Tugboat Engineer

Curtin Maritime•Norfolk, VA

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring Tugboat Engineers at multiple experience levels for its growing Marine Construction and Marine Transportation operations. 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 aboard the vessel. Applicants may live anywhere in the United States; the company coordinates and fully pays travel to and from the vessel. This is a full-time position. Project-specific days and hours require significant time and travel away from home, and the work frequently involves long hours, weekends, and offshore travel. Duties and qualifications vary by Engineer level, from assisting with vessel engineering and troubleshooting to leading teams, managing repairs and dry-dockings, commissioning vessels, and training other crew members. Daily rates range from $450 to $875, depending on level: Engineer I, $450–$550; Engineer II, $550–$650; Engineer III, $650–$750; Engineer IV, $750–$800; and Engineer V, $800–$875. The company offers competitive compensation and a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, AD&D/life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Optional coverage and flexible spending accounts are also available.

Requirements

Required credentials vary by level. Engineer I requires a TWIC Card, MMC OS/Wiper, USCG medical certificate, and passport.
Engineer II requires the Engineer I credentials plus MMC QMED/Oiler and STCW Basic Training.
Engineer III requires the Engineer I and II credentials plus DDE 1000.
Engineer IV requires the Engineer I–III credentials plus DDE 4000.
Engineer V requires the Engineer I–IV credentials plus DDE and any HP – 500 Ton.
Ability to handle stressful situations with focus and make safe, effective decisions, including under potentially dangerous conditions.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Responsibility, ownership, and a proactive approach to work.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate with office staff and instruct or train crew at multiple levels.
Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning, with the ability to plan and execute voyages and understand vessel mechanics and movement.
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 with limited access.
Ability to work below decks in areas that may be dark and in confined spaces.
Ability to swim, perform emergency duties, use onboard emergency equipment, and maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.
Engineer I: experience as an assistant or sole engineer on tugs; basic knowledge and troubleshooting ability with electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems; tow winch operation; and engine-room cleaning and maintenance.
Engineer II: skilled in Deckhand I–III duties; signed off as an engineer on multiple fleet vessels; able, with some guidance, to identify basic engineering systems on an unfamiliar vessel; and developing troubleshooting and repair ability across vessel systems.
Engineer III: able to engineer all fleet vessels, including ocean tugs; thorough understanding and troubleshooting and repair ability across vessel systems; proactive planning to maximize engineering efficiency and maintain readiness.
Engineer IV: high-level engineering, troubleshooting, and repair skills across fleet equipment; heavy-repair experience, including engine overhauls and power-pack replacement; experience installing systems on new and retrofit applications; 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 experience, system installation and vessel commissioning experience; basic welding skills; and experience managing dry-dockings and repairs.
Senior-level leadership, project management, vendor and shipyard coordination, audit participation, and VMS training experience as specified for the level.

Nice To Haves

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.
Mentoring ability and commitment to developing the success of others.

Responsibilities

Work directly with the Port Engineer and Vessel Captain to support vessel operations and uphold the Curtin Standard.
Operate as an assistant or sole engineer on tugboats, maintaining and troubleshooting electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and other vessel systems as appropriate to experience level.
Operate tow winches and maintain a clean engine room.
Take ownership of assigned vessels, maintain inventories and work plans, create requisitions proactively, and leave the vessel cleaner than found.
Maintain vessel records and reports for the Port Engineer and use the Vessel Management System (VMS) in accordance with role-level expectations.
Plan work with the Port Engineer and Captain while underway.
Manage deckhands or project teams as applicable, ensure tasks are completed, and lead by example.
Troubleshoot and repair vessel systems and equipment; at senior levels, plan critical-path work and maintain vessel readiness.
Understand and comply with applicable Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements and participate in internal and external audits as appropriate to experience level.
Train and mentor Engineers I and II, Deckhands, and other crew; provide constructive feedback.
At senior levels, manage vendors, shipyards, regulatory bodies, vessel repairs, and dry-dockings; support vessel commissioning and the creation of critical spares lists, standard operating procedures, and training content.
Perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment aboard the vessel.