Dredge Tugboat Engineer

Curtin Maritime•Norfolk, VA

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring Dredge Engineers at multiple levels. Engineers work directly with the Port Engineer and Vessel Captain, applying the company’s values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency while maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. The company provides fully paid, coordinated travel to and from the vessel, and applicants may live anywhere in the United States. This is a full-time position. Days and hours vary by project, and the role requires significant time and travel away from home, frequent long hours, weekend work, and offshore travel. The position involves vessel engineering, maintenance, troubleshooting, recordkeeping, safety and regulatory compliance, and, depending on level, crew leadership, project management, repairs, audits, and training. The role is offered at five levels, with daily compensation of $450–$550 for Engineer I, $550–$650 for Engineer II, $650–$750 for Engineer III, $750–$800 for Engineer IV, and $800–$875 for Engineer V. Qualifications and responsibilities increase by level, including progressively broader vessel engineering proficiency, credentials, compliance knowledge, and leadership duties.

Requirements

Engineer I: TWIC Card, MMC OS/Wiper, USCG medical certificate, and passport.
Engineer II: All Engineer I credentials, plus MMC QMED/Oiler and STCW Basic Training.
Engineer III: All Engineer I and II credentials, plus DDE 1000.
Engineer IV: All Engineer I–III credentials, plus DDE 4000.
Engineer V: All Engineer I–IV credentials, plus DDE and any HP – 500 Ton.
Ability to give close attention to detail and stay organized.
Ability to make safe, effective decisions under stress and potentially dangerous conditions.
Demonstrated responsibility, ownership, and initiative.
Strong communication, logistical reasoning, and mechanical reasoning skills.
Ability to understand vessel systems and movement and plan and execute voyages.
Ability to mentor and support the development of others.
Ability to traverse uneven ground and gangways at varying heights; bend, stoop, squat, and climb steps or ladders frequently.
Ability to safely lift 40 pounds and move heavy, large, or awkward equipment.
Physical dexterity and strength to handle lines, make up tows with wire rigging, operate deck machinery, and work on equipment that may be difficult to access.
Ability to work below decks in areas that may be dark and in confined spaces.
Ability to swim and maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.
Engineer II: Skilled in Deckhand I–III duties, signed off as an engineer on multiple fleet vessels, and able with guidance to identify basic engineering systems on an unfamiliar vessel.
Engineer III: Able to engineer all fleet vessels, including ocean tugs, and demonstrate thorough vessel-systems troubleshooting and repair abilities.
Engineer IV: High-level engineering, troubleshooting, and repair skills across fleet equipment; heavy repair and system installation experience; vessel commissioning experience; basic welding skills; and experience managing dry-dockings and repairs.
Engineer V: High-level engineering, troubleshooting, and repair skills across fleet equipment; heavy repair and system installation experience; vessel commissioning experience; basic welding skills; and experience managing dry-dockings and repairs.

Nice To Haves

Dredge experience is preferred.
Clamshell dredge experience is preferred.
Engineer I preferred credentials: MMC QMED/Oiler and Able Seaman endorsement, and STCW Basic Training.
Engineer III preferred credential: STCW RFPEW.
Engineer IV preferred credentials: STCW RFPEW and AS-Engine.
Engineer V preferred credentials: STCW RFPEW, AS-Engine, and STCW OICEW.

Responsibilities

Work with the Port Engineer and Vessel Captain to plan work while underway.
Take ownership of assigned vessels, maintain inventories and work plans, create requisitions proactively, and leave the vessel cleaner than found.
Maintain and troubleshoot vessel mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, as applicable to experience level.
Operate tow winches and maintain a clean engine room to the Curtin Standard.
Use the Vessel Management System (VMS), maintain records, and report to the Port Engineer.
Comply with the Curtin Standard and applicable Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements, with scope increasing by level.
Manage or support Deckhands and vessel project teams, assign and monitor tasks, and lead by example, as applicable to level.
Plan and perform vessel repairs, heavy repairs, installations, and commissioning, as applicable to level.
Participate in internal and external audits and help improve audit criteria and the Curtin Standard, as applicable to level.
Train and mentor Engineers and Deckhands, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to standard operating procedures and training content, as applicable to level.
Manage dry-dockings, repairs, vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, and shoreside teams, as applicable to level.
Perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard the vessel.