Sole Engineer (Seasonal) – 30m+ Private Expedition Yacht – South Pacific

Are you an experienced engineer who loves adventure as much as engineering?

Would you like to spend your season surfing, diving and fishing between periods of cruising and maintenance?

A unique opportunity has become available for an experienced Sole Engineer to join a 30m+ private expedition motor yacht for an exciting South Pacific season. This is an ideal position for an engineer who enjoys being hands-on, working within a small crew and getting involved with the wider operation of the yacht.

Position Snapshot
• 30m+ Private Expedition Motor Yacht
• Sole Engineer
• Seasonal Contract | October 2026 – February 2027
• Salary: AUD $10,000 per month DOE
• Join in the South Pacific
• Fiji – October to November
• New Zealand – December / January
• Gold Coast shipyard – from February
• Possibility to remain onboard beyond February
• 5 Crew | Low Guest Numbers
• Open to all nationalities
• Candidates must currently be based within the Australia / New Zealand / Pacific region

The Opportunity
This is far from a conventional engineering position.
The yacht is a private 30m+ expedition vessel with an itinerary focused on exploration, adventure and getting off the beaten track. The successful candidate will take responsibility for the engineering operation while also having the opportunity to become involved in the deck and watersports side of the yacht.
The yacht will cruise Fiji through October and November, before heading to New Zealand for December and January. From February, the yacht is scheduled for yard time on the Gold Coast, with the possibility for the successful candidate to remain onboard.
With a small crew and low guest numbers, this is a very hands-on position where everyone contributes to the overall operation of the yacht.

The Role
As Sole Engineer, you will be responsible for the day-to-day engineering operation and maintenance of the vessel, (with plenty of engineering support from the captain) including:
• Managing all engineering systems and machinery
• Planned and preventative maintenance
• Troubleshooting and repairs
• Engineering watchkeeping and operational requirements
• Maintaining engineering records and inventories
• Managing spare parts and technical requirements
• Liaising with contractors and technicians when required
• Preparing the vessel for extended expedition cruising
• Maintaining a high standard of engineering, safety and reliability
The role will also involve assisting with deck operations when required, including:
• Tender driving
• Watersports
• General deck assistance
• Launching and recovery of tenders and water toys
• Assisting with guest activities

The Lifestyle
This is where the position really stands apart.
When the yacht is not operating, the crew have plenty of opportunity to make the most of the locations they are visiting.
There will be lots of surfing, diving and fishing for the right candidate, with the opportunity to get involved in the adventure and explore some incredible areas of the South Pacific.
The ideal candidate will therefore be someone who enjoys being more than just an engineer — someone who is happy to get involved, jump in the tender, help with watersports and make the most of the expedition lifestyle.

Ideal Candidate
• Experienced yacht engineer with previous experience on 30m+ vessels
• Comfortable working as a Sole Engineer
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills
• Practical, hands-on approach
• Able to manage engineering responsibilities independently
• Happy to assist with deck operations
• Confident tender driver
• Watersports experience advantageous
• Enjoys surfing, diving, fishing and the outdoors
• Adaptable and comfortable with remote expedition cruising
• Positive, proactive personality
• Strong team player who enjoys working within a small crew

Requirements
• Appropriate engineering qualification for the vessel
• STCW
• Valid ENG1 or equivalent seafarer medical
• Relevant yacht engineering experience
• Tender driving experience
• Currently based in Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific region
This is a fantastic opportunity for an engineer looking for something different — a seasonal position combining serious engineering responsibility with an incredible South Pacific itinerary and plenty of opportunities for surfing, diving, fishing and exploration.

October 2026 – February 2027 | $10,000 AUD/month DOE | 30m+ Private Expedition Yacht