Port Engineer

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute • Moss Landing, CA

68d

About The Position

The port engineer oversees the maintenance, repair, and readiness of a fleet of vessels to ensure technical goals and regulatory compliance are met. They act as the primary liaison between vessel crews and shore-side management for all technical matters.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in marine engineering, naval architecture or a related technical field.
• 2 years' experience in a shore side management capacity is required.
• Possess excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with marine systems, repair tools, and maintenance management software.
• Must acquire forklift training and certification within 6 months of hire through MBARI.
• Have or ability to obtain a U.S. Passport and Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) credentials within 6 months of hire.
• Experience in drafting shipyard work specifications and overseeing shipyard repair work.

Nice To Haves

• Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) - U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) engineer's license of 3rd assistance engineer or higher with international endorsements.
• Previous UNOLS or research vessel experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and execute preventative and corrective maintenance schedules for all vessels in a fleet.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Coordinate with shipyards, contractors, and vendors to manage the scope of work, budget, and timeline for complex repair and refit operations, including scheduled dry-docking.
• Develop, manage, and monitor annual budgets for vessel maintenance and repairs, and make recommendations for cost-effective solutions.
• Coordinate the purchasing of parts, equipment, and services for maintenance and repair projects.
• Provide technical advice and hands-on support to vessel crews and engineers during missions, port calls, or emergencies.
• Analyze technical reports, oil samples, and performance indicators to evaluate the condition of vessel equipment and systems, and initiate corrective actions.
• Ensure the fleet is in compliance with regulations from bodies such as the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, and Classification Societies like the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Det Norske Veritas (DNV).
• Prepare vessels for regulatory inspections, surveys, and audits.
• Oversee safety procedures for specific tasks, such as fuel transfers, and conduct safety meetings with vessel engineers and crew.
• Manage a team of engineers and technicians, including recruiting, training, and providing ongoing support.
• Act as the technical liaison between vessel crews, corporate management, external clients, and regulatory bodies.
• Develop and manage technical documentation, including repair specifications, failure analysis reports, and contract deliverables.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees