Belmond Chief Engineer

About Belmond

Belmond is a distinguished name in luxury travel, curating exceptional hotels, trains, river cruises and safaris in some of the world’s most storied destinations. As an employer, Belmond offers the rare opportunity to contribute to experiences defined by heritage, artistry and deeply personal service, while belonging to a global hospitality house within the LVMH family. The company values intuitive excellence, cultural curiosity and respect for place, encouraging colleagues to become ambassadors of timeless travel. With roles spanning operations, gastronomy, wellness, sales and corporate functions, Belmond fosters careers shaped by craftsmanship, international perspective and the pursuit of unforgettable guest moments.

Belmond is seeking a Chief Engineer for the Eastern & Oriental Express in Johor Bahru to lead engineering operations, projects, maintenance planning, safety, compliance, budgets, and team development. The role requires a relevant engineering degree and 10–15 years of railway or similar industry experience, including senior engineering responsibilities; hospitality experience is a bonus.

Role & Responsibilities

• Oversee the engineering department and plan, develop, and implement projects.
• Lead the engineering team in setting technical goals and ensuring adherence to quality standards, safety regulations, sustainability objectives, and timelines.
• Manage budgets and resource allocation, and mentor engineers.
• Maintain technical expertise, monitor industry trends, and align engineering strategies with business objectives.
• Maintain and operate the train in line with National Rail standards, and participate in projects and improvement programmes to introduce new functionality, procedures, schedules, or reports.
• Ensure equipment, spare parts, and minimum stock levels are correctly ordered, received, stored, and maintained.
• Forecast and deliver preventative maintenance accurately.
• Forecast and deliver mandatory maintenance accurately.
• Compile equipment information, performance metrics, and maintenance histories, and recommend improvements based on findings.
• Manage internal and external staff, contractors, and project managers to ensure successful setup and operation of the train.
• Develop and manage a strategy to maintain the train in optimal condition around its planned operating schedule.
• Ensure clear communication and workflow between the train and the Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or a relevant field); a Master’s degree or higher may be preferred.
• At least 10–15 years of experience in the railway or a similar industry, including significant experience in senior engineering roles.
• Hands-on experience with train design, systems integration, maintenance, and safety protocols.
• Expertise in railway systems, such as track, signalling, rolling stock, electrification, or operations.
• Deep understanding of railway safety standards, regulatory compliance, and environmental considerations.
• Professional engineering certifications relevant to the railway or transportation industry, such as Chartered Engineer or PE licence.
• Project management certifications, such as PMP, or railway safety certifications are a plus.
• Commitment to safety, environmental sustainability, and optimising train performance.
• Ability to lead complex projects involving technical challenges and strategic goals.
• Interest in keeping current with industry trends, including advances in rail technology and sustainability initiatives.
• Warm, genuine, authentic approach; passion for travel and discovery; self-assurance without arrogance; and an interest in interacting with discerning guests.
• Strong storytelling ability, positive mindset, and can-do attitude.
• International exposure is a plus.
• Must speak English; Japanese, Korean, Cantonese, French, and German are beneficial.
• Hospitality industry experience is a bonus, but not required.

Skills

Experience

At least 10–15 years in the railway or a similar industry, including significant experience in senior engineering roles; hospitality experience is a bonus, but not required.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or a relevant field); a Master’s degree or higher may be preferred.

Workplace

Benefits

Competitive salaries and insurance plans; complimentary and preferred-rate experiences at Belmond destinations; wellness programmes; meal allowance; health and life insurance; alternating time on the train with time off between journeys.

Culture

Belmond fosters a workplace culture rooted in exceptional hospitality, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the heritage of its iconic hotels, trains, river cruises, and safari lodges. As an employer, it encourages employees to create memorable, highly personalized experiences while nurturing a collaborative, multicultural environment where service excellence and storytelling are central to everyday work.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.