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.

Role & Responsibilities

• Oversee the engineering department and lead the planning, development and implementation of projects.
• Set technical goals for the engineering team and ensure compliance with 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, scheduling or reports.
• Ensure equipment and spare parts are correctly ordered, received, stored and maintained, including minimum stock levels.
• Forecast and deliver preventive 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 the train is successfully set up and operated.
• Develop and manage a strategy to keep the train in optimal condition while accommodating the planned operating schedule.
• Ensure clear communication and workflows between the train and the ECM (Entity in Charge of Maintenance).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical or a relevant field) required; a Master’s degree or higher may be preferred.
• Registration with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) required.
• Hands-on experience with train design, systems integration, maintenance and safety protocols.
• Proven expertise in railway systems, such as track, signalling, rolling stock, electrification or operations.
• Deep understanding of railway safety standards, regulatory compliance and environmental considerations.
• Proficiency in specialised engineering software used in train design, simulation and analysis, such as CAD, FEA and railway-specific simulation tools.
• Professional engineering certifications specific to the railway or transportation industry, such as Chartered Engineer or PE licence.
• Project management certifications, such as PMP, or railway safety certifications are an advantage.
• Commitment to safety, environmental sustainability and optimising train performance.
• Ability to lead complex projects involving technical challenges and strategic goals.
• Interest in staying current with industry trends, including advances in rail technology and sustainability initiatives.
• Warm, genuine and authentic approach, with a passion for travel and discovery; self-assured without arrogance, and keen to interact with discerning guests.
• Strong storytelling ability, a positive mindset and a can-do attitude.
• International exposure is an advantage.
• Must speak English; Japanese, Korean, Cantonese, French and German are additional advantages.
• Hospitality industry experience is an advantage but not essential.

Skills

Experience

At least 10–15 years in the railway or a similar industry, with a significant portion in senior engineering roles.

Education

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

Benefits

Competitive salaries and insurance plans; complimentary and preferred-rate experiences at the company’s destinations; wellness programmes; meal allowance; health and life insurance; time off between train 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.