Job Description: Port Engineer REV 1

Department: Engineering Date 28-July-26

Reports to: Director, Port Engineers

Location: Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Mobile, Florida

The Role

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