Port Engineer

Positions on Land - UnCruise Adventures•Seattle, WA

2d•$110,000 - $125,000•Hybrid

About The Position

UnCruise Adventures is a small-ship adventure travel company operating vessels carrying 22 to 86 guests in Alaska, Hawaii, Baja California, and Costa Rica. The Port Engineer manages engineering-team efforts across the company’s fleet and collaborates with vessel Captains and Chief Engineers on maintenance and repairs to vessel systems. The role includes scheduling vendors, planning shipyard work, interacting with regulatory agencies, and supporting budgetary controls in collaboration with the Director of Engineering. The Port Engineer also communicates with Captains to manage onboard engineering teams. This is a full-time, year-round exempt position based in Seattle, Washington, or hybrid in Juneau, Alaska, with frequent travel between those locations and other destinations. Travel supports emergency Chief Engineer relief, ship-check inspections, departmental audits, and skills training. A licensed maritime engineering credential is not required. The role reports to the Director of Engineering. The Port Engineer oversees vessel maintenance planning and execution, shipyard projects and contractors, technical support, compliance activities, inventory, and the recruitment, placement, scheduling, training, and coaching of vessel Engineers. The position requires familiarity with marine systems, regulatory inspections, the company Safety Management System, and emergency response activities. It can involve physically demanding vessel work, travel by various modes of transportation, and after-hours and weekend availability, including 24-hour on-call availability when vessels are sailing.

Requirements

Preferred candidates will have verifiable experience as a port engineer managing operations similar to the company’s.
Ten years’ experience as a Chief Engineer or in managing ship construction and repairs may substitute for some required port engineer experience.
Full comprehension of marine systems, including diesel engines, AC generators, fuel centrifuges, air compressors, centrifugal and piston pumps, fans and blowers, hydraulic systems, reverse-osmosis water makers, piping systems, HVAC equipment, marine electronics and navigation equipment, batteries and chargers, inverters, and other applicable marine equipment.
Proficiency using computer systems; knowledge of Microsoft Project, Excel, Word, Adobe Acrobat, and Outlook.
Professional demeanor and ability to communicate tactfully and courteously with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Strong management skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines, and direct others to perform at a high level.
Strong crisis-management skills and ability to work well under pressure.
Ability to professionally present information and respond to questions when interacting with vendors, regulatory personnel, and passengers.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to prepare written reports for every shipyard and dry-dock project.
Critical thinking and technical-writing skills.
Ability to assess people’s strengths and weaknesses, negotiate contracts and warranties, and mentor others.
Passport required or in process.
TWIC card required or in process.
Ability to meet physical demands including bending, climbing, repetitive motion, and heavy lifting; ability to sit, type, and write in a standard office environment for 8 to 10 hours per day.
Comfort traveling by commercial jet, Alaskan bush plane, passenger train, passenger van, taxi, small inflatable open boat, water taxi, or other means dictated by local conditions to reach vessels.

Nice To Haves

US Merchant Mariner License—Chief Engineer; preferred but not required.
STCW Basic Safety Training; preferred but not required.
STCW Crowd Management; preferred but not required.
Fire Fighting Certification; preferred but not required.
Some knowledge of AutoCAD would be helpful.

Responsibilities

Maintain a comprehensive understanding of assigned vessels’ mechanical systems, structural condition, equipment, and maintenance needs.
Work with vessel Captains and Engineers to develop, manage, and execute preventative maintenance programs, ensuring work is completed on schedule and deficiencies are proactively addressed.
Identify, evaluate, and prioritize vessel maintenance and repair needs, including structural and steel repairs, piping, machinery, mechanical systems, and other vessel equipment.
Develop short- and long-term maintenance plans that account for vessel condition, operating schedules, regulatory requirements, equipment life cycles, and budgets.
Lead annual shipyard project planning and execution, including developing scopes of work, identifying material and labor needs, estimating costs, and setting schedules.
Manage shipyard contractors and vendors to ensure work meets approved specifications, budget, schedule, and quality standards.
Coordinate with naval architects, marine engineers, shipyards, and other technical professionals on repair solutions, drawings, and regulatory approvals.
Conduct weekly check-ins with vessel Engineers and Vessel Leadership Teams to discuss deficiencies, mechanical concerns, upcoming maintenance, and technical support needs.
Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to vessel Engineers, including identifying repair solutions, determining parts and materials, and coordinating outside assistance.
Collaborate with the Director of Engineering on annual shipyard budgets, spending oversight, project-cost tracking, and cost-effective maintenance opportunities.
Participate in U.S. Coast Guard inspections, dry-dock examinations, and regulatory surveys, coordinating with agencies to ensure repairs, alterations, and modifications meet applicable requirements.
Conduct periodic vessel inspections and audits to assess condition, maintenance practices, regulatory compliance, and adherence to company policies.
Monitor and manage vessel Non-Conformity Reports and Equipment Deficiencies in the HELM compliance system and ensure corrective actions are completed.
Support the Purchasing Department and oversee engineering-related vessel and warehouse inventory to ensure appropriate parts, materials, equipment, and critical spares are available.
Support recruitment, placement, scheduling, training, and coaching of vessel Engineers.
Maintain familiarity with duties under the company Safety Management System, including Emergency Response Activities.
Work an 8-hour day when in the office; adjust hours onboard vessels according to task needs and handle fleet calls after hours and on weekends, with 24-hour on-call availability when vessels are sailing.

Benefits

One complimentary cruise for two people each year after each year of employment.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
Flexible spending account options.
401(k) eligibility after six months of employment, with an employer match.
Ten company-paid holidays annually.
Paid vacation and sick time, with additional vacation days available with tenure.
Two company-paid volunteer days each year.
Daily stipend for commuting without a single-occupancy motorized vehicle.
Free parking at the Seattle office on days commuting by car.