Tugboat Engineer

Curtin Maritime•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Curtin Maritime is hiring tugboat engineers at multiple levels to work aboard its vessels. 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. The company provides fully paid, company-coordinated travel to and from the vessel, and applicants may live anywhere in the United States. This is a full-time position. Project-specific days and hours require significant time and travel away from home; the role frequently involves long hours, weekend work, and offshore travel. Duties and qualifications vary by Engineer level, from operating and maintaining tug engineering systems to fleet-wide troubleshooting, heavy repairs, vessel commissioning, audit participation, project management, and crew training. The company describes itself as a Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company with 25 years of maritime experience and a growing team that delivers maritime solutions for projects in various locations.

Requirements

Required credentials vary by level. Engineer I requires a TWIC Card, MMC OS/Wiper, Coast Guard medical certificate, and passport.
Engineer II requires the 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.
Demonstrate attention to detail, strong organizational skills, responsibility, ownership, and proactive decision-making.
Handle stressful situations with focus and make safe, effective decisions, including under potentially dangerous conditions.
Communicate effectively with office staff and crew members at multiple levels, including when instructing or training.
Demonstrate strong logistical and mechanical reasoning and understand vessel systems and movement.
Meet the physical demands of the role, including traversing uneven ground and gangways, frequently bending, stooping, squatting, and climbing ladders, and safely lifting 40 pounds.
Have the dexterity and strength to handle lines, make up tows with wire rigging, operate deck machinery, and work on equipment with limited accessibility.
Work below decks in areas that may be dark and work in confined spaces.
Maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness and be able to swim.
Engineer I: experience as an assistant or sole engineer on tugs; basic knowledge of 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 engineer on multiple fleet vessels; able to identify basic engineering systems on an unfamiliar vessel with some guidance; and developing troubleshooting and repair ability across vessel systems.
Engineer III: able to engineer all fleet vessels, including ocean tugs; able to work out how to engineer an unfamiliar boat without prior instruction; thorough knowledge of troubleshooting and repair across vessel systems; and proactive critical-path planning to maintain readiness and operational efficiency.
Engineer IV and V: high-level engineering, troubleshooting, and repair skills across fleet equipment; heavy-repair experience, including engine overhauls and power-pack replacement; system installation experience on new and retrofit applications; vessel commissioning experience; and basic welding skills.
Engineer IV and V: experience completing audits and using the VMS, including training others in its use; experience managing dry-dockings and repairs and coordinating with vendors and other stakeholders; and ability to act as a project manager and contribute to SOPs and training content.

Nice To Haves

Engineer I: MMC QMED/Oiler, Able Seaman endorsement, and STCW Basic Training.
Engineer III: STCW RFPEW.
Engineer IV: STCW RFPEW and AS-Engine.
Engineer V: STCW RFPEW, AS-Engine, and STCW OICEW.

Responsibilities

Work directly with the Port Engineer and Vessel Captain to maintain the Curtin Standard onboard.
Operate and maintain tug engineering systems, including electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems, and troubleshoot or repair vessel systems according to 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 vessels cleaner than found.
Maintain records and reports for the Port Engineer and use the Vessel Management System (VMS) at the proficiency appropriate to the level.
Manage or support deckhands and vessel project teams, assign and monitor work, and assist the Captain in keeping crew productive.
Plan engineering work while underway in partnership with the Port Engineer and Captain.
Plan and perform repairs, including heavy repairs and system installations, and commission new vessels as applicable to level.
Participate in internal and external audits and help improve audit criteria and the Curtin Standard.
Train and mentor Engineers I and II, Deckhands, and other crew; provide constructive feedback and contribute to standard operating procedures and training content.
Manage dry-dockings and repairs, and coordinate with vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, and the shoreside team, as applicable to level.
Perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard the vessel.