Port Engineer - Civil & Marine division - Kotzebue, AK

Job Description

NANA Construction is seeking an experienced Port Engineer to oversee the maintenance, reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness of the Civil & Marine Division's tug and barge fleet.

The Port Engineer serves as the primary technical resource for vessel maintenance and repair activities, coordinating shipyard projects, preventative maintenance programs, inspections, regulatory compliance, and major equipment repairs. This position works closely with vessel crews, management, vendors, shipyards, and regulatory agencies to ensure fleet assets remain safe, compliant, and available for operations.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong marine engineering, vessel maintenance, or maritime operations background and is capable of managing multiple projects in a dynamic and remote operating environment.

Responsibilities

Vessel Maintenance & Reliability

• Develop, implement, and maintain preventative maintenance programs for company vessels and marine equipment
• Monitor vessel condition and coordinate repairs to maintain operational readiness
• Assist vessel crews with troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and structural issues
• Maintain maintenance records, repair histories, and equipment documentation
• Coordinate vessel inspections and surveys

Shipyard & Repair Management

• Plan and manage vessel repair periods, drydock projects, and major overhauls
• Develop repair specifications and work scopes
• Solicit bids and coordinate contractors, vendors, and shipyards
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and contractor performance
• Conduct quality assurance inspections during repair projects

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain compliance with applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations
• Support Subchapter M compliance efforts
• Coordinate required inspections, surveys, certifications, and audits
• Track expiration dates for vessel certificates, inspections, and regulatory requirements
• Assist with implementation of company safety management programs

Fleet Operations Support

• Support vessel mobilizations and seasonal startup activities
• Assist with operational planning and equipment deployment
• Travel to vessels and project locations as needed
• Participate in incident investigations involving vessel systems or equipment failures
• Provide technical recommendations regarding vessel modifications and capital improvements

Budgeting & Procurement

• Assist with annual maintenance and capital expenditure budgeting
• Prepare cost estimates and repair forecasts
• Coordinate procurement of vessel parts, equipment, and services
• Monitor maintenance expenditures and project costs

General Responsibilities

• Maintain professional working relationships with vessel crews, contractors, and regulatory agencies
• Other duties that are pertinent to the department or unit's success also may be assigned

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Five (5) years of marine engineering, vessel maintenance, shipyard, or marine operations experience
• Working knowledge of tug and barge operations
• Experience managing vessel repair and maintenance projects
• Familiarity with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and vessel inspection requirements
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office
• Ability to read and interpret vessel drawings, manuals, and technical documents
• Ability to travel throughout Alaska, including remote locations
• Must be able to pass pre-employment drug testing and participate in company drug testing programs
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years to be eligible under company vehicle insurance policy
• Must be able to pass pre-employment drug testing and participate in company drug testing programs
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years to be eligible under company vehicle insurance policy

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, or related field
• U.S. Coast Guard license or Merchant Mariner Credential
• Previous experience as Port Engineer, Chief Engineer, Marine Superintendent, Vessel Manager, or Marine Project Manager
• Experience with tug and barge fleets
• Experience with Subchapter M compliance
• Experience operating in Alaska and remote environments
• Familiarity with diesel engines, hydraulic systems, marine electrical systems, and vessel structures
• Knowledge of ABS, Coast Guard, and commercial vessel regulatory requirements

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions; work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must regularly lift, move and /or carry up to 50 pounds, occasionally lift up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. Steel toed boots required on the job.

Travel may require an employee or contractor to pass a TSA security checkpoint. If the employee or contractor does not have valid identification, they will not be able to travel until valid identification is obtained and verified.  For this reason all employees and contractors must have valid identification when traveling to and from the site, for a list of TSA approved valid identification visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification .

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group problem solving situations.

Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.