Job description 

POSITION AVAILABLE FROM:
May 2026

Location:
Athlone Industria, Cape Town, South Africa.

Job Description:

Southern Wind Shipyard is seeking an experienced Systems Coordinator to lead and coordinate the installation and integration of all mechanical and fluid systems across our yacht builds. This role is responsible for overseeing the Mechanical and Systems department, ensuring that propulsion, plumbing, HVAC, and hydraulic equipment are installed efficiently and integrated seamlessly throughout the build process. A key objective of this role is to streamline the installation workflow and ensure high-precision execution of complex mechanical designs.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• • Departmental Leadership: Coordinate and oversee the Mechanical Systems installation department, managing workflow and resource allocation.
  • System Integration: Ensure effective integration of all mechanical systems within the yacht structure throughout the build cycle.
  • Installation & Commissioning Management: Oversee the installation and commissioning of core systems, including:
    • Engine room outfitting and layout.
    • Main engine, auxiliary systems, and drive train components.
    • Refrigeration and HVAC / air conditioning systems.
    • Fresh water, grey water, black water, and bilge systems.
    • Hydraulic and auxiliary mechanical systems.
  • Workflow Optimization: Align installation schedules to improve efficiency and ensure departmental milestones are met.
  • Technical Oversight: Review and interpret complex system diagrams, mechanical schematics, and technical drawings.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with project managers, technical coordinators, the drawing office, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure installations adhere to design specifications and classification requirements.
  • Quality & Compliance: Oversee the testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of onboard systems to ensure they meet shipyard quality standards and classification society requirements (e.g., RINA, Lloyd’s).

Experience and Skills Required:

• • Experience: A minimum of 10 years in the marine, yacht building, or shipbuilding industry.
  • Management: Proven experience managing and coordinating technical teams or mechanical installation departments.
  • Technical Expertise: Strong technical understanding of mechanical marine systems, including propulsion, HVAC, refrigeration, pumps, and piping.
  • Qualifications: Formal technical or engineering qualifications related to marine mechanical systems.
  • Schematic Literacy: Advanced ability to read and interpret technical drawings, system diagrams, and mechanical schematics.
  • Communication: Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to bridge the gap between design and physical installation.

Southern Wind Shipyard builds luxury sailing yachts for the global market. The yachts are of contemporary Italian design and built with South African craftsmanship. Each yacht is unique, offering a high level of customization and the option of adapting design elements according to Clients’ personal preferences. The company has been in existence for more than 27 years with a Marketing division based in Italy and manufacturing facility based in Athlone Industria. For more information please visit www.sws-yachts.com

Please submit your details to apply for the above position before the closing date of 31 May 2026 

To apply please submit your Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages) including three relevant & contactable references, a short motivational letter (maximum 1 page), and current contact details via form or email to recruitment@sws-yachts.com.

Please note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for follow-up interviews. Candidates who have received no response within three weeks of the closing date should kindly assume that their application has not been successful.