Keystone Shipping Co.
KeyLakes, Inc. (a subsidiary of Keystone Shipping Co) is seeking an experienced engineering professional to join our Engineering Department as a Port Engineer in our Duluth, Minnesota office. This key leadership role oversees the engineering operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance for our fleet of self-unloading Great Lakes bulk carriers. The position reports directly to the Fleet Engineer.
What You’ll Do
As Port Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of assigned vessels.
Key responsibilities include:
• Provide overall engineering management for assigned vessels, including operation, maintenance, repair, condition monitoring, and certification.
• Plan and manage voyage repairs, drydockings, winter layup maintenance, and repair periods — including procurement of materials and services.
• Ensure vessels remain fully certificated and in compliance with regulatory requirements, coordinate inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard, ABS, and other regulatory bodies.
• Prepare annual budgets for spare parts, voyage repairs, major repairs, and special projects; manage expenditures within approved budgets.
• Maintain thorough familiarity with the operational status, hull condition, and all equipment on your assigned vessels.
• Oversee technical engineering operations and provide expert guidance to shipboard senior officers and shoreside teams.
• Monitor vessel performance and maintenance data, identify improvement opportunities, and recommend modifications to Chief Engineers and company leadership.
• Represent KeyLakes in industry technical forums as needed.
• Take on additional projects as assigned by the Vice President of Engineering or Fleet Engineer.
What You Bring
We’re looking for a results-oriented engineering leader with strong technical and project management skills who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative maritime environment.
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Marine, Mechanical, or a closely related discipline) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in marine engineering, vessel maintenance/repair, or a related heavy industrial engineering field.
• Demonstrated experience in equipment maintenance, repair oversight, and technical problem-solving.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
• U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited License as First Assistant Engineer (or higher) — highly desirable but not required.
• Prior experience as a Port Engineer, project management of drydockings, conversions, or major repair projects.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical background.
• Knowledge of electrical systems and ability to read technical prints/schematics.
• Proficiency with CAD software.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard and ABS rules and regulations.
• Familiarity with planned maintenance software (e.g., ABS NS5 or similar systems).
• Excellent communication, analytical, administrative, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a teamwork-oriented environment.
Additional Requirements:
• Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Willing and able to relocate to the Duluth, MN area.
• Able to pass a physical examination and physically capable of entering confined spaces and climbing ladders aboard vessels.
• Moderate travel required, with higher demands during winter layup periods.
o Note: This role involves moderate (including up to 25% during winter layup periods) and occasional shipboard visits requiring physical ability to climb ladders and enter confined spaces.
What We Offer
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Excellent comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a respected fleet of Great Lakes self-unloading bulk carriers.
• Direct impact on vessel performance, safety, and operational efficiency in a dynamic maritime setting.