Chief Engineer

Required Background: Current or former Chief Engineer, 1st Assistant Engineer, Watch Engineer, Port Engineer, or equivalent vessel engineering leadership on dredges or heavy marine vessels. Candidates must have hands-on experience managing diesel engines, pumps, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, preventive maintenance programs, equipment repairs, spare parts inventory, and engineering personnel. This position is not intended for civil, structural, mechanical design, project, or consulting engineers without vessel maintenance leadership experience.

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Chief Engineer to manage and oversee all equipment used on dredge operations, including repair programs, maintenance schedules, equipment inventory, and critical spares. This role works closely with the Vessel Manager and project management teams to ensure equipment reliability, compliance, and operational readiness across all assigned project locations. The Chief Engineer will monitor mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, track inspections and reports, requisition supplies, and enforce safety standards while supporting daily operational needs.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned equipment professional with strong mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic expertise, excellent troubleshooting and diagnostics skills, and proven experience supervising crews and managing preventative maintenance programs. They are organized, safety focused, reliable, and able to work independently at remote project sites for extended durations.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain inventory of all equipment and locations.
• Manage and oversee repair and maintenance programs.
• Ensure equipment remains in safe, reliable operating condition.
• Track daily, weekly, monthly, and annual inspections and reports.
• Maintain detailed repair records.
• Manage inventory of spare parts and critical spares.
• Requisition parts, supplies, fuel, lube, and water.
• Monitor mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Enforce safety rules and equipment compliance standards.
• Initiate corrective and preventative maintenance actions.
• Support project management with operational decisions.
• Participate in safety and environmental initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of equipment repair and maintenance experience, including equipment management.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, troubleshooting, diagnostic, and preventive maintenance skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff or crew members.
• Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of marine equipment, tools, and systems.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and complete assignments accurately and on time.
• Ability to travel to project locations and work away from home for extended periods.
• Ability to comply with all applicable safety rules and regulations.
• Must be reliable, motivated, safety-focused, and able to obtain a TWIC.
• Core competencies include stress management, teamwork, and results-driven performance.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to wear required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, steel toed shoes, PFD, respirator, etc.).
• Ability to walk, climb, kneel, crouch, twist, bend, and work in confined or elevated areas.
• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs. individually; up to 60 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to push/pull up to 150 lbs. peak force.
• Ability to climb stairs and vertical ladders (6 ft or higher).
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions with temperature changes, dust, humidity, loud noise, and vibration.
• Regular attendance and punctuality required

Pay Rate:$700 rate
Monthly cell phone allowance
Vehicle allowance or travel assistance for eligible candidates