Chief Engineer (Seattle)

Bristol Wave Seafoods (BWS) owns and operates a fleet of seven catcher-processor vessels. The BWS freezer longliners, based on out Dutch Harbor, Alaska, use hook-and-line gear to sustainably harvest Pacific Cod, Sablefish, and Greenland Turbot in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands regions of the North Pacific. Our catch is processed, frozen at sea, and sold around the world. Our operations reflect a deep commitment to responsible resource management, ensuring fisheries remain healthy for future generations. With decades of industry expertise and a mindset of continuous improvement, Bristol Wave is dedicated to providing high-quality seafood and lasting value to our customers and communities.

Working in the Bering Sea:

Working at sea is physically and mentally challenging and requires long hours in remote locations, often several days’ travel from the nearest port. Our deck and processing crews work 16-hour shifts, 7 days a week. Most trips average 4-5 weeks in duration, but depending on the fishing season, catch rates, weather, vessel size and other factors, trips can be as short as 10-12 days as long as 60+ days. Crew members generally work multiple trips (2 months or longer) in a single rotation.

Compensation, Travel & Expenses:

Chief Engineers receive the higher of crew share percentage or a guaranteed daily rate. Daily rates are determined by the hiring manager (VP of Operations). Crew share calculations are based on the net adjusted sales. Net sales total is calculated by accounting for certain operating costs such as bait, fuel, observer expenses, etc. 40% of net sales go to the officers and crew.

All travel for officers is arranged and paid for by the company, including flights, hotels, and meals while traveling.

Vessel officers are eligible for healthcare benefits, subsidized by the company at 75% for both employees and dependents, including medical coverage, dental coverage, vision coverage, voluntary life insurance, and a Health Savings Account (HSA) with a discretionary company contribution. Vessel officers are eligible to enroll on the first day of the month after a one-month waiting period.

Requirements

• Experience maintaining shipboard machinery to ensure safe operations.
• USCG Licensing required: DDE 4,000 or greater.
• Ability to handle all refueling and fuel transfer operations.
• Shipyard competency certification required.
• Extensive hydraulic experience required.
• Ammonia refrigeration system experience required.
• Ability to prevent equipment failure through proper maintenance.
• Ability to assist with necessary repairs in a timely manner.
• Attention to detail when logging and recording repairs and maintenance, ordering supplies, etc.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening (commercial fishing falls under federal authority; we cannot hire anyone who tests positive for THC).
• Pre-employment background check required (past convictions will not necessarily prevent employment).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. BWS participates in eVerify.