Tugboat Engineer

Curtin Maritime•Oakland, CA

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring Tugboat Engineers at multiple levels to support its marine construction and marine transportation operations. Engineers work directly with the Port Engineer and Vessel Captain, uphold the company’s values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency, and maintain the Curtin Standard onboard. Applicants may live anywhere in the United States; the company coordinates and pays for travel to and from the vessel. This is a full-time role. Project-specific schedules and days vary, and the work requires significant time and travel away from home, frequent long hours, weekend work, and offshore travel. Responsibilities and qualifications vary by level, from assisting or serving as engineer on tugboats and maintaining engine rooms to advanced troubleshooting, heavy repairs, vessel commissioning, dry-dock management, audits, and crew development. Compensation is listed by level: Engineer I, $450–$550 per day; Engineer II, $550–$650 per day; Engineer III, $650–$750 per day; Engineer IV, $750–$800 per day; and Engineer V, $800–$875 per day. Curtin Maritime offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, AD&D/life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Optional incremental life insurance and health and/or dependent flexible spending accounts are also available.

Requirements

Required licenses and credentials for Engineer I: TWIC Card, MMC – OS/Wiper, U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate, and passport.
Engineer II requires all Engineer I credentials plus MMC – QMED/Oiler and STCW Basic Training.
Engineer III requires all Engineer I and II credentials plus DDE 1000.
Engineer IV requires all Engineer I–III credentials plus DDE 4000.
Engineer V requires all Engineer I–IV credentials plus DDE and any HP – 500 Ton.
Ability to handle stressful situations and make safe, effective decisions, including under potentially dangerous or emergency conditions.
Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, responsibility, ownership, and proactive work habits.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to instruct and train crew at multiple levels.
Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning, including 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 periods of darkness and in confined spaces, and to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard.
Must be able to swim and maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness.
Engineer II proficiency includes duties associated with Deckhand I–III positions, sign-off as engineer on multiple fleet vessels, and the ability to learn basic engineering systems on a new vessel with some guidance.
Engineer III proficiency includes engineering on all fleet vessels, including ocean tugs; troubleshooting and repair of vessel systems; proactive critical-path planning; and thorough VMS and regulatory knowledge.
Engineer IV/V proficiency includes advanced troubleshooting and repair across fleet equipment, heavy repairs, system installation, vessel commissioning, basic welding, audit participation, and dry-docking or repair management.

Nice To Haves

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 with assistant or sole engineering duties on tugs and basic troubleshooting of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems.
Experience with tow winch operation and engine-room cleaning and maintenance.
At advanced levels, experience with heavy repairs, engine overhauls, power-pack replacement, system installations, repowers, hydraulic and plumbing systems, vessel commissioning, basic welding, audits, VMS training, dry-dockings, and repairs.

Responsibilities

Work directly with the Port Engineer and Vessel Captain while applying company values and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard.
Operate as an assistant or sole engineer on tugboats and troubleshoot electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and other vessel 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.
Manage deckhands or vessel project teams when applicable, and ensure crew members complete assigned tasks.
Partner with the Port Engineer and Captain to plan work while underway.
Use the Vessel Management System (VMS), maintain records, and report to the Port Engineer.
Comply with applicable Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements and participate in internal and external audits as appropriate to level.
Train, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to engineers and deckhands; develop others’ proficiency in VMS and vessel operations.
Troubleshoot and repair fleet equipment, perform heavy repairs and system installations, and commission new vessels as required at advanced levels.
Manage dry-dockings and repairs, coordinate with vendors, regulators, shipyards, and shoreside teams, and contribute to standard operating procedures and training content.