Dredge Tugboat Engineer

Curtin Maritime•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring Dredge Engineers for multiple openings. The company provides fully paid, coordinated travel to and from the vessel, and candidates may live anywhere in the United States. Dredge experience is required; clamshell dredge experience is preferred. Engineers work directly with the Port Engineer and Vessel Captain, applying the company’s values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. 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 posting describes five engineer levels, with daily pay ranging from $450 to $875 depending on level and qualifications. Responsibilities and qualifications vary by level. Engineers maintain and troubleshoot vessel systems, support safe and efficient vessel operations, comply with applicable standards and reporting requirements, and take on increasing responsibilities for planning, repairs, audits, project management, and crew development. Higher-level engineers are expected to demonstrate broader fleet experience, advanced repair and commissioning capabilities, and stronger leadership and management skills.

Requirements

Dredge experience is required.
Required Engineer I credentials: TWIC Card, MMC OS/Wiper, Coast Guard Medical Certificate, and passport.
Required Engineer II credentials include all Engineer I credentials, plus MMC QMED/Oiler and STCW Basic Training.
Required Engineer III credentials include all Engineer I and II credentials, plus DDE 1000.
Required Engineer IV credentials include all Engineer I–III credentials, plus DDE 4000.
Required Engineer V credentials include all Engineer I–IV credentials, plus DDE and any HP – 500 Ton.
Vessel experience as an assistant or sole engineer on tugs, with basic knowledge and troubleshooting abilities in electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
Ability to use tow winches and clean and maintain an engine room.
Ability to use the Vessel Management System and comply with the Curtin Standard; reporting and compliance expectations increase by engineer level.
Ability to handle stressful situations with focus and make safe, effective decisions, including under potentially dangerous conditions.
Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, responsibility, initiative, and ownership of assigned tasks.
Strong communication skills and ability to instruct and train crew members at different levels.
Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning, including the ability to plan and execute voyages and understand vessel mechanics and movement.
Physical agility to traverse uneven ground and gangways at varying heights, bend, stoop, squat, and climb ladders or high steps 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 to work in confined spaces.
Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard the vessel; must be able to swim.
Ability to maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.

Nice To Haves

Clamshell dredge experience.
Engineer I preferred credentials: MMC QMED/Oiler, 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.
Experience engineering all vessels in the fleet, including ocean tugs.
Experience with heavy repairs, engine overhauls, power pack replacement, system installations, repowers, hydraulic and plumbing systems, vessel commissioning, and basic welding.
Experience managing dry-dockings and repairs, vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, and other project stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Work directly with the Port Engineer and Vessel Captain to maintain the Curtin Standard and apply the company’s core values onboard.
Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain vessel engineering systems and equipment, including electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
Operate tow winches and clean and maintain the engine room.
Take ownership of assigned vessels, maintain inventories and work plans, create requisitions proactively, and leave vessels cleaner than found.
Partner with the Port Engineer and Captain to plan work while underway.
Manage deckhands or vessel project teams when applicable, assign and track tasks, and hold crew members accountable.
Maintain vessel readiness through proactive and critical-path planning.
Complete thorough recordkeeping and reporting to the Port Engineer and use the Vessel Management System (VMS) at the level required for the position.
Comply with the Curtin Standard and applicable Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements; participate in internal and external audits as applicable.
Troubleshoot and repair fleet equipment, including tugs, cranes, winches, pumps, auxiliary equipment, electrical systems, gasoline engines, and vehicles, at the levels required for the position.
Perform or manage heavy repairs, system installations, vessel commissioning, dry-dockings, and repairs as applicable to the engineer level.
Train and mentor Engineers I and II, Deckhands, and other crew members; provide constructive feedback and contribute to SOPs and training materials.