work status and scheduling, priorities, and sales initiatives.
- A Master of Science degree for hull or machinery backgrounds.
- Graduation from a marine-industry-recognized college or university.
About the company
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
Get referred to American Bureau of Shipping
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
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.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
Hybrid Work Options
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
0%1 year growth
1%2 year growth
8%ABS Approves Ammonia Cracking Technology for Ships from Pherousa
Maritime Needs Decisive Action on Cyber Risk Says ABS Consulting Cyber Expert
ABS Publishes Industry-Leading Safety Insights for Ammonia as a Marine Fuel
ABS Publishes Industry-Leading Advisory on Dual-Fuel Propulsion
ABS Announces Industry Leading New Singapore Maritime Safety Center