Port Engineer

Job Details

Description Job Title: Port Engineer

Department: Carver Marine Towing (CMT)

Location: Albany, NY (Hybrid: office, vessel, port, and shipyard)

FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Operations Manager

Salary Range: $115,000-$135,000

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; additional hours as needed

Essential Duties And Responsibilities Maintenance & Engineering Operations

• Actively ensuring safety of personnel and equipment is a priority before, during, and after all work.
• Oversee day-to-day maintenance and repair activities for the tug and barge fleet.
• Implement and monitor the Preventive Maintenance Plan/Planned Maintenance System; verify documentation and closeouts.
• Review daily engineering reports and deficiency lists from vessels, track items to closure.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and control system issues.
• Manage and coordinate vessel repairs, including emergency response and corrective actions.
• Plan and supervise shipyard periods, drydocking’s, and major equipment overhauls.
• Maintain accurate engineering records, maintenance history, engine logs, and fuel/lube oil tracking.
• Recommend capital improvement projects and reliability upgrades; support annual budgeting and forecasting.
• Maintain corporate databases, maintenance systems, and reporting tools.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with USCG, ABS, EPA regulations and company Safety Management System (SMS) standards.
• Coordinate regulatory inspections, audits, and surveys; maintain compliance documentation.
• Support vessel crews in maintaining current compliance documentation and safety procedures.
• Participate in safety drills and emergency response procedures.
• Receive Shipyard Competent Person and gas detection equipment training as applicable.

Vendor & Budget Management

• Select and manage approved vendors; ensure required insurance and safety documentation.
• Coordinate and schedule vendors with operations to minimize downtime.
• Review, approve, and code vendor invoicing; verify scope completion and pricing accuracy.
• Prepare and manage maintenance/repair budgets for assigned vessels.
• Purchase engine department spares and consumables; manage inventory levels.
• Obtain and review vendor quotes; negotiate service contracts when appropriate.

Crew Support & Team Leadership

• Provide technical guidance and support to vessel crews, Port Captain, and Chief Engineers.
• Assist in training crew members on equipment operation, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs.
• Foster teamwork between shore-based and vessel personnel.
• Manage Port Mechanics or other direct reports as appropriate.
• Interface with management for guidance on major repairs and modifications

Qualifications Education & Certifications

• Past or current USCG engineering license required (DDE 4000 HP or higher preferred).
• Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Valid TWIC card and Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) required (or ability to obtain/maintain).
• Valid Driver's License

Experience & Technical Knowledge

• Minimum 5-10 years of marine engineering experience aboard tugboats or similar vessels.
• Hands-on maintenance and troubleshooting of propulsion and auxiliary systems.
• Strong knowledge of diesel engines, generators, electrical systems, hydraulics, and marine machinery.
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, and maintenance procedures.
• Experience working in New York Harbor or similar high-traffic marine environments preferred.
• Familiarity with EPA Tier-compliant engines and modern marine control/monitoring systems preferred.
• Experience managing shipyard periods and multi-vessel maintenance planning preferred

Skills & Abilities

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and maintenance/recordkeeping systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Demonstrated judgment, responsibility, initiative, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Problem-solving mindset with strong technical troubleshooting abilities.
• Flexible schedule availability including nights, weekends, holidays, and travel as needed

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically fit to work in confined engine spaces and aboard marine vessels.
• Frequent walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and navigating uneven surfaces.
• Sit or stand for extended periods; reach, bend, stoop, and crawl as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs; occasionally more with assistance.
• Must respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Speak, hear, and see; color vision required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, lift up to 50 pounds, and work in confined or elevated spaces.
• Comfortable working in indoor/outdoor marine environments, ports, and shipyards.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for safety.
• Ability to board vessels at sea, in port, or underway.
• Travel to various ports, shipyards and tugboats is required

Work Environment

• Hybrid: office-based work in Albany, NY combined with travel to vessels, ports, and shipyards.
• Standard business hours with additional hours or on-call availability as needed for fleet support.
• Exposure to marine and industrial environments; strict adherence to safety protocols required.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Consideration for employment in this role is contingent upon the successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, including a background check, drug screen, and driving record review

What We Offer

• Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Additional Coverage Through AFLAC
• Company Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with an 8% Match
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Group Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Fund
• Emergency Service Worker Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus
• 15% Carhartt Discount for all employees (NY only)

Employee and Compliance Information Carver Companies is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.