Electrical Systems Engineering Director

About the Company An innovative maritime technology startup developing advanced electrical and electronic systems for next-generation vessels. The company delivers solutions that enable smarter, safer, and more efficient marine operations across commercial shipping, offshore energy, and specialist maritime sectors.

Role Overview The Electronics Engineering & Systems Director will lead the strategy, architecture, and delivery of complex maritime electronic and electrical systems. This role is accountable for system integration across power, automation, navigation, and digital vessel technologies, and will play a central role in shaping the company’s technical direction while ensuring compliance with international maritime standards.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership

• Lead and scale multidisciplinary engineering teams across electronics, electrical, embedded software, and systems engineering
• Define and execute the electronics engineering strategy aligned with the company roadmap
• Build organisational capability, processes, and technical excellence

System Architecture & Integration

• Own end-to-end architecture of vessel electrical and electronic systems
• Lead integration across navigation, automation, power electronics, and communication systems
• Ensure seamless hardware–software integration and system reliability

Product Development

• Drive development of next-generation maritime electronic platforms
• Oversee full lifecycle delivery from concept through deployment and support
• Establish robust engineering standards, tools, and development processes

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with relevant maritime standards and classification requirements (IMO, SOLAS, IEC 60945, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ABS)
• Embed safety, reliability, and certification requirements into system design

Stakeholder Engagement

• Contribute at executive level to company strategy and technical direction
• Support commercial activities through technical insight and customer engagement
• Develop partnerships with shipyards, operators, and technology providers

Required Experience

• 15+ years in marine electronics, electrical systems, or complex embedded/system engineering
• Proven leadership of high-performing engineering teams
• Strong background in systems engineering and large-scale integration
• Experience within maritime, offshore, or defence sectors
• Track record delivering complex engineering programmes

Technical Expertise Strong knowledge across several of the following:

• Marine electrical and electronic systems
• Power electronics, hybrid propulsion, and battery systems
• Vessel automation and control systems
• Navigation systems (e.g. radar, ECDIS, sensors)
• Embedded systems and control architectures
• Industrial communication protocols (e.g. CAN, NMEA, Ethernet)
• Functional safety and reliability engineering

Education

• Degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Systems Engineering (or related discipline)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent preferred

Personal Attributes

• Strategic and commercially aware engineering leader
• Strong systems thinking and problem-solving capability
• Able to lead complex, multidisciplinary programmes
• Collaborative and influential leadership style
• Passion for maritime innovation and sustainability

Compensation

• Competitive executive salary
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Location & Travel Role is based in Bilbao (Basque Region, Spain)

Regular travel to suppliers, partners, customers, and shipyards is expected.