Port Engineer
Location: Portland, OR - On Site
Salary: $90,000 - $145,000
This role leads vessel repair and maintenance and involves guiding shipyard and repair vendor personnel in vessel repairs, as well as overseeing the installation and repair of marine power plants, propulsion systems, heating and ventilation systems, and other mechanical and electrical equipment in ships and marine facilities.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Vessel Maintenance and Activation: Ensure vessels are maintained to support national defense objectives. Manage the activation process, supervising repairs, crewing, and storing, and determine vessel readiness for sea trials.
Safety Leadership: Foster a strong safety culture by adhering to all safety guidelines and seeking continuous improvement opportunities.
Vessel Management: Manage the daily technical and nautical operations of assigned vessels, ensuring smooth functioning in port and dry-dock. Oversee vessel repair and maintenance, directing Vessel Maintenance Department Supervisors and crew.
Budget and Fiscal Planning: Prepare operating budgets and long-term fiscal work plans for vessels, submitting them to senior management for final approval and presentation.
Coordination: Work closely with the Captain and First Officer to ensure efficient cargo logistics and resolve mechanical issues in collaboration with the Chief Engineer. Manage vessel repairs and spare part requisitions.
Vendor Negotiations: Negotiate prices and issue purchase orders for replacement parts with external vendors.
Interdepartmental Communication: Maintain direct communication with various Department Managers regarding vessel status, crew, and operational issues.
Performance Evaluation: Evaluate equipment performance during acceptance testing and shakedown cruises, monitor sea trials, and arrange corrective measures for any deficiencies found.
Inspection and Certification: Prepare repair, activation, and deactivation specifications, supervise voyage repairs, and maintain records of inspections and surveys. Ensure all vessels have proper certificates and coordinate timely surveys.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with USCG certification and other regulatory requirements. Interface with regulatory bodies to implement necessary compliance measures.
System Maintenance: Maintain and update the A-NSE system as required.
Equipment Oversight: Oversee repairs to critical equipment such as diesel engines, boilers, steam-driven turbine engines, heat exchangers, fire control and communication systems, electric power systems, and piping systems.
Lay-Up Coordination: Coordinate proper lay-up of critical equipment and systems with Government Marine Surveyors.
Reporting and Documentation: Prepare inspection reports, recommend repair work, identify outstanding repairs, and keep records of engineering performance and costs.
Security and Evaluations: Ensure ship security services are provided and perform annual performance evaluations for senior ship personnel.
Skills and Qualifications:
- High proficiency and accuracy with data management.
- ABS NS-E, NS-5 Software database entry experience preferred.
- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to multitask and work within critical time constraints.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
- Comprehensive knowledge of technical manuals, shipboard arrangements, machinery functioning, repair techniques, costs, and report preparation.
- Must possess or be eligible for a DOD-granted "SECRET" security clearance.
Education, Licensure, and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Marine Engineering from a certified maritime academy or four-year college or university.
- Three years of documented Port Engineer experience for large tonnage ocean-going vessels, and/or five years seagoing experience as a Chief Engineer or First Assistant Engineer, or a minimum of five years of ship repair experience with progressive responsibilities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Engineer's License preferred.
