Austria is renowned for its precision engineering and high-quality manufacturing. Working in shipbuilding and ship machinery allows professionals to apply advanced technical skills within a sector that demands innovation and reliability.
The Austrian shipbuilding industry follows strict international standards, ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Professionals gain experience with cutting-edge technologies and best practices that are respected worldwide.
The sector offers diverse roles in design, construction, machinery, and maintenance. Employees benefit from continuous training, skill development, and pathways to advance into specialized or leadership positions.
Austria emphasizes eco-friendly engineering and sustainable technologies. By working in shipbuilding and ship machinery, professionals can contribute to greener transport and energy-efficient marine systems.
Many Austrian companies in this sector work closely with global partners, opening opportunities for international projects, cross-border teamwork, and exposure to worldwide maritime trends.
Austria provides a secure work culture with a strong focus on research and innovation. Professionals can enjoy both job stability and the excitement of contributing to groundbreaking advancements in marine engineering.
Austria combines tradition with cutting-edge technology, making it an exciting place for creative professionals in shipbuilding and ship machinery. International candidates can thrive in an environment that values both precision and innovation.
Working in Austria opens doors to worldwide projects and collaborations. International professionals gain exposure to global standards while contributing their unique expertise to Austria’s maritime engineering sector.
Austria offers a welcoming environment for international talent. Many companies provide relocation assistance, language support, and multicultural workplaces that help candidates adapt and grow.
International candidates passionate about green technologies will find Austria at the forefront of eco-friendly shipbuilding and energy-efficient machinery solutions, contributing to global maritime sustainability goals.
From advanced training programs to hands-on project experience, Austria offers international candidates the chance to expand their skills, specialize in new technologies, and build long-term careers.
Beyond work, Austria is known for its excellent quality of life, safety, and cultural diversity—making it an attractive destination for international professionals seeking both career success and personal well-being.
Austria, being landlocked, specializes in the design and construction of river vessels, ferries, and passenger ships for use on the Danube and other inland waterways. These vessels focus on safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
Austrian shipyards are known for building luxury passenger ships and river cruise liners, which are popular on the Danube River and across Europe. These ships combine advanced engineering with high-quality interior design.
Inland cargo vessels designed in Austria are tailored for efficient goods transport. They are optimized for shallow waters, low emissions, and sustainable logistics solutions.
Austria produces specialized ship machinery such as diesel engines, electric propulsion systems, and hybrid technologies. These systems are crucial for efficient navigation and reduced environmental impact.
Key machinery such as winches, cranes, steering gears, and hydraulic systems are manufactured to support safe cargo handling and ship operations.
Advanced monitoring, navigation, and automation technologies are developed to enhance safety, fuel efficiency, and overall ship performance.
Austria invests heavily in eco-friendly solutions such as hybrid propulsion, LNG systems, and energy-efficient ship machinery to support global efforts in reducing emissions in maritime transport.
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR/year) |
Avg. Salary (USD/year) |
Avg. Salary (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
€63,000 |
$68,500 |
₹57,00,000 |
|
Marine Engineer |
€60,000 |
$65,200 |
₹54,30,000 |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
€58,000 |
$63,000 |
₹52,50,000 |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Machinery) |
€55,000 |
$59,800 |
₹49,80,000 |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine Systems) |
€54,000 |
$58,600 |
₹48,90,000 |
|
Shipbuilding Project Manager |
€75,000 |
$81,500 |
₹68,00,000 |
|
Quality Assurance Engineer |
€52,000 |
$56,500 |
₹47,00,000 |
|
Structural Engineer (Ship Hull) |
€57,000 |
$62,000 |
₹51,50,000 |
|
Welding & Fabrication Specialist |
€45,000 |
$48,800 |
₹40,60,000 |
|
Marine Automation Engineer |
€56,000 |
$60,900 |
₹50,60,000 |
|
CAD/CAM Designer (Ship Systems) |
€50,000 |
$54,400 |
₹45,10,000 |
|
Production Supervisor |
€48,000 |
$52,100 |
₹43,30,000 |
|
Supply Chain & Logistics Manager (Shipbuilding) |
€62,000 |
$67,300 |
₹56,10,000 |
|
R&D Engineer (Marine Tech) |
€59,000 |
$64,100 |
₹53,40,000 |
|
Hydraulic Systems Specialist |
€47,000 |
$51,000 |
₹42,40,000 |
|
Propulsion System Engineer |
€61,000 |
$66,100 |
₹55,20,000 |
|
Maintenance Engineer (Marine Equipment) |
€46,000 |
$49,900 |
₹41,50,000 |
|
Safety & Compliance Officer |
€49,000 |
$53,400 |
₹44,30,000 |
|
Shipyard Operations Manager |
€70,000 |
$76,000 |
₹63,60,000 |
|
Environmental & Sustainability Engineer (Marine) |
€55,000 |
$59,800 |
₹49,80,000 |
Criteria |
Requirements for International Candidates |
|---|---|
|
Educational Qualification |
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related fields. Specialized diplomas may be acceptable for technical roles. |
|
Work Experience |
2–5 years for mid-level roles; 5–10+ years for senior positions. Entry-level roles may accept fresh graduates with strong academic performance or internships. |
|
Technical Skills |
Knowledge of ship design, marine machinery, CAD/CAM, welding, hydraulics, propulsion systems, automation, or project management depending on the job profile. |
|
Language Proficiency |
English proficiency is widely accepted in international companies. Basic to intermediate German language skills (A2–B1 level) are often required for workplace and regulatory compliance. |
|
Work Visa |
Non-EU applicants need a Red-White-Red Card (Austria’s skilled migration permit). EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not require a visa. |
|
Professional Certifications |
Certifications in marine safety, quality standards (ISO, IMO compliance), welding, or automation systems are advantageous. |
|
Age Limit |
No strict age limit, but most skilled migration programs prefer applicants under 45 years for visa eligibility. |
|
Health & Fitness |
Must pass basic medical fitness requirements, especially for shipyard and machinery-related work. |
|
Background Check |
Clean criminal record and professional references may be required for visa and employment verification. |
|
Adaptability |
Willingness to work in multicultural teams, follow EU workplace standards, and adapt to Austrian work culture. |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
Design ship structures, ensure stability and safety, optimize vessel performance, comply with IMO and EU standards. |
|
Marine Engineer |
Oversee ship machinery installation, propulsion systems, fuel efficiency, and maintenance of mechanical systems. |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
Develop detailed ship designs using CAD/CAM, coordinate with architects, and ensure compliance with client requirements. |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Machinery) |
Design and test ship machinery components such as pumps, compressors, and gear systems. |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine Systems) |
Handle shipboard power distribution, automation, and electrical machinery integration. |
|
Shipbuilding Project Manager |
Lead shipyard projects, manage budgets, schedules, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams. |
|
Quality Assurance Engineer |
Ensure ships meet quality, safety, and classification standards through testing and inspections. |
|
Structural Engineer (Ship Hull) |
Focus on hull design, strength analysis, and durability against water pressure and loads. |
|
Welding & Fabrication Specialist |
Perform precision welding, fabrication, and assembly of ship components according to design. |
|
Marine Automation Engineer |
Develop automation systems for navigation, propulsion control, and safety monitoring. |
|
CAD/CAM Designer (Ship Systems) |
Create 2D/3D models of ship machinery, layouts, and technical drawings for production. |
|
Production Supervisor |
Supervise daily shipyard operations, workforce management, and adherence to schedules. |
|
Supply Chain & Logistics Manager |
Manage procurement, material flow, spare parts logistics, and supplier relationships. |
|
R&D Engineer (Marine Tech) |
Innovate new technologies, hybrid propulsion, eco-friendly systems, and testing prototypes. |
|
Hydraulic Systems Specialist |
Design, install, and maintain hydraulic systems for cranes, winches, and steering gears. |
|
Propulsion System Engineer |
Work on main engines, thrusters, and propulsion efficiency to reduce fuel consumption. |
|
Maintenance Engineer (Marine Equipment) |
Conduct preventive maintenance and troubleshoot ship machinery and onboard systems. |
|
Safety & Compliance Officer |
Implement safety protocols, monitor occupational health, and ensure compliance with EU regulations. |
|
Shipyard Operations Manager |
Oversee full shipyard operations, workforce planning, budgeting, and process optimization. |
|
Environmental & Sustainability Engineer |
Develop green shipbuilding technologies, emission control systems, and sustainable practices. |
Job Profile |
General Job Eligibility (International Candidates) |
|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
Bachelor/Master in Naval Architecture; CAD/CAE expertise; English (German preferred). |
|
Marine Engineer |
Degree in Marine/Mechanical Engineering; knowledge of propulsion & machinery; Red-White-Red Card (if non-EU). |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
Mechanical/Naval Architecture background; CAD/CAM skills; 2–3 yrs design experience. |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Machinery) |
Mechanical/Mechatronics degree; hands-on with pumps, compressors, ship machinery. |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine Systems) |
Electrical/Electronics Engineering degree; marine automation & power system knowledge. |
|
Shipbuilding Project Manager |
Engineering + Project Management experience; leadership & budgeting skills; German helps. |
|
Quality Assurance Engineer |
Degree in QA/Engineering; ISO, IMO, EU compliance knowledge; 2–5 yrs experience. |
|
Structural Engineer (Ship Hull) |
Civil/Structural/Naval Engineering degree; FEA analysis skills; ship hull design expertise. |
|
Welding & Fabrication Specialist |
Technical diploma; certified welding (EN ISO standards); 2–3 yrs in shipyard fabrication. |
|
Marine Automation Engineer |
Electronics/Mechatronics degree; PLC, automation, ship control system knowledge. |
|
CAD/CAM Designer (Ship Systems) |
Diploma/Degree in Design/Engineering; proficiency in AutoCAD, CATIA, SolidWorks. |
|
Production Supervisor |
Technical diploma/degree; 3–5 yrs shipyard/production floor experience; German basic skills. |
|
Supply Chain & Logistics Manager |
Degree in Supply Chain/Engineering; marine industry experience; ERP software knowledge. |
|
R&D Engineer (Marine Tech) |
Engineering/PhD preferred; innovation in propulsion, sustainability, or marine tech. |
|
Hydraulic Systems Specialist |
Diploma/Degree in Mechanical/Mechatronics; hydraulic systems expertise; certifications. |
|
Propulsion System Engineer |
Marine/Mechanical Engineering degree; engine, propeller, thruster knowledge. |
|
Maintenance Engineer (Marine Equipment) |
Diploma/Degree in Mechanical/Electrical; troubleshooting skills; 2–3 yrs experience. |
|
Safety & Compliance Officer |
Degree in Safety/Engineering; OSHA/IMO/EU safety standards knowledge; certifications helpful. |
|
Shipyard Operations Manager |
Engineering/Management degree; 7–10 yrs shipyard leadership; German usually required. |
|
Environmental & Sustainability Engineer |
Environmental/Marine Engineering degree; green shipbuilding & emission control expertise. |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
2–4 years (entry to mid-level); 7+ years for senior/project lead roles. |
|
Marine Engineer |
2–5 years in marine machinery/propulsion systems; internships acceptable for entry-level. |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
1–3 years in CAD/CAM ship design; 5+ years for senior roles. |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Machinery) |
2–4 years in mechanical systems, pumps, compressors; entry roles accept fresh graduates. |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine Systems) |
2–5 years in marine electrical/automation; 6+ years for lead positions. |
|
Shipbuilding Project Manager |
7–10+ years in shipbuilding/engineering projects; prior leadership experience required. |
|
Quality Assurance Engineer |
2–4 years in QA, testing, and standards compliance. |
|
Structural Engineer (Ship Hull) |
3–5 years in structural analysis/hull design; FEA experience preferred. |
|
Welding & Fabrication Specialist |
2–3 years hands-on welding/fabrication in shipyards; certified welders may start earlier. |
|
Marine Automation Engineer |
2–5 years in PLC/automation systems; 6+ years for advanced roles. |
|
CAD/CAM Designer (Ship Systems) |
1–3 years in design software (AutoCAD, CATIA, SolidWorks); entry-level roles possible. |
|
Production Supervisor |
4–6 years in shipyard/production line; team leadership experience preferred. |
|
Supply Chain & Logistics Manager |
5–8 years in supply chain/logistics; marine/shipyard sector preferred. |
|
R&D Engineer (Marine Tech) |
2–5 years in research/engineering; 6+ years or PhD for senior roles. |
|
Hydraulic Systems Specialist |
3–5 years in hydraulic systems design/maintenance. |
|
Propulsion System Engineer |
3–6 years in engine/thruster/propulsion technology. |
|
Maintenance Engineer (Marine Equipment) |
2–4 years in machinery maintenance/troubleshooting. |
|
Safety & Compliance Officer |
3–5 years in industrial/marine safety compliance; certifications an advantage. |
|
Shipyard Operations Manager |
8–12+ years in shipbuilding operations; prior supervisory/managerial experience required. |
|
Environmental & Sustainability Engineer |
2–5 years in environmental/marine engineering; sustainability projects preferred. |
Company Name |
Headquarters / Location in Austria |
Specialization |
Opportunities for International Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ÖSWAG Werft Linz GmbH |
Linz |
Shipbuilding & repair (inland cargo vessels, passenger ships) |
Hires naval architects, marine engineers, welders, shipyard supervisors. |
|
Österreichische Schiffswerften (Austrian Shipyards) |
Vienna / Linz (Danube region) |
River cruise vessels & inland waterway ships |
International engineers/designers often hired for river cruise projects. |
|
Kraus-Maffei Wegmann (Marine Division Austria) |
Vienna |
Mechanical systems & heavy engineering |
Opportunities in propulsion systems & hydraulics. |
|
AVL List GmbH |
Graz |
World leader in propulsion systems, hybrid & electric marine engines |
Attracts global talent in R&D, marine engine design, automation. |
|
MIBA AG |
Laakirchen |
High-tech components for ship engines, bearings & friction systems |
Employs international engineers in R&D, machinery design. |
|
Rosenbauer International AG |
Leonding |
Marine firefighting & safety equipment |
Hires engineers for safety, marine systems, and compliance. |
|
Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG (Austria Division) |
St. Pölten |
Marine propulsion systems, Voith Schneider Propellers |
Popular with international propulsion engineers & mechanical experts. |
|
Andritz AG |
Graz |
Large-scale machinery, turbines, marine hydraulics & automation |
Hires global talent in marine automation & sustainable ship tech. |
|
Siemens Energy Austria |
Vienna |
Marine electrical systems, automation & propulsion |
Seeks international electrical engineers, automation specialists. |
|
Liebherr Austria |
Bischofshofen & Nenzing |
Cranes, ship deck machinery, lifting systems |
Open to international candidates in hydraulics, ship machinery. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR/year) |
General Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Naval Architect |
€63,000 |
Degree in Naval Architecture, CAD/FEA skills |
ÖSWAG Linz, Austrian Shipyards |
Design ships, ensure stability, safety, and efficiency. |
|
Marine Engineer |
€60,000 |
Marine/Mechanical Engg., propulsion knowledge |
AVL List, MIBA AG, Siemens Energy |
Maintain machinery, engines, fuel efficiency systems. |
|
Ship Design Engineer |
€58,000 |
CAD/CAM design expertise, engineering degree |
ÖSWAG, Andritz AG |
Develop ship layouts, structural drawings, design compliance. |
|
Mechanical Engineer (Ship Machinery) |
€55,000 |
Mech. Engg., pumps, compressors, gear systems |
MIBA AG, Voith Turbo |
Design/maintain ship machinery and mechanical systems. |
|
Electrical Engineer (Marine Systems) |
€54,000 |
Electrical/Electronics degree, automation skills |
Siemens Energy, Andritz AG |
Manage onboard electrical, automation, and control systems. |
|
Shipbuilding Project Manager |
€75,000 |
7–10 yrs exp., project management, German preferred |
ÖSWAG, Austrian Shipyards |
Lead shipyard projects, budgets, and team management. |
|
Quality Assurance Engineer |
€52,000 |
QA/Engineering degree, ISO/IMO standards |
AVL List, ÖSWAG |
Ensure compliance with safety & quality regulations. |
|
Structural Engineer (Ship Hull) |
€57,000 |
Civil/Structural Engg., FEA analysis |
Austrian Shipyards, ÖSWAG |
Design hulls, perform strength & durability analysis. |
|
Welding & Fabrication Specialist |
€45,000 |
Welding certification (EN ISO), fabrication exp. |
ÖSWAG Linz, Liebherr Austria |
Perform welding, fabrication of ship structures. |
|
Marine Automation Engineer |
€56,000 |
Mechatronics/Electrical degree, PLC knowledge |
Siemens Energy, Voith Turbo |
Develop ship automation, navigation & propulsion controls. |
|
CAD/CAM Designer (Ship Systems) |
€50,000 |
CAD/CAM proficiency (CATIA, AutoCAD) |
ÖSWAG, Andritz AG |
Prepare technical ship design models & 3D layouts. |
|
Production Supervisor |
€48,000 |
Technical degree, 4–6 yrs exp., German useful |
ÖSWAG Linz, Austrian Shipyards |
Oversee shipyard daily operations, workforce & production. |
|
Supply Chain & Logistics Manager |
€62,000 |
Supply chain degree, ERP knowledge |
Liebherr, Rosenbauer |
Manage procurement, materials, and marine logistics. |
|
R&D Engineer (Marine Tech) |
€59,000 |
Engg./PhD, innovation in marine tech |
AVL List, Andritz AG |
Research propulsion, hybrid, & green technologies. |
|
Hydraulic Systems Specialist |
€47,000 |
Mech./Mechatronics, hydraulic expertise |
Voith Turbo, Liebherr Austria |
Design/maintain hydraulic systems (cranes, winches). |
|
Propulsion System Engineer |
€61,000 |
Marine/Mechanical Engg., engine design exp. |
Voith Turbo, AVL List |
Work on marine engines, thrusters & propellers. |
|
Maintenance Engineer (Marine Equipment) |
€46,000 |
Engg./Diploma, troubleshooting exp. |
MIBA AG, Siemens Energy |
Maintain/repair ship machinery & onboard equipment. |
|
Safety & Compliance Officer |
€49,000 |
Safety/Engg. degree, IMO/EU compliance |
Rosenbauer, ÖSWAG |
Implement workplace safety & maritime compliance. |
|
Shipyard Operations Manager |
€70,000 |
8–12 yrs exp., leadership skills |
ÖSWAG Linz, Austrian Shipyards |
Oversee full shipyard operations, budget & workforce. |
|
Environmental & Sustainability Engineer |
€55,000 |
Env./Marine Engg., green tech expertise |
Andritz AG, AVL List |
Develop eco-friendly ship technologies & emission control. |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Validity & Renewal |
Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Red-White-Red Card (Skilled Worker Visa) |
Non-EU/EEA nationals with job offer in shortage occupations (engineering, ship machinery, automation, etc.); points-based (education, experience, language). |
Valid for 24 months; renewable; leads to Red-White-Red Plus Card. |
Engineers, technicians, managers, skilled shipyard workers. |
|
Red-White-Red Card Plus |
After 2 years of working with a Red-White-Red Card, allows free labor market access. |
Valid for 3 years; renewable; can lead to permanent residency. |
Experienced professionals continuing in Austria. |
|
EU Blue Card |
University degree, job offer with salary at least 1.5× Austria’s average gross salary (~€45,000+). |
Valid up to 2 years; renewable; mobility within EU. |
Highly qualified engineers, naval architects, R&D specialists. |
|
Job Seeker Visa (Very Highly Qualified Workers) |
Non-EU candidates with high points score (education, research experience, high salary potential). No job offer required initially. |
6 months (to find a job); must convert to Red-White-Red Card once employed. |
Highly qualified candidates seeking engineering roles. |
|
Work Permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) |
Short-term employment by an Austrian employer; stricter approval; not as flexible as RWR card. |
Up to 12 months; tied to one employer. |
Temporary shipyard workers, welders, technicians. |
|
Seasonal Work Visa |
For short-term/seasonal work in industries with temporary demand (not common in shipbuilding). |
Valid for a few months; non-renewable. |
Rarely applicable in shipbuilding, but possible for temporary support staff. |
|
Intra-Company Transfer Permit (ICT) |
Employees of multinational companies transferred to Austrian branch/subsidiary. |
Valid 1–3 years depending on role; renewable. |
Professionals from global marine companies (e.g., Siemens Energy, AVL). |
