Job description

Position
Permanent position based in Athlone Industria, Cape Town.

Southern Wind Shipyards is seeking a highly experienced and technically skilled Systems Coordinator to join our Technical Office. This is a senior technical position responsible for supporting and coordinating the Systems Department throughout the production phase of our yachts. 
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the yacht and marine industry, with proven experience working on complex yacht or marine projects and a solid understanding of mechanical and technical systems.
The position reports directly to the Technical Manager.

Key Responsibilities

•    Coordinate and support the Systems Department during the production and commissioning phases of yacht projects.
•    Monitor the installation and integration of mechanical, piping, HVAC, hydraulic, fuel, and other technical systems.
•    Act as a technical interface between the Technical Office, Production Department, subcontractors, suppliers, and onboard teams.
•    Review technical drawings, specifications, system documentation, and installation requirements.
•    Identify and resolve technical issues arising during production, escalating complex matters to the Technical Manager where required.
•    Follow up on system installation progress and ensure that technical activities are aligned with project schedules.
•    Coordinate with production teams to ensure correct implementation of technical solutions and design requirements.
•    Assist with inspections, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of onboard systems.
•    Monitor technical quality and ensure that installations comply with approved documentation, applicable standards, and project requirements.
•    Support the resolution of clashes, design changes, and technical modifications arising during construction.
•    Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers on technical matters and follow up outstanding actions.
•    Participate in technical meetings, production reviews, inspections, and commissioning activities.
•    Maintain accurate records of technical issues, modifications, inspections, and outstanding works.
•    Support the Technical Manager and Systems Department with technical assessments and project-related decisions.
•    Contribute to continuous improvement of systems installation processes, technical coordination, and production efficiency.

Candidate Profile

•    Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in the yacht, shipbuilding, marine, or closely related industry.
•    Proven experience in a technical or systems role within yacht/marine production.
•    A Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
•    Strong understanding of marine and yacht mechanical systems and their integration.
•    Practical experience working within a shipyard, yacht builder, or marine engineering environment.
•    Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, schematics, and engineering documentation.
•    Strong understanding of the relationship between engineering design and practical production/installation.
•    Experience coordinating subcontractors and technical teams.
•    Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
•    Excellent communication and coordination skills.
•    Ability to work independently while operating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
•    A structured and hands-on approach, with strong attention to detail and technical accuracy.
•    Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple technical priorities within demanding project schedules.

Forward CV: Anneleigh@sws-yachts.com   / recruitment@sws-yachts.com
Closing date: 25 September 2026
  

Please submit your details to apply for the above position

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.