Port Engineer

Position Summary

Offshore Aviation Group is seeking an experienced Port Engineer to support the technical management, maintenance, and operational readiness of our expanding vessel fleet. This senior shoreside leadership position oversees engineering support for assigned vessels, including preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, dynamic positioning systems, drydockings, major refits, and integrating newly acquired vessels.

The Port Engineer will work alongside the company’s existing engineering leadership, Port Captains, vessel Masters, and Chief Engineers to ensure vessels remain safe, reliable, and ready to meet government and commercial operational commitments. The position also carries significant responsibility for developing the engineering team—from recruiting and onboarding through mentoring, performance evaluations, advancement, and accountability.

The ideal candidate combines practical marine engineering expertise with strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to manage personnel, contractors, budgets, and competing priorities. This hands-on role requires regular vessel attendance and direct involvement in maintenance and repair activities.

Key Responsibilities

Vessel Maintenance and Technical Management Oversee the condition, reliability, and maintenance of machinery, equipment, and systems aboard assigned vessels. Develop and manage preventive maintenance programs covering propulsion, generators, electrical distribution, hydraulics, steering, piping, HVAC, and auxiliary equipment.

Work with Chief Engineers to review maintenance records, machinery performance, and reported deficiencies; establish priorities and verify completion of corrective actions. Provide technical support to vessel crews, including troubleshooting equipment failures, coordinating emergency repairs, and investigating recurring problems.

Establish critical spare-parts requirements, monitor equipment inventories, and plan for long-lead purchases and machinery overhauls. Dynamic Positioning Systems Oversee the technical readiness, maintenance, and reliability of dynamic positioning (DP) systems, working directly with Chief Engineers and coordinating with Masters and senior DPOs.

Ensure DP equipment and supporting systems—including thrusters, propulsion controls, power generation and distribution, power management, position reference systems, sensors, and control networks—are incorporated into vessel maintenance programs. Coordinate investigation of DP faults and equipment limitations, arrange specialist support, and track corrective actions through completion.

Plan and coordinate DP trials, surveys, FMEA proving trials, and verification testing as applicable, ensuring findings are documented and addressed. Manage technical changes, repairs, software updates, and equipment upgrades through appropriate review, documentation, and testing before return to DP service. Maintain DP technical records and support Chief Engineers’ understanding of system arrangements, redundancy, failure modes, and recovery procedures.

Communicate technical readiness concerns to vessel leadership and Marine Operations. Drydockings, Refits, and Vessel Acquisitions Plan and manage drydockings, shipyard periods, major repairs, equipment installations, and vessel modifications. Prepare work specifications, cost estimates, schedules, and bid packages; evaluate proposals and recommend shipyards, contractors, and suppliers.

Attend vessels and shipyards to monitor workmanship, safety, progress, expenditures, and compliance with approved scopes. Coordinate with naval architects, surveyors, manufacturers, and technical specialists throughout project planning and execution. Support vessel acquisition inspections, condition assessments, repair planning, and transition into company operations.

Coordinate commissioning, testing, sea trials, and technical closeout before vessels return to service. Engineering Personnel Leadership, Development, and Accountability Assist with recruiting and selecting vessel and shoreside engineering personnel, including reviewing candidates, conducting technical interviews, assessing practical experience, and recommending hiring decisions.

Work with Marine Operations and Human Resources to identify staffing needs, establish position requirements, and verify qualifications and credentials appropriate to each assignment. Oversee engineering onboarding and technical familiarization, ensuring personnel understand vessel machinery, maintenance standards, safety procedures, and company expectations.

Supervise assigned Assistant Port Engineers and shoreside technical personnel; mentor Chief Engineers and vessel engineering staff through regular guidance, coaching, and professional development. Lead performance evaluations for engineering personnel using company procedures, coordinating with Masters and Chief Engineers to ensure assessments are timely, consistent, and documented.

Identify skill gaps and performance concerns; establish training plans, measurable improvement goals, and follow-up reviews. Address performance and conduct deficiencies promptly, document concerns, and coordinate counseling, performance improvement plans, and disciplinary action with the Director of Marine Operations and Human Resources.

Recommend advancement, reassignment, or further disciplinary action, including termination when warranted, based on documented performance and company procedures. Promote a professional engineering culture built on technical competence, safe working practices, clear communication, equipment ownership, and respectful leadership.

Regulatory Compliance and Technical Documentation Coordinate engineering inspections, surveys, and deficiency resolution with the U.S. Coast Guard, ABS, and other applicable authorities. Ensure maintenance, repairs, and modifications follow applicable requirements, approved plans, manufacturer guidance, and company procedures.

Maintain accurate technical records, including equipment histories, drawings, manuals, inspection reports, and repair documentation. Support the company’s Safety Management System through engineering procedures, incident investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement. Budgeting, Purchasing, and Contractor Management Develop and track maintenance, repair, drydocking, and project budgets for assigned vessels.

Obtain and evaluate quotations, coordinate purchasing, and monitor delivery of parts and equipment. Manage vendors and contractors, verify completed work, and review invoices against approved scopes and expenditures. Identify opportunities to improve reliability and reduce downtime and lifecycle costs while maintaining safety and workmanship standards.

Operational Coordination and Reporting Coordinate maintenance windows, vessel mobilizations, and technical support with Marine Operations and vessel leadership. Work with the company’s crane and rigging management personnel on lifting-equipment maintenance, inspections, and repairs. Provide clear updates to the Director of Marine Operations on vessel readiness, engineering personnel, technical risks, project schedules, and budget performance.

Maintain effective communication and handovers across vessels, engineering personnel, and operating locations. Required Qualifications Minimum of five years of progressive marine engineering experience, including substantial responsibility for vessel machinery maintenance and repair. Experience as a Port Engineer, Technical Superintendent, Chief Engineer, or comparable marine engineering professional.

Strong working knowledge of marine diesel engines, generators, electrical systems, hydraulics, and auxiliary machinery. Familiarity with DP systems and the machinery, electrical, and control systems supporting their operation. Experience planning and overseeing shipyard work, vessel repairs, contractors, and associated budgets.

Familiarity with U.S. Coast Guard requirements and classification society surveys applicable to inspected commercial vessels. Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring personnel, evaluating performance, and addressing deficiencies. Ability to interpret technical drawings, equipment manuals, specifications, and maintenance records.

Strong organizational and communication skills, with proficiency in computerized maintenance systems, Microsoft Office, and technical reporting. Ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC, valid passport, and access credentials required for assigned facilities and projects. Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally and respond to urgent vessel requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Marine engineering degree, maritime academy education, or equivalent technical training and experience. Current or previous USCG engineering officer credential. Previous shoreside responsibility for multiple vessels. Experience with offshore support vessels, research vessels, crew boats, or vessels supporting government and military operations.

Direct experience supporting DP trials, FMEA activities, and troubleshooting DP-related equipment. Experience managing major refits, vessel acquisitions, and equipment commissioning. Familiarity with ABS-classed vessels, SOLAS equipment requirements, and Safety Management Systems. Experience with HELM or similar planned maintenance software.

Travel & Work Environment This position combines shoreside management with regular work aboard vessels and at shipyards. Assignments may include Hawaii, the U.S. East Coast, and other domestic or international operating locations. The Port Engineer must be comfortable working in machinery spaces, accessing vessel equipment, climbing ladders, and working in active industrial environments.

Extended travel and work outside normal business hours may be required during shipyard periods, mobilizations, and equipment casualties.