Assistant Port Engineer

ADK Consulting & Executive Search; New Castle (DE); On-site; USD 115,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Full benefits package

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Vacation

Job summary

Delaware River and Bay Authority, the operator of the Cape May–Lewes Ferry, seeks an Assistant Port Engineer to lead marine maintenance and oversight efforts. You will direct technicians, coordinate preventive and predictive plans, and ensure vessel availability, safety, and regulatory compliance.

The position emphasizes budgeting, inventory control, and vendor management while coordinating with internal teams, contractors, and regulatory partners to sustain a reliable ferry fleet.

Qualifications

• USCG Chief Engineer license required or ability to obtain within six months.
• TWIC and a valid driver’s license required.
• Experience with major diesel engine systems.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of preventive and predictive maintenance plans.
• Oversee assigned personnel, ensuring productivity, quality, and performance feedback.
• Use the computerized maintenance system to monitor trends, track work orders, and manage records.
• Support year‑round vessel operations, outages, and budgeting for major projects.
• Assist in warehouse procurement and inventory management for parts and spares.
• Lead on‑site shipyard work, ensuring specifications and schedules are met.
• Serve as liaison with regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Participate in safety, environmental, and emergency response planning.

Skills

USCG Chief Engineer license

TWIC

Driver's license

Diesel engines

Supervisory experience

Job description

Assistant Port Engineer

Cape May, NJ

Owned and Operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA)

The Cape May – Lewes Ferry invites applications for

Position Overview

The Assistant Port Engineer serves as a key leader forthe Cape May–Lewes Ferry (CMLF) Marine Engineersand Maintenance team. The role supports the Portand ensuring the ferry fleet is operated, repaired, andmaintained to the highest standards. This positionoversees critical maintenance activities, manages skilledtechnicians, and provides clear direction to maintainvessel reliability, operational efficiency, and regulatorycompliance. In the absence of the Port Engineer, theAssistant Port Engineer assumes full responsibility for

About the Role

The Assistant Port Engineer develops and executesmaintenance plans that support vessel availability andlifecycle performance. The role guides project planningefforts, oversees day-to-day work order execution, andsupports seasonal maintenance and shipyard repairperiods. This position ensures compliance with local,state, and federal regulations, while promoting safe workpractices and effective communication with internal staff,contractors, and regulatory partners. The Assistant PortEngineer also plays a key role in budgeting, inventoryoversight, and vendor and contractor management.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution ofpreventive and predictive maintenance plans.
• Oversee assigned personnel, ensuringproductivity, quality, and performance feedback.
• Use the computerized maintenance system tomonitor trends, track work orders, and managerecords.
• Support year-round vessel operations, vesseloutage schedules and participate in financialforecasting/budgeting for major projects.
• Support warehouse procurement processesincluding parts and critical spare levels.
• Lead on-site shipyard work, ensuringspecifications, schedules, and quality standardsare met.
• Serve as liaison with regulatory agencies,including the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Participate in safety, environmental, andemergency response planning.

Leadership Qualities and Style

• Skilled at setting expectations, motivating adiverse workforce, and fostering accountability.
• Strong communicator who builds effectiveworking relationships across multiple teams.

Preferred Qualifications

supervisory background in marine maintenanceor transportation operations.

• USCG Chief Engineer license (or ability to obtainwithin six months), TWIC, valid driver’s license,and experience with major diesel engine systems(Fairbanks Morse, EMD, Caterpillar, Detroit

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary up to $128,100 for a well-qualifiedcandidate.

Salary offer will be commensurate withskills, experience, and expertise of the candidate andis accompanied by an exceptional benefits package.

Relocation assistance is available.

• Benefits includeassistance programs, retirement, life insurance, short-and long-term disability, vacation, and much more.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority is an equalopportunity employer. We support diversity and arecommitted to creating an inclusive environment foretployees.

Deadline for applications: February 16, 2026

About the Cape May-Lewes Ferry

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry connects the southernmosttip of New Jersey with the southern shores of Delaware-- two of the most iconic northeastern beach areas inthe country. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is open yearround, runs daily and has carried more than 50 millionpassengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. Currentlyoperating with a fleet of three vessels, the system carriesvehicles of all sizes ranging from bicycles to 18-wheelertractor trailers across the bay and nearly one millionpassengers annually.

As an integral transportation system connecting thecommunities and economies on both sides of theDelaware Bay, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry service isa significant catalyst for economic growth and regionaltourism activity in New Jersey and Delaware.

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority

The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency createdby Compact in 1962, owns and operates the DelawareMemorial Bridge, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, andthe Forts Ferry Crossing. The DRBA also managescorporate and aviation properties through its economicdevelopment powers - two airports in New Jersey(Millville Airport and Cape May Airport) and three inDelaware (Wilmington Airport, Civil Air Terminal andDelaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues aregenerated through the bridge, ferry, airport and relatedfacilities.

DRBA’s mission is “Connecting People and Places inthe Heart of the Northeast Corridor,” under the valuesof Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Trust,and Service.

Welcome Home: The TimelessCharm of Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May, New Jersey, is more than simply a sandybeach town; it is a world-renowned, year-roundcommunity and a living tribute to American history,known as the “Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort.”This remarkable city, which is tucked away at thesouthernmost tip of the Jersey Shore, is an ideal placeto live, work, and explore. It offers an outstandingcombination of upscale culture, unparalleled naturalbeauty, and preserved Victorian architecture.

Towns and Attractions: A Victorian ShowcaseCape May is the only entire city in the U.S. designated aNational Historic Landmark, boasting the second-largestcollection of Victorian houses after San Francisco. Thecity thrives on its commitment to preservation, ensuringits streets a picturesque journey into the 19thcentury.

• The Victorian District is the heart of thecommunity, a breathtaking exhibit of late-Victorianarchitecture featuring ornate gingerbread trimand elaborate styles like Queen Anne and GothicRevival. Visitors and residents flock to the iconicCongress Hall, an elegant hotel, and the EmlenPhysick Estate, an authentic Victorian houseCulture) organizes popular trolley and walkingtours to bring this history to life.
• The Washington Street Mall serves as thecentral hub for shopping and dining, filled with
• Enjoy the area’s many coastal landmarks,including the Cape May Lighthouse in CapeMay Point State Park, which offers spectacularviews from its 199 steps. Nearby, SunsetBeach is where guests search for “Cape MayDiamonds” (clear quartz pebbles) and view theunique remains of the concrete ship SS Atlantus.
• Other major attractions include the neighboringHistoric Cold Spring Village, an open-air livinghistory museum that recreates a 19th-centuryfarming community, and professional theatreat venues like Cape May Stage and the EastLynne Theater Company.

Proximity and Connectivity

• Regional Transportation Hubs: Both the CapeMay-Lewes Ferry and the Cape May Airport(WWD) are operated by the Delaware River andBay Authority (DRBA), establishing Cape May asa major transportation nexus. The ferry providesa vital, scenic link across the Delaware Bay toLewes, Delaware, while the general aviationairport serves corporate and recreational flyers,featuring its own economic and cultural complex,including the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation
• Thanks to major arteries just north of themetropolitan areas:
• Philadelphia, PA: Approximately a 1.5 to2-hour drive north, offering easy access toa major city for arts, sports, and business.
• Wilmington, DE: Approximately a 1.5-hourdrive via the ferry (or longer via bridges tothe north).
• Atlantic City, NJ: Typically, about a 1-hourdrive for those seeking entertainment and
• This unique coastal location ensures that residents enjoya relaxed, seaside lifestyle while the opportunities andattractions of multiple states are within easy reach. Thecommunity also maintains a strong civic connection,particularly with the U.S. Coast Guard Training Centerlocated nearby.

Local Activities, Dining, and Environmental Gems

The community spirit in Cape May shines through itsvibrant year-round calendar, which celebrates its localheritage, culinary excellence, and exceptional naturalresources.

Popular Areas and ActivitiesBeyond the beaches and promenades, life in CapeMay is centered around culture, the arts, and theoutdoors. The city is known as the birding capital ofNorth America, situated on a major migratory path thatattracts enthusiasts to spots like Cape May Point StatePark. Other popular activities include whale and dolphinwatching cruises, fishing charters, and enjoying localevents like the Exit Zero Jazz Festival and the festiveWest Cape May Community Christmas Parade.

Famous Local EatsThe city’s reputation as a fine dining destination iswell-earned, supported by its status as the East Coast’ssecond-largest commercial fishing port by tonnage. Fora taste of the region, local producers like Cape MayBrewing Company and numerous vineyards offer toursand tastings. The local culinary scene is defined byfresh, seasonal ingredients and sophisticated options,many housed in beautifully restored historic inns.Unique programs like Murder Mystery Dinners offeredby local organizations provide fun, immersive diningexperiences.

Environment and ConservationThe Cape May community is fiercely dedicated toenvironmental stewardship and preserving its uniquecoastal ecosystem. The Nature Center of Cape May(New Jersey Audubon) actively works to encouragestewardship of the harbor area, offering educationalprograms, aquaria, and an observation tower. Theconfluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Baycreates critical wetlands and preserves that are vitalfor migrating birds. The commitment is also evidentin city governance, with commissions dedicated tothe Environmental Commission and Shade TreeCommission ensuring the natural beauty of the area isprotected for future generations.

Cape May is truly a place where you get the bestof everything: a rich historical foundation, modernconvenience, incredible connectivity to nature, and mostimportantly, a welcoming, engaged community thatpreserves the charm of the past while looking forward to

Lower Township

Lower Township, located at the gateway to theDelaware Bay and just minutes from historic CapeMay, offers a rare opportunity to build a meaningfulwhere neighbors truly know and support one another.With beautiful beaches, rich maritime history, and strongmunicipal investment, our community values bothprofessional excellence and quality of life. Residentstake pride in their schools, public services, and localtraditions, creating a welcoming, family-centeredenvironment. As an Assistant Port Engineer in LowerTownship, you will enjoy the unique opportunity tomake a direct, visible impact on critical waterfrontinfrastructure while benefiting from a balanced coastallifestyle and a community that genuinely values whatyou do.

Local Businesses & Economy

• Thriving mix of small businesses, marine trades,
• tourism, hospitality, and year-round local services
• Strong support for locally-owned shops,
• restaurants, and service providers
• Proximity to Cape May’s tourism economy
• creates steady seasonal and permanent
• Maritime, transportation, and coastal industriesplay a vital role in the local economy

Local School System

• Community-centered public school district with
• strong family involvement
• Emphasis on student growth, character
• development, and academic success
• Supportive relationships between staff families,
• and administration
• Ideal environment for families seeking a close
• knit, student-focused educational experience

Health System

• Access to quality healthcare through nearbyCape May County medical facilities
• Cooper University Health Care Cape Regionalprovides hospital services, outpatient care, andspecialty services
• Local practices and urgent care centers offerconvenient everyday healthcare access
• Short distance to larger regional medical systemsfor advanced care when needed

Community Opportunities & Quality of Life

• Beautiful beaches, bays, nature preserves, and
• outdoor recreation year-round
• Family-friendly events, festivals, and community
• programs throughout the year
• Boating, fishing, kayaking, biking, and walking
• trails all nearby
• Safe, welcoming neighborhoods with a strong
• sense of civic pride
• Relaxed coastal lifestyle with easy access to
• dining, arts, and historic attractions in Cape May

Forts Ferry Crossing

Delaware City, Delaware

Fort Mott, New Jersey

Since 1997, the DRBA has assisted both the state parksystems of NJ and DE in bringing people to the historicriver forts on both sides of the Delaware River. Runningseasonally, this ferry carries foot passengers fromDelaware City to Fort Delaware, DE and Fort Mott, NJ.Passengers can board at either Delaware City or FortMott. Ticket purchases are handled by the DelawareState Parks system.