Chief Engineer

W&M Entrepreneurship Hub; Gloucester; On-site; USD 60,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Chief Engineer for a research vessel. This role involves overseeing engineering operations, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations, and maintaining critical systems on board. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in marine engineering, particularly with diesel engines and hydraulic systems. Join a dedicated team that provides essential support for marine operations and contributes to vital research initiatives. This position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, making it a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about marine sciences and engineering.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Educational Assistance

Professional Development

Access to Fitness Facilities

Robust Holiday Schedule

Qualifications

• Proficiency in marine engineering and maintenance of various systems.
• Ability to comply with federal and state maritime regulations.
• Experience with diesel engines and hydraulic systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance and operation of deck and safety equipment.
• Direct shipboard engineering activities and ensure compliance.
• Participate in repairs and maintain cleanliness of engineering spaces.

Skills

Marine Engineering

Diesel Engine Maintenance

Hydraulic Systems

Electrical Systems

Safety Compliance

Team Leadership

First Aid/CPR

Technical Drawing Comprehension

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

DDE 4000HP License

USCG Approved Training Course

Tools

MS Office

Computerized Maintenance Management Software

Job description

Position Information

Position Information

Position Number 00320V Position Title Chief Engineer Employment Category Full Time Operational Location VIMS - Gloucester Department 137100 Field Operations Unit Mission Statement

The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.

The Marine Operations Department is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals whose primary function is to provide safe access to the marine environment for all students, staff, faculty and other users and to support the needs of these users as they relate to vessels, field support services, instrument fabrication, equipment repair and servicing.

Position Summary

The Research Vessel (R/V) Chief Engineer serves as Chief Engineer on the R/V Virginia. This position may provide shoreside or seagoing support for other vessels in the VIMS fleet if needed. The Chief Engineer is primarily responsible for ensuring that all federal and state maritime regulations, as they relate to engineering, are observed and complied with during the operation of R/V Virginia. The position also ensures that all VIMS rules and policies are followed.

Reporting to the Captain of the R/V Virginia, the Chief Engineer directs all shipboard engineering activities while on watch and accepts full responsibility for the proper operation of all shipboard systems.

Specific Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Overseeing the maintenance and operation of all deck and safety equipment.
• Effectively operating and maintaining all engineering related aspects of the R/V Virginia. Such as operating the A-Frame, J-Frame, crane, trawl winches and CTD winch as necessary to accomplish each specific scientific operation in a safe and efficient manner.
• Actively participating in the repair or replacement of engineering related systems on the R/V Virginia and interfacing directly with the vessel’s Master for repairs on equipment deemed critical to the safe navigation or operation of the vessel.
• Assuming overall responsibility for the cleanliness and organization of the engine-room and other engineering related spaces on the vessel.
• Providing shoreside or seagoing support for other vessels in the VIMS fleet, as needed.
  
  

Conditions of Employment

• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and university policy. This position may require over time hours, approved by supervisor.
• This position is considered essential, and may require reporting to work when the University or VIMS in closed.
• Position requires compliance with USCG mandated drug screening and random drug testing program as well as maintaining ability to pass USCG physical and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Position may occasionally require a schedule of more than 12 hours, weekends, and holidays, as necessary.
• Position requires ability to perform all responsibilities while being exposed to inclement weather at sea for extended periods of time.
  
  

Essential Designation Yes FLSA Non-Exempt Position Restricted? No, this is a continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited Position Term 12 month - Continuing Position Months Faculty or Staff: 12 month Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Valid Driver’s License;
• Certified in First Aid/CPR;
• Valid Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) credential;
• Valid STCW credential appropriate for vessel tonnage;
• Prior sea service as a qualified member of the engine department or equivalent position aboard vessels
• Rating of DDE 4000HP License issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) or the ability to obtain DDE 4000 within six months of start date (eligible applicants must have attended a USCG approved training course to demonstrate their eligibility to obtain a DDE 4000).
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations (including those contained in the Federal Code of Regulations – CFR’s), governing the operation of vessels under 300 gross registered tons (GRT);
• Proficiency with MS Office applications;
• Ability to read and comprehend vessel as-built drawings including electrical one-line diagrams;
• Substantive experience with marine engineering including the maintenance and repair of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, MSD systems, reverse osmosis systems, ship-board electrical systems and refrigeration.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• NMES 2000 Certification, ABYC Electrical and ABYC Refrigeration Certifications
• Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLC).
• Knowledge of AC/DC circuits as well as various pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Experience working on research vessels or in the commercial industry.
• Experience working with Cummins QSK 19M diesel engines.
• Experience with computerized maintenance management software programs.
• Experience leading small groups.
  
  

Is the position remote work eligible? Not eligible Remote Work Disclaimer

Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

Advertised Pay Range up to $77,000 Advertised Pay Range Statement

All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.

Summary

University Salary Range U10 Benefits Summary Statement

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none

Job Open Date 05/01/2025 Review Begin Date 05/15/2025 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Application Instructions Background Check Statement

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Supplemental Question

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
  
  

Optional Documents