Director, HVAC-R Systems

Royal Caribbean Group

. Define and execute the multi-year fleet HVAC strategy covering reliability, energy efficiency, obsolescence, lifecycle replacement and decarbonization goals .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeMiami • Florida • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in HVAC and refrigeration systems, with a strong focus on project management, strategic direction, and compliance with maritime regulations. Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage large-scale projects, and drive energy efficiency and reliability improvements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

HVAC System ManagementProject ManagementTechnical LeadershipRegulatory ComplianceEnergy Efficiency Strategies

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

HVAC TechnologiesRefrigeration SystemsChillersAir-Handling UnitsControl SystemsLifecycle ManagementTechnical ReportingPerformance AnalysisBudget ManagementRisk Assessment

Soft Skills

Interpersonal CommunicationOrganizational SkillsProactive InitiativeLeadershipTeam Development

Tools & Technologies

Condition-Monitoring SoftwareFleet-Management SoftwareMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelEmail Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

HVAC CertificationProject Management Certification

Industry Keywords

Maritime EngineeringIMO ComplianceSOLAS RegulationsMARPOL StandardsFleet Technical Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and execute the multi-year fleet HVAC strategy covering reliability, energy efficiency, obsolescence, lifecycle replacement and decarbonization goals
Translate company priorities into HVAC roadmaps, KPIs and capital plans, and report progress to senior leadership
Evaluate emerging HVAC and refrigeration technologies and lead pilot and test programs
Serve as senior subject-matter expert and escalation point for complex HVAC technical issues
Lead, coach and develop HVAC managers, engineers and specialists; set objectives and manage performance
Build succession plans and training pathways for shore-side and shipboard personnel
Observe and evaluate shipboard HVAC work procedures
Direct major HVAC repairs, upgrades, modernization, retrofit and capital projects, including dry-dock and revitalization scopes
Own project governance from concept through close-out and warranty follow-up
Lead CAPEX and CAR projects, including multi-million-dollar HVAC system investments
Support newbuild ship projects with system specifications, testing and warranty follow-up
Oversee vendor selection, OEM relationships, service agreements and contractor performance
Provide advanced technical guidance for HVAC and refrigeration systems
Oversee overhauls and repairs of compressors, chillers, heat exchangers, air handlers and ductwork
Manage lifecycle strategies, obsolescence planning and reliability improvements
Direct investigations of technical failures and define corrective and preventive actions
Ensure vessels comply with regulations and company policies, including IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL and class requirements
Oversee ship visits, inspections and risk assessments; monitor audit findings and non-conformities
Prepare technical reports, performance analyses and efficiency recommendations
Own the fleet HVAC operating budget, spare-parts planning and long-term service agreements
Provide functional guidance to shipboard HVAC and refrigeration personnel across the fleet

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent maritime qualifications
20+ years of technical HVAC and refrigeration expertise in maritime, industrial or commercial settings, preferably on passenger ships
15+ years leading and providing strategic direction to technical project teams and managing people, including recent senior management experience
Proven record delivering large-scale HVAC projects and programs, including dry-dock, retrofit, modernization and capital projects, with full budget and schedule accountability
Deep knowledge of large-scale chillers, air-handling units, provision and air-conditioning compressors, control systems and energy-efficient HVAC technologies
Experience with fleet technical management, maintenance planning, and classification society and regulatory engagement (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL)
Strategic mindset with the ability to define problems, analyze data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
Strong project and program management foundation, including risk, vendor and stakeholder management
Excellent interpersonal, written and spoken English communication skills
Proactive, organized and able to take initiative; proven leadership of technical teams
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and email
Proficiency with condition-monitoring and fleet-management software
Strong ability and willingness to extensively travel internationally to shipyards and vessels
Certification in HVAC or refrigeration systems preferred
Project management certification (e.g., PMP) preferred
Familiarity with maritime environmental and efficiency technologies preferred
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the location where this position is based
This position is not eligible for immigration or work-visa sponsorship now or in the future for most applicants

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation and benefits package
Cruise and Travel Privileges
Health and Wellness Benefits
401(k) + Employer Contribution (US Only)
Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comprehensive Time Off Package
Parental Leave
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Training & Professional Development
Tuition & Professional Certification Reimbursement (US Only)