Marine Mechanical Engineer

Marine Mechanical Engineer

Kivu Choice is the sister company to Victory Farms, the largest aquaculture platform in East Africa, based in Kenya. We launched our Rwandan business in Q4 of 2021 and have since built a vertically integrated aquaculture company with associated hatchery, cage production, distribution, and sales operations. Over the next 5 years our plan is to scale to become the largest and most sustainable protein producer in the country, producing and distributing over 50 million fish meals per year across Rwanda, DRC, and Burundi. 

Sector

 

Agriculture

Job Title: Marine Mechanical Engineer

Department: Farming

Reports to: Director of Farming

Location: Kivu Choice, Rwanda (Kagano, Nyamasheke)

Direct Reports: Fleet Mechanic (trucks and other vehicles), Outboards Technician (boat fleet), Cold Chain Technician, Fish Processing Technician


Compensation: Commensurate with experience


Start Date: As soon as possible

About Kivu Choice

Kivu Choice is Rwanda’s largest protein producer and one of the fastest-growing aquaculture companies in Africa. Founded in 2022, Kivu Choice is the sister company to Victory Farms, East Africa’s leading aquaculture platform based in Kenya. The company operates a fully vertically integrated aquaculture model, encompassing hatchery operations, cage-based grow-out, processing, distribution, and sales. Kivu Choice is also one of the country’s largest employers with over 700 employees, and plans to grow to 1,200 employees within the next three years, reflecting its strong commitment to job creation and inclusive economic development. Over the next five years, Kivu Choice aims to scale into Africa’s largest and most sustainable protein producer, producing and distributing 30,000 tons of fish annually for the Rwandan market and for export across the region.

About the Role

Kivu Choice is looking for a Marine Mechanical Engineer to lead and optimize our maintenance operations across the value chain. The role is responsible for overseeing maintenance activities at Kivu Choice, including fish farming production and distribution operations in Rwanda. Reporting to the Director of Farming, the role ensures the reliability and performance of critical assets, including the vehicle fleet, boats, and cold chain equipment. The Marine Mechanical Engineer leads a team of specialized technicians, implements preventive maintenance plans, manages budgets and spare parts, and ensures all work complies with safety and operational standards. This role is essential to minimizing downtime and supporting the smooth, efficient delivery of high-quality fish to market.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee and coordinate all maintenance operations across three core functions: fleet, boats,
    and cold chain equipment.
  • Supervise and support three dedicated technicians, each assigned to one of the following areas:
  • Fleet maintenance: Ensure routine servicing, diagnostics, and repairs of trucks and utility vehicles to guarantee safe and efficient transport operations.
  • Boat maintenance: Maintain outboard engines and ensure safe, reliable operation of boats used in production.
  • Cold chain maintenance: Manage the upkeep of all cold chain assets including refrigerated trucks, reefers, ice-making machines, and other electrical installations critical for fish
    preservation.
  • Plan and implement preventive maintenance schedules to reduce breakdowns, minimize
    downtime, extend asset lifespan and support uninterrupted operations.
  • Coordinate timely repairs and manage relationships with external service providers when
    needed.
  • Maintain updated records of all maintenance activities, equipment status, and spare parts inventory.
  • Monitor and manage maintenance budgets, spare parts inventory, and service contracts.
  • Promote continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and cost control.
  • Develop and enforce safety and compliance standards for all maintenance activities.
  • Report regularly to the Operations Director on performance, issues, and improvement opportunities (with functional reporting line to the Construction Director).
  • Support the development and integration of CRM and operational systems to streamline logistics, inventory management, and overall maintenance activities.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree or technical diploma in mechanical, electrical, or industrial maintenance, or related field.
  • Minimum 6-7 years of experience in maintenance management or supervision, preferably in an industrial or agri-processing setting.
  • Technical knowledge of vehicle mechanics, marine engine maintenance, and cold chain systems (especially electrical systems).
  • Proficiency in MS Office and inventory management systems
  • Experience leading technical teams and coordinating across departments.

Other Skills:

  • Strong organizational and planning skills.
  • Hands-on, proactive approach with a problem-solving mindset.
  • Budgeting and reporting ability.
  • Good communication skills in English and Kinyarwanda
  • Knowledge of ERP systems (ERPNext experience is a strong asset)
  • Willingness to be based at Kivu Choice farm and travel occasionally to other locations

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please prepare and submit the following documents:

  1. Job application letter
  2. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  3. Copy of academic certificates
  4. Copy of your National ID or Passport

Send your application to: recruiting@kivuchoice.com

Deadline for submission: 3rd April 2026
Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.