Job Description
Mount Kenya University (MKU), through its renowned Malindi Maritime Academy, is seeking an accomplished and industry-driven Part-Time Trainer – Marine Engineering to support the delivery of world-class maritime education. Located in Malindi, the academy plays an important role in strengthening Kenya's maritime workforce by preparing competent professionals capable of serving in local and international shipping, offshore, port, and marine engineering sectors. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced marine engineering professional who enjoys sharing technical knowledge, mentoring future seafarers, and contributing to the advancement of maritime education.
The successful candidate will deliver high-quality instruction that combines theoretical concepts with practical industry applications. Training will be provided to students pursuing professional maritime qualifications, ensuring they develop the competence, confidence, and technical discipline expected within the global maritime industry. The trainer will utilize modern instructional approaches, simulator technology, engineering workshops, and practical demonstrations to create engaging learning experiences that reflect real operational environments aboard commercial vessels.
Working on a flexible part-time basis, the trainer will collaborate closely with fellow academic staff to maintain excellent instructional standards while ensuring compliance with both national maritime regulations and internationally recognized training frameworks. The position requires an individual who understands current developments in marine engineering, vessel machinery operations, ship maintenance systems, marine electrical technologies, propulsion systems, safety management, and engineering best practices.
Beyond classroom delivery, the successful candidate will actively guide learners through practical assignments, engineering projects, competency assessments, and professional development activities. Students will benefit from mentorship based on genuine industry experience, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and shipboard operations. The trainer will also contribute valuable insights toward continuous curriculum improvement by incorporating emerging technologies, environmental sustainability practices, energy-efficient engineering solutions, and evolving maritime industry standards.
This position offers an excellent opportunity to influence the future of Kenya's blue economy by preparing highly skilled marine engineering professionals capable of serving international shipping companies, offshore industries, marine maintenance organizations, and port operations. The successful applicant will become part of an institution committed to innovation, academic excellence, practical competence, and lifelong learning.
Mount Kenya University values professionalism, integrity, diversity, continuous improvement, and student-centered education. Individuals who possess strong technical expertise, excellent communication abilities, passion for teaching, and commitment to developing competent maritime professionals are encouraged to apply. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to inspire learners, promote safety culture, encourage critical thinking, and maintain high academic standards while supporting the academy's mission of producing globally competitive graduates equipped for successful careers within the maritime sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver engaging lectures covering marine engineering principles, propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, shipboard maintenance, marine electrical systems, hydraulics, thermodynamics, and engineering operations.
- Facilitate practical laboratory sessions, engineering workshops, and engine room simulator exercises using modern instructional techniques.
- Develop comprehensive lesson plans aligned with approved learning outcomes and professional maritime training requirements.
- Prepare instructional manuals, engineering demonstrations, technical presentations, and practical learning resources.
- Design fair, practical, and theory-based assessments that accurately evaluate student competence.
- Mark assignments, examinations, projects, and practical exercises within established academic timelines.
- Provide timely, constructive, and individualized academic feedback that supports continuous learner improvement.
- Mentor students on professional ethics, engineering safety, teamwork, leadership, and career readiness.
- Guide learners preparing for maritime competency examinations and professional certification requirements.
- Demonstrate correct engineering procedures for machinery operation, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment inspection.
- Promote compliance with maritime safety regulations during all classroom, workshop, and simulator activities.
- Ensure engineering laboratories, workshops, and training equipment remain organized, functional, and safe.
- Report equipment faults, maintenance needs, and resource requirements to academy management.
- Incorporate current maritime technologies, environmental protection measures, and sustainable engineering practices into course delivery.
- Encourage analytical thinking, technical problem-solving, innovation, and operational efficiency among students.
- Participate in curriculum reviews to ensure course content reflects evolving industry requirements.Recommend improvements that strengthen graduate employability and technical competence.
- Maintain accurate records of attendance, assessments, practical evaluations, and academic progress.
- Collaborate with fellow trainers to coordinate interdisciplinary learning activities.
- Participate in departmental meetings, academic planning sessions, workshops, and quality assurance initiatives.Support student research, engineering innovation projects, and technical competitions where applicable.
- Foster an inclusive, respectful, and professional learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
- Uphold institutional academic policies, ethical standards, and professional conduct at all times.
- Assist in organizing maritime seminars, technical demonstrations, industry engagement activities, and educational events.
- Establish positive relationships with maritime industry stakeholders to strengthen practical training opportunities.
- Keep professional knowledge current through continuous learning, industry engagement, and participation in maritime development programs.
- Promote safe engineering culture, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence throughout all training activities.
- Perform additional academic responsibilities reasonably assigned by academy leadership that contribute to institutional success.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Marine Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Valid Certificate of Competency (CoC) as Marine Engineer Officer (STCW III/2 or STCW III/3).
- Demonstrated practical sea
- going experience aboard commercial or industrial vessels.
- Previous teaching, lecturing, instructing, or maritime training experience is an added advantage.
- Strong understanding of IMO Model Courses and STCW Convention requirements.
- Excellent knowledge of marine propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, and engineering operations.
- Competence in marine electrical systems, hydraulics, thermodynamics, and mechanical maintenance.
- Ability to deliver practical and theory
- based instruction effectively.
- Strong communication, presentation, and classroom management skills.
- Excellent mentoring and learner support abilities.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
- Strong report writing, documentation, and assessment preparation skills.
- Effective organizational and time management capabilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary academic teams.
- Commitment to occupational health, engineering safety, and environmental stewardship.
- Proficiency in standard computer applications and digital learning technologies.
- Adaptability to evolving maritime industry standards and educational innovations.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who satisfy the stated requirements are invited to submit their applications through Mount Kenya University's official online recruitment portal before 24 July 2026. Applicants should ensure all required academic certificates, professional qualifications, Certificate of Competency (CoC), curriculum vitae, and any supporting documents are uploaded as instructed on the recruitment portal. Only applicants whose qualifications closely match the position requirements will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Mount Kenya University is an Equal Opportunity Employer** and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, disability, or background. The University does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment, selection, or appointment process. Candidates are advised to disregard any requests for payment claiming to facilitate employment.