Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Wood working, home renos, golf and water activities
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Darren Clark

Darren Clark

Senior Marine Mechanical Technologist
Bedford,NS

Summary

Senior Marine Mechanical Technologist and retired Royal Canadian Navy Chief Engineer with 25+ years of experience leading complex engineering programs, ship reactivation projects, and cross-functional initiatives within high-demand operational environments. Proven ability to serve as an effective liaison between technical authorities, project teams, and senior leadership, ensuring alignment of engineering requirements, program objectives, and operational priorities.

Extensive track record in managing multi-phase project initiatives, including planning, execution, risk management, and stakeholder coordination across organizations such as Fleetway, ISI, NETE, NDQAR, and Royal Canadian Navy units. Skilled in integrating technical inputs, resolving complex engineering and maintenance challenges, and driving initiatives that support lifecycle management and readiness objectives.

Recognized for delivering structured project outcomes through disciplined governance, clear communication, and collaborative engagement with government, industry, and ship staff. Adept at advising leadership, coordinating interdepartmental efforts, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards, policies, and maintenance frameworks.

Known for professionalism, clarity, and strong relationship management, with the ability to bridge engineering, operations, and program management functions to support effective decision-making and successful delivery of strategic initiatives.

Work History

Senior Marine Mechanical Technologist

Fleetway Inc.
Dartmouth, NS
01.2025 - Current

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI)
Team Lead – HMCS HALIFAX DWP Reactivation | Ship Repair

Led multi-phase ship reactivation, prioritizing and managing operational deficiencies in alignment with fleet readiness requirements.
Acted as central coordination point between ship staff, engineering, and maintenance stakeholders to resolve technical issues and ensure timely defect rectification.
Developed and executed integrated work schedules aligned to Docking Work Period (DWP) requirements and operational priorities.
Facilitated cross-functional collaboration across shipyard, engineering teams, and RCN stakeholders to deliver complex maintenance activities.
Provided regular status reporting and performance updates to senior leadership, supporting decision-making and risk mitigation.
Optimized workflows and resource allocation to improve efficiency and meet aggressive delivery timelines.
Led continuous improvement initiatives to enhance planning processes, defect tracking, and execution performance.

CANADA – Paint & Corrosion Functional Specialist (HC DAG)

Provided SME support on structural integrity, coatings, and corrosion issues impacting vessel material state and operational readiness.
Evaluated engineering changes and defect impacts, supporting prioritization and resolution planning.
Conducted technical reviews to ensure compliance with naval standards and preservation requirements.
Maintained technical documentation supporting defect resolution and lifecycle management.
Advised stakeholders on material condition and preservation strategies across naval platforms.

Marine Technical Services (MTS)

Served as SME for shipboard systems, supporting defect identification, analysis, and resolution across propulsion and auxiliary equipment.
Coordinated technical activities between engineering, production, and maintenance teams to support repair execution and system readiness.
Managed and updated technical documentation, ensuring accurate tracking of system configuration and maintenance requirements.
Supported planning and execution of maintenance periods (DWP/SWP), aligning work scopes with operational schedules.
Provided on-site technical oversight for ship repair, installation, and trials, including quality assurance and stakeholder coordination.
Conducted inspections and system surveys to assess condition, validate repairs, and ensure operational readiness.
Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders, including RCN, FMF, and project teams, to deliver maintenance outcomes on time and within scope.
Contributed to process improvements in defect tracking, planning, and reporting to enhance overall service delivery performance.

Marine Systems Engineering Division Chief

Canadian Armed Forces
Halifax, NS
06.2021 - 01.2025
  • Directed operations for 50+ personnel, ensuring performance, training, and readiness.
    Optimized resources and improved efficiency while maintaining quality outputs.
    Led stakeholder coordination and negotiations to deliver organizational objectives.
    Applied risk management strategies to protect timelines and readiness.
    Delivered projects on schedule and within budget.
    Mentored staff and supported development and succession planning.
    Enhanced communication through structured engagement and collaboration.

Fleet Eng Readiness Assistant Ship Staff Officer

Canadian Armed Forces
Halifax, NS
11.2019 - 05.2021
  • Facilitated cross-organizational stakeholder engagements to communicate SWP/DWP priorities, risks, and dependencies.
    Coordinated NEM activities to ensure fleet readiness and alignment with operational objectives.
    Led resolution of materiel deficiencies impacting mission capability and execution timelines.
    Managed OPDEF and TRANREQ processes, ensuring accurate tracking and timely defect resolution.
    Delivered senior-level briefings on readiness posture, risks, and mitigation strategies.
    Advised on contingency planning and coordinated material readiness for high-priority operations.
    Acted as primary liaison between MARLANT, NDHQ, FMFCS, and design authorities to resolve engineering issues.
    Translated operational requirements into executable engineering actions, aligning stakeholders and resources.

Chief Marine Engineer (Cert 4)/Training & Maint

Canadian Armed Forces
Halifax, NS
08.2017 - 10.2019
  • Enforced safety standards and maintained compliant engineering operations.
    Optimized fuel efficiency through proactive system monitoring and adjustment.
    Diagnosed and resolved complex faults, minimizing downtime and sustaining readiness.
    Led emergency response efforts, ensuring crew safety and system integrity.
    Collaborated with shipyard teams to support refit and maintenance activities.
    Applied predictive maintenance techniques to prevent equipment failures.
    Advised command on engineering risks, timelines, and operational limitations.
    Supervised personnel and maintenance execution, reporting readiness impacts to leadership.

CFNES Senior Refrigeration and Controls Instructor

Canadian Armed Forces
Halifax, NS
07.2015 - 07.2017
  • Established an engaging learning environment through structured classroom management and clear expectations.
    Delivered innovative instruction to enhance comprehension and close knowledge gaps.
    Assessed student performance and adapted teaching strategies to improve outcomes.
    Developed lesson plans aligned with student-centered learning objectives.
    Conducted evaluations and tailored instruction based on performance analysis.
    Contributed to curriculum development aligned with industry standards and best practices.

Machinery Space Supervisor/EOOW(Cert 3)

Canadian Armed Forces
Halifax
07.2011 - 06.2015
  • Directed daily operations, ensuring efficient workflows and timely delivery.
    Optimized processes and improved team performance through leadership and problem solving.
    Streamlined workflows to enhance productivity and resource efficiency.
    Fostered communication and alignment through structured team engagement.
    Maintained safe operations and ensured compliance with quality standards.
    Mentored junior staff, supporting technical growth and career development.
    Managed emergency situations and protected critical systems during incidents.
    Collaborated across departments to achieve operational objectives.

CFNES Damage Control Fire Fighting Instructor

Canadian Armed Forces
Halifax, NS
01.2009 - 06.2011
  • Established a structured learning environment through effective classroom management and clear expectations.
    Monitored student performance (up to 100 students), providing targeted feedback to improve outcomes.
    Delivered innovative instruction on firefighting and emergency response principles.
    Developed lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles, increasing engagement.
    Ensured safety and compliance during practical training and assessments.
    Contributed to curriculum development aligned with regulatory and industry standards.

Education

Advanced Leadership Program

RMC Saint Jean - Canadian Forces Osside Institute, St.Jean Sur Richelieu, QC
06.2020

Leadership, Human resources management and administration, Defense policies (civilian-military relations), CAF operations, Professional competencies (individual development), History, customs and traditions; and Science, technology and war.

Intermediate Leadership Program

RMC Saint Jean - Canadian Forces Osside Institute, St. Jean Sur Richelieu, QC
04.2018
  • The Profession of Arms, Leadership, Law of Armed Conflict, Management, Oral and written communication and General Service knowledge.

In order to work effectively in a complex military environment, all CAF military personnel must rely on intellectual resources and a specific skill set. These skills include the ability to do research, read specialized documentation, and write an analysis. While preparing assignments, the candidate will learn how to structure and explain ideas in the form of a rational argument based on concrete facts and reference material. The course provides candidates with the necessary tools to deal with the challenges of an environment in constant evolution. Tools such as intellectual resources, critical thinking (judgment and reasoning), and the ability to communicate and understand national politics and military doctrine in order to effectively accomplish CAF operations.

QL7 - Mar Eng - Chief Eng Rank Qual Course

Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School, Halifax, NS
11.2017

QL6 - Marine Engineer Artificer

Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School, Halifax, NS
11.2011

Primary Leadership Qualification

Canadian Forces Naval Operations School, Halifax, NS
10.2009

Advanced Marine Refrigeration/AC Instructor Course

Nova Scotia Community College (Akerley Campus), Dartmouth, NS
12.2007

QL5 - Marine Engineering Technician

Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School, Halifax
01.2006

QL3 - Marine Engineering Mechanic

Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School, Esquimalt
07.2000

Skills

  • Project Planning & Execution
  • Risk & Operational Readiness Management
  • Schedule & Milestone Management
  • Multi-Project Coordination
  • Resource Allocation & Optimization
  • Continuous Improvement Initiatives
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Liaison Coordination (NETE/NDQAR/RCN)
  • Technical Communication & Senior Briefings
  • Engineering Governance & Standards Compliance
  • Interagency & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Naval Engineering Systems & Maintenance

Wood working, home renos, golf and water activities

  • Fitness & Wellness – Committed to maintaining physical health and resilience through regular exercise and outdoor activities.
  • Sports – Enjoy collaborative environments and teamwork through recreational sports such as golf and hockey.

Accomplishments

  • In 2021, led a transformative cultural shift at Naval Fleet School Atlantic, fostering a modernized training mentality and building a high-performing instructional team. Recruited and developed new instructors to establish an institute of higher learning, reinvigorating both staff and students with a renewed sense of purpose and professional growth. Currently oversee 53 staff members and provide leadership for 150+ students, ensuring operational excellence and future readiness.
  • Awarded the Royal Canadian Navy Command Chief Petty Officer BZ Coin for outstanding leadership.
  • Awarded the Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal for outstanding leadership.
  • Multiple operational medals, successful domestic and foreign deployments with over 1100 sea days.

Certification

  • 2026 - PMI - Project Management Professional Candidate
  • 2024 - IMO Coatings Inspector - Corrodere Academy - Lloyds Registry Training (Certificate #CA10341)
  • 2023 - Ashanti Leadership & PDS Inc. (Microaggressions, Inclusive Leadership and Unconscious Bias)
  • 2019 - Cert 4 - Chief Engineer/ Chief Engineer Charge Certificate
  • 2014 - Cert 3 - Senior Machinery Control Room Operator/EOOW (Engineering Officer of the Watch) Engine Room Artificer (ERA)
  • 2007 - Cert 2 - Junior Machinery Control Room Operator/MCCOP (Machinery Control Console Operator)
  • 2001 - Cert 1 - Oiler/AMOC (Auxiliary Machinery Operators Certification)

Timeline

Senior Marine Mechanical Technologist - Fleetway Inc.
01.2025 - Current
Marine Systems Engineering Division Chief - Canadian Armed Forces
06.2021 - 01.2025
Fleet Eng Readiness Assistant Ship Staff Officer - Canadian Armed Forces
11.2019 - 05.2021
Chief Marine Engineer (Cert 4)/Training & Maint - Canadian Armed Forces
08.2017 - 10.2019
CFNES Senior Refrigeration and Controls Instructor - Canadian Armed Forces
07.2015 - 07.2017
Machinery Space Supervisor/EOOW(Cert 3) - Canadian Armed Forces
07.2011 - 06.2015
CFNES Damage Control Fire Fighting Instructor - Canadian Armed Forces
01.2009 - 06.2011
RMC Saint Jean - Canadian Forces Osside Institute - , Advanced Leadership Program
RMC Saint Jean - Canadian Forces Osside Institute - , Intermediate Leadership Program
Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School - , QL7 - Mar Eng - Chief Eng Rank Qual Course
Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School - , QL6 - Marine Engineer Artificer
Canadian Forces Naval Operations School - , Primary Leadership Qualification
Nova Scotia Community College (Akerley Campus) - , Advanced Marine Refrigeration/AC Instructor Course
Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School - , QL5 - Marine Engineering Technician
Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School - , QL3 - Marine Engineering Mechanic
Darren ClarkSenior Marine Mechanical Technologist