Assistant Port Engineer

Offshore Aviation Group; Piney Point (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Offshore Aviation Group (OAG) seeks an Assistant Port Engineer to support maintenance, repair, and operational readiness for its vessel fleet. Working with the Port Engineer, Chief Engineers, vessel crews, and shoreside team, this position helps coordinate engineering work, resolve technical issues, and ensure maintenance activities are planned, completed, and documented.

This hands‑on shoreside role combines vessel visits, technical troubleshooting, maintenance planning, purchasing, and project

Qualifications

• Experience in marine engineering, vessel maintenance or ship repair.
• Ability to read technical manuals and equipment drawings.
• Strong organizational and communication skills for multi‑vessel support.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and servicing across vessels.
• Identify deficiencies and set repair priorities with safety in mind.
• Support propulsion, generators, electrical, hydraulics, and HVAC systems.
• Maintain work orders, equipment histories, service reports, and deficiency records.
• Coordinate parts, vendor quotations, and contractor support; track orders.

Skills

Marine engineering

Vessel maintenance

Troubleshooting

Documentation & planning

Vendor coordination

Microsoft Office

Education

Maritime academy degree

USCG engineering credential

Tools

HELM CMMS

Job description

Offshore Aviation Group (OAG) seeks an Assistant Port Engineer to support maintenance, repair, and operational readiness for its vessel fleet. Working closely with the Port Engineer, Chief Engineers, vessel crews, and shoreside team, this position helps coordinate engineering work, resolve technical issues, and ensure maintenance activities are properly planned, completed, and documented.

This hands‑on shoreside position combines vessel visits, technical troubleshooting, maintenance planning, purchasing, and project support. The ideal candidate has a practical understanding of marine engineering systems, strong organizational skills, and the ability to follow tasks through to completion in a changing operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

Vessel Maintenance & Technical Support

• Assist the Port Engineer in planning and coordinating preventive maintenance, corrective repairs, and equipment servicing across assigned vessels.
• Work with Chief Engineers to identify deficiencies, troubleshoot equipment issues, and establish repair priorities based on safety, vessel readiness, and operational requirements.
• Support maintenance and repair of propulsion machinery, generators, electrical systems, pumps, hydraulics, HVAC, and other vessel equipment.
• Conduct vessel visits to assess equipment condition, verify maintenance progress, and identify upcoming repair and support needs.
• Provide hands‑on technical assistance within your qualifications and coordinate specialist support as needed.

Maintenance Planning & Documentation

• Maintain accurate work orders, equipment histories, service reports, and outstanding deficiency records in the company’s maintenance management system.
• Help develop maintenance schedules, repair specifications, and scopes of work.
• Track assigned work through completion, including supporting documentation, testing, and closeout.
• Assist with maintaining technical manuals, drawings, equipment information, and vessel engineering records.
• Monitor recurring equipment issues and help identify opportunities to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Identify required parts, materials, tools, and services in coordination with vessel engineering personnel.
• Obtain vendor quotations, confirm technical specifications, and prepare purchase requests for approval.
• Track orders, deliveries, repairable components, and critical spare parts to support vessel schedules.
• Coordinate service technicians and contractors, including access, work timing, and onboard support requirements.
• Assist with reviewing completed work, service reports, and invoices against approved scopes and purchase orders.
• Assist with planning and executing drydockings, shipyard periods, refits, equipment installations, and vessel mobilizations.
• Help prepare repair lists, collect technical information, and coordinate materials and contractor support before work begins.
• Monitor assigned shipyard and contractor activities for progress, workmanship, safety, and alignment with approved scope.
• Track project costs, schedule changes, and additional work, promptly bringing issues to the Port Engineer for review.
• Support equipment commissioning, operational testing, sea trials, and project closeout.

Dynamic Positioning & Associated Systems

• Assist the Port Engineer and Chief Engineers with maintenance and troubleshooting of dynamic positioning equipment and associated propulsion, thruster, power, control, reference, and sensor systems, as applicable.
• Coordinate specialist service visits, parts support, and documentation for DP-related maintenance and repairs.
• Support preparations for DP trials, surveys, and verification activities, including tracking deficiencies and corrective actions.

Safety, Compliance & Team Coordination

• Support preparations for regulatory inspections, class surveys, audits, and other vessel assessments.
• Help track engineering deficiencies and corrective actions identified through inspections, surveys, and internal reviews.
• Follow company safety procedures and reinforce safe maintenance practices during vessel and shipyard activities.
• Maintain clear communication with the Port Engineer, vessel leadership, and shoreside personnel regarding equipment status, repair progress, and operational impacts.
• Assist with onboarding, familiarization, and technical development for engineering personnel, as directed.
• Promptly elevate safety concerns, significant equipment failures, and issues affecting vessel readiness.

Required Qualifications

• Relevant experience in marine engineering, vessel maintenance, ship repair, or a closely related technical field.
• Working knowledge of marine diesel engines, generators, auxiliary machinery, and associated mechanical and electrical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, equipment specifications, drawings, and service documentation.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple work orders, purchases, and repair priorities.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with vessel crews, vendors, and contractors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn maintenance management and purchasing systems.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, and a dependable approach to completing assigned work.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally and support changing vessel schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree from a maritime academy or technical program in marine engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• USCG engineering credential or relevant marine technical certifications.
• Experience sailing in an engineering capacity or supporting vessels in a shoreside maintenance role.
• Experience with drydockings, shipyard repairs, equipment installations, or vessel mobilizations.
• Familiarity with USCG requirements, classification society surveys, and vessel safety management systems.
• Experience with dynamic positioning systems and associated machinery.
• Familiarity with HELM or similar computerized maintenance management software.

This position involves work in office, vessel, and shipyard environments. Regular domestic and international travel is required, with the potential for extended assignments during repairs, drydockings, and vessel projects.

Candidates must be comfortable working around operating machinery, navigating vessel ladders and uneven surfaces, and accessing machinery spaces while following applicable safety procedures. The role may require evening, weekend, or short-notice support to address equipment failures and operational needs.

Offshore Aviation Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.