Gearbox (reliability) expert

Location: Belgium

Job Description

To further increase the mechanical reliability of our global fleet of vessels, we’re strengthening our in house expertise in heavy mechanical systems and power transmission. We are looking for a senior Gearbox (Reliability) Expert who analyzes mechanical failures at their root, through calculation, design evaluation and deep engineering insight and who independently analyzes complex mechanical systems at system and component level, to go beyond maintenance-based assumptions.

This role focuses on understanding how mechanical systems are designed, function, fail and how to prevent recurrence, with direct impact on the long term reliability of critical assets across the fleet and business units.

In this senior expert role, you will take ownership of complex, non standard mechanical reliability topics with fleet wide relevance. Profiles with a purely maintenance-driven or shipbuilding-focused background are less suited for this position.

Your responsibilities

• Be the go-to person for all mechanical complex topics, from design input to failure analysis.
• Assess complex mechanical systems, including gearboxes, bearings, propulsion systems, jack-up systems, rack & pinion and similar power transmissions systems.
• Translate calculated loads and force balances into design-level insights and recommendations.
• Independently calculate and validate: actual operational loads, forces equilibria, stress distributions and fatigue behaviour acting on components during operations.
• Perform in‑depth Root Cause Analyses (RCA) for critical failures in power transmission systems.
• Analyze and evaluate failure phenomena such as: contact fatigue and pitting, gear tooth damage and deformation, surface hardness and tooth root strength shortcomings.
• Define structural solutions that prevent recurrence, beyond corrective maintenance and short‑term repair actions.
• Act as a technical authority when challenging OEMs and suppliers, through independently derived calculations and engineering judgment.
• Contribute to reliability improvement initiatives and risk assessments at fleet level.
• Interface at expert level with a.o. Technical Engineering (maintenance experts), Vessel Management, OEMs and key suppliers, …

Your profile

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering – civil engineer.
• Strong background, minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience, in heavy mechanical engineering or heavy industry.
• Proven expertise in mechanical power transmission systems.
• Solid understanding of auxiliary systems and how they play a role in the performance of the mechanical system.
• End to end mentality, although driven by strong theoretical skills, you want to see your work implemented and validate it.
• Experience in reliability engineering, failure analysis or design validation is a strong asset.
• Analytical mindset: you trust calculations and physics over assumptions.
• Able to operate independently at expert level and communicate clearly with multiple stakeholders.
• Fluent in English; international environment is part of the role.

Our offer

• A stimulating, innovative workplace with numerous growth opportunities.
• A people-oriented environment with an interactive health program and a focus on employee wellbeing.
• An extensive mobility program for a healthy work-life balance.
• A permanent training track which allows you to develop yourself personally and professionally