Port Engineer

Port Engineer

Southern Devall Port Engineers are responsible for the maintenance, reliability, and overall vessel condition of assigned Southern Devall vessels. This position serves as a primary shoreside engineering resource for vessel crews and is responsible for ensuring vessels are maintained in a safe, reliable, and regulatory-compliant condition.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor all vessel systems and schedule maintenance in accordance with OEM recommendations, vessel operational needs, and company standards
• Oversee shipyards and other vendors to ensure work quality standards, schedules, and budgets are adhered to
• Keep Southern Devall vessels in an 'always ready' condition for all USCG and industry inspections
• Review and prioritize work orders originating from vessel maintenance requests and machinery condition inspection reports
• Prioritize maintenance activities based on safety, regulatory requirements, vessel condition, and needs of the business
• Work closely with the shoreside engineering team and vessel crew to identify recurring equipment problems and assist in developing corrective actions
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to vessel crews
• Analyze equipment failures and develop root-cause correction actions to prevent recurrence
• Maintain accurate records of vessel maintenance, repairs, inspections, warranties, and equipment history
• Maintain good working relationships with vessel crews
• Respond to vessel emergencies minimizing vessel down time and provide onsite supervision and direction as needed
• Promote a culture of proactive maintenance and equipment ownership among vessel crews
• Conduct frequent on-board vessel inspections to ensure company vessel condition standards are maintained
• Maintain a professional relationship with vessel inspection authorities
• Assist in developing and implementing company policies and procedures to enhance safety and reliability
• Assist engineering management in developing long-term maintenance budgets for assigned vessels

Regulatory and Compliance

• Ensure assigned vessels are maintained in accordance with applicable USCG requirements and company policies
• Work with Southern Devall compliance and safety teams as needed
• Ensure maintenance documentation is complete, accurate, and available for audits, process improvements, and inspections.
• Stay current on applicable regulatory requirements and manufacturer recommendations
• Comply with company Safety Management System and ensure crews are operating the vessels in accordance with the Safety Management System

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Transportation, or a related technical field preferred; engineering sea-time experience may be considered as equivalent to a degree
• Minimum of 5 years' progressive experience in marine industry, preferably with towing vessels, or similar commercial vessels
• Strong knowledge of marine diesel engines, propulsion systems, generators, reduction gears, hydraulics, electrical systems, and auxiliary machinery
• Experience managing vessel, repairs, shipyard projects, or similar marine engineering activities
• Experience working with vessel crews, shipyards, marine contractors, OEMs, and regulatory agencies
• Working knowledge of USCG requirements applicable to Subchapter M vessels
• Strong project management, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, machinery specifications, drawings, schematics, and maintenance documents
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems and Microsoft Office applications
• Valid drivers license and acceptable driving record
• Valid TWIC Card
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout the Gulf Coast Region

Physical Requirements

• This position requires frequent travel to working vessels, terminals, shipyards, docks and other industrial maritime facilities.
• The employee must be able to:
• Safely board and disembark vessels using gangways, ladders, stairs and other vessel access points
• Walk and work on uneven, wet, slippery, and elevated surfaces
• Climb ladders and stars aboard vessels
• Work in confined spaces and areas with limited accessibility when required
• Work around operating machinery, engines, generators, pumps, hydraulic equipment, and electrical systems
• Lift and carry tools, equipment, parts, and materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, read, and work in awkward positions as required during vessel inspections
• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and cold temperatures
• Wear required personal protective equipment, including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective footwear, gloves, and other PPE as required
• Safely perform duties in active marine terminals, shipyards, docks, and vessel operating environments

Working Conditions

• This position is primarily shore-based but requires frequent travel across the Gulf Coast and the US inland river system.
• The Port Engineer will routinely work aboard vessels, at marine terminals, shipyards, dry docks, repair facilities, and other industrial maritime environments.
• This position may require:
• Irregular working hours based on vessel schedules and operational requirements
• Occasional nights, weekends holidays, and after-hours response to vessel breakdowns or critical maintenance issues
• Emergency response to significant mechanical or equipment failures
• Extended days during major repairs, or critical projects
• Frequent driving and regional travel
• Exposure to noise, vibration, and other conditions common to the industrial marine environments and industrial equipment
• Work in high-temperature and high-humidity conditions