Marine Engineers - Deepwater Fishing Vessels

Join our deep-water fleet - 13 vessels fishing year-round from Cape Reinga to the Ross Sea. Our crews work at sea for 6-12 weeks at a time, catching, processing, and packaging premium New Zealand seafood that's enjoyed around the world.

As a Marine Engineer, you'll play a vital role in keeping our vessels running at their best. Working aboard scampi vessels, trawlers, or longliners, you'll be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vessel's engineering, mechanical, and electrical systems. You'll collaborate closely with the Skipper and crew to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations - all while helping deliver world-class seafood.

With vessels operating from ports including Timaru and Tauranga, you'll be part of a values-driven team where people are our most important asset. This is an Independent Contractor opportunity, based on a 6 weeks on / 6 weeks off rotation.

To support you, Sanford covers the cost of travel to and from the vessel for each swing within New Zealand.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure optimal functioning of all marine engineering systems, including diesel-electric propulsion and electric trawl winches, through regular maintenance and repair.
• Troubleshoot, identify, and resolve technical issues promptly to ensure smooth operations throughout fishing voyages.
• Work proactively to maximise fuel efficiency and reduce the vessel's environmental impact.
• Maintain and enforce health and safety protocols, ensuring all engineering systems are routinely inspected and compliant with maritime safety regulations.

About you:

• Hold a Minimum MEC 5 or MEC 4 Certificate of Competency (or equivalent).
• Proficient in marine engineering systems with preferred experience in diesel-electric propulsion and trawl winch operations.
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining and repairing marine vessels, including ammonia or refrigerant-based freezing systems.
• Good understanding of New Zealand maritime and operational regulations including MOSS, HSWA, Fisheries Act, and MPI food safety.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform effectively in isolated and challenging sea-based environments.

About the fleet:

Sanford operates a diverse fleet of deepwater and scampi vessels, delivering premium seafood to international markets.

Our deepwater fleet includes six vessels—San Waitaki, San Enterprise, San Discovery, San Granit, San Aspiring, and San Aotea II—primarily operating in the Southern Ocean on voyages lasting up to six to eight weeks. These vessels target species such as hoki, orange roughy, squid, ling, and Antarctic toothfish. Our vessels are highly versatile, processing and freezing products onboard to export standards, including H&G, fillets, squid tubes, fishmeal, and fish oil.

Sanford also operates a scampi fleet of seven smaller deep-sea trawlers—Albatross II, Drysdale, Venture K, San Tangaroa, San Aramand, San Tongariro and San Koura Rangi. These vessels target scampi across New Zealand waters, freezing and packing product at sea before delivery to Bluff, Timaru, or direct export from Tauranga.

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Our recruitment process includes pre-engagement checks including criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.