Required: Senior Gearbox Expert - Reliability

We ARE Renewables is looking for a Senior Gearbox (Reliability) Expert to further strengthen its internal expertise in heavy mechanical systems and power transmission. The role aims to continuously improve the mechanical reliability of a global fleet of specialized vessels.

The position focuses on analyzing complex mechanical failures at their root cause level, combining calculations, design evaluations, and in-depth engineering expertise. The Senior Gearbox (Reliability) Expert investigates how mechanical systems are designed, how they operate, why they fail, and how recurrence can be prevented through structural improvements.

In this senior expert role, the successful candidate will take ownership of complex, non-standard mechanical reliability challenges with fleet-wide relevance and impact across multiple business units. The position is strongly focused on engineering, reliability improvement, and root cause analysis. Profiles with a purely maintenance-driven or shipbuilding-focused background are less suited for this role.

Responsibilities:

Act as the technical point of contact for complex mechanical topics, ranging from design input to detailed failure analysis.
Assess complex mechanical systems, including gearboxes, bearings, propulsion systems, jack-up systems, rack & pinion systems, and other power transmission systems.
Translate calculated loads and force distributions into design-level insights and technical recommendations.
Independently perform and validate calculations related to operational loads, force balances, stress distributions, and fatigue behaviour of components under operating conditions.
Perform in-depth Root Cause Analyses (RCA) for critical failures in power transmission systems.
Analyze and evaluate failure mechanisms such as contact fatigue and pitting, gear tooth damage, deformation, insufficient surface hardness, and limitations in tooth root strength.
Define structural solutions that prevent recurrence, beyond temporary repairs or maintenance-based corrective actions.
Act as a technical authority when engaging with OEMs and suppliers, supported by independent calculations and engineering judgement.
Contribute to fleet-wide reliability improvement initiatives and risk assessments.
Collaborate at expert level with technical engineering teams, maintenance specialists, vessel management, OEMs, and key suppliers.

Profile:

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (civil engineer).
Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in heavy mechanical engineering, heavy industry, or a comparable technical environment.
Proven expertise in mechanical power transmission systems. (like propulsion systems, drive trains)
Strong understanding of technical ecosystems like auxiliary systems and their influence on the performance and reliability of mechanical systems.
End-to-end mindset: while driven by strong theoretical knowledge, the candidate is motivated to see solutions implemented and validated in practice.
Experience in reliability engineering, failure analysis, or design validation is a strong asset.
Analytical mindset with a strong reliance on calculations, physics, and engineering fundamentals rather than assumptions.
Ability to operate independently at expert level and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders.
Fluent in English; experience in an international environment is part of the role.

Contract: Permanent Contract
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Start: ASAP in consultation with the company

Senior Gearbox Reliability Expert