Port Engineer Tugboat Fleet (Remote with Travel)

The Port Engineer is responsible for the technical management, maintenance oversight, and operational readiness of a fleet of oceangoing and inland tugboats. This role blends hands-on troubleshooting with planning, contractor coordination, and shipyard project management. The Port Engineer will support vessels across multiple ports, respond to emergent issues, and ensure the fleet operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company and regulatory standards.

This is a remote position with a rotating on-call schedule shared among four Port Engineers.

Key Responsibilities

Fleet Maintenance & Technical Support

• Oversee the maintenance, repair,      and operational condition of all assigned tugboats.
• Troubleshoot mechanical,      electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electronic control issues as they      occur.
• Manage preventative maintenance      schedules for all vessels.
• Conduct repairs within personal      skill level; coordinate contractors for specialized or major repairs.
• Support vessels equipped with a      wide range of propulsion and generator systems, including:
  • Main Engines: EMD, Caterpillar,       Cummins, Wabtec, Mitsubishi, Alco
  • Generators: Detroit Diesel, John       Deere, Cummins, Caterpillar
• Work with both pneumatic and      electronic engine control systems.
• Oversee maintenance and      troubleshooting of pneumatic and hydraulic reduction gears
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair      direct drive and hydraulic towing machines.

Operational Support

• Travel to vessels as needed to      support emergent repairs, inspections, and operational issues.
• Provide technical guidance to      vessel crews and assist with troubleshooting remotely when possible.
• Ensure vessels maintain      compliance with company standards, USCG regulations, and class      requirements.

Shipyard & Project Management

• Lead and manage scheduled      shipyard periods, including:
  • Scope development
  • Contractor oversight
  • Budget tracking
  • Quality assurance
  • Daily progress monitoring
• Remain onsite for the duration of      major shipyard periods (typically 30 days).

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete detailed Port      Engineering Reports for all major repairs, emergent issues, and shipyard      periods.
• Submit reports to upper      management, including summaries of work performed, costs, delays, and      recommendations.
• Maintain accurate maintenance      records, service logs, and equipment histories.
• Review and approve repair      invoices, parts orders, and contractor documentation.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong background in diesel      mechanics, including medium-speed and high-speed marine engines.
• Proficiency in electrical      systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, and control systems.
• Experience with welding and      fabrication for marine applications.
• Solid understanding of general      seamanship, vessel operations, and marine safety practices.
• Hands-on experience with vessel      repairs, troubleshooting, and maintenance planning.
• Ability to read and interpret      technical manuals, schematics, and engineering drawings.
• Strong organizational and      communication skills.
• Willingness to travel frequently      and stay overnight as required.

Preferred

• Prior experience as a Port      Engineer, Chief Engineer, ABS inspector or shoreside maintenance manager.
• Experience with pneumatic control      systems and hydraulic gear systems.
• Shipyard project management      experience.
• Familiarity with ABS, USCG, and      other regulatory frameworks.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in confined      spaces, machinery spaces, and other restricted areas.
• Ability to work in elevated      areas, including accessing stacks, masts, and upper deck structures.
• Ability to lift parts, tools, and      supplies as required for vessel maintenance.
• Ability to climb ladders,      gangways, and vertical access points aboard vessels and in shipyards.
• Comfortable working in industrial      environments with heat, noise, and moving machinery.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Remote work with significant      autonomy and responsibility.
• Company vehicle provided for      travel to vessels and shipyards.
• Must be able to respond to vessel      needs during on-call weeks.
• Hands-on work in industrial and      marine environments, including confined spaces and elevated areas.

Position Type: Full-Time, Remote. 

Schedule: Rotating On-Call (1 week on / 3 weeks off). 

Travel: Required during shipyard periods and as operational needs dictate. A company vehicle is provided.