ETO (Electro Technical Officer)

About the role

Bamboohr is seeking an Electro Technical Officer to join their team in Houston, Texas. This full-time position focuses on the maintenance and operation of electrical and electronic systems aboard maritime vessels. The ETO plays a critical role in ensuring that all onboard electrical equipment functions safely and reliably. Candidates will be responsible for supporting the technical operations of the vessel while adhering to industry standards and regulations. The Electro Technical Officer reports to the Chief Engineer and works closely with the deck and engine departments.

Key facts

What you'll do

Perform routine inspections and testing of electrical systems on board maritime vessels to ensure proper operation.

Diagnose and repair faults in electronic equipment, navigation systems, and communication devices used on ships.

Maintain detailed records of all maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections for compliance and auditing purposes.

Collaborate with the ship's crew and engineering team to plan and schedule electrical maintenance tasks.

Monitor power generation and distribution systems to ensure safe and efficient energy management on the vessel.

Conduct safety checks on all electrical installations to meet international maritime regulatory requirements and standards.

Oversee the installation and commissioning of new electrical and electronic equipment during vessel refits or upgrades.

Troubleshoot and resolve issues with automation systems, alarm panels, and control circuits in a timely manner.

Ensure all electrical work is documented and that spare parts and tools are properly inventoried and stored.

Provide technical guidance and training to junior crew members on electrical safety procedures and best practices.

Coordinate with shore-based technical support teams to address complex electrical problems that require specialized expertise.

Verify that all electrical certificates and documentation are current and conform to classification society requirements.

Liaise with port state control and classification society surveyors during inspections of electrical and electronic equipment.

Participate in scheduled dry-dock and refit planning to ensure all electrical projects are completed on time.

Requirements

Hold a relevant certification or degree in electro-technical engineering or a closely related marine discipline.

Possess a minimum of two years of practical experience serving as an ETO or equivalent rating.

Demonstrate thorough knowledge of maritime electrical systems including power generation, distribution, and fault-finding procedures.

Hold a valid STCW certificate with appropriate endorsements for electro-technical officer duties and responsibilities.

Have experience working with navigation electronics, radar systems, GPS equipment, and integrated bridge systems.

Be able to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams for electrical installations on vessels.

Maintain current medical fitness certification suitable for sea service as required by maritime authorities.

Show strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work under pressure in a maritime setting.

Nice to have

Familiarity with programmable logic controllers and industrial automation systems used in modern marine environments.

Experience with vessel management software and digital logbook systems for tracking maintenance activities.

Additional certifications in high-voltage electrical safety or specialized marine electronics are highly valued.

Prior experience working on offshore support vessels, tankers, or similar commercial maritime platforms.

Skills & tools

Proficiency with multimeters, insulation resistance testers, and other standard marine electrical diagnostic instruments.

Working knowledge of marine electrical schematics, circuit diagrams, and cable management practices.

Familiarity with fire detection and suppression systems, emergency lighting, and alarm installations on ships.

Ability to use computer-based maintenance management systems for tracking work orders and spare parts.

Understanding of international maritime conventions including SOLAS and MARPOL as they relate to electrical systems.

Competence in welding and basic mechanical fitting skills to support broader engineering operations on board.

Practical notes

This role is based in Houston, Texas, and requires regular on-site presence at the company facility.

The position is full-time with standard working hours, though maritime roles may require extended periods at sea.

Applicants should be prepared to undergo a background check and provide valid identification before starting employment.

Bamboohr offers a structured onboarding program to help new ETOs integrate into the vessel operations team.

The company values continuous professional development and may support further training and certification advancement over time.

The company maintains a comprehensive safety culture and expects all personnel to follow established procedures without exception.