Chief Engineer

Astrion; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion seeks a Chief Engineer to lead engineering operations aboard USAV Worthy, a 200 ft, 1,483 ton diesel‑electric vessel operating out of Kwajalein Atoll. Housing is provided and the role requires coordination with the Master, Chief Mate, and mission staff to maintain propulsion and safety standards.

This permanent‑party assignment includes full‑time PCS to the Marshall Islands, USC G licensure, and leadership of an engineering crew while ensuring compliance with ABS Load‑line and Army

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Maritime Academy/US Naval or Coast Guard Academy training in Marine Engineering or Propulsion.
• Five years as licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels.
• USCG Chief Engineer license and related endorsements; STCW where applicable.
• Background check and CAC eligibility; US citizenship.
• Current valid U.S. passport.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain propulsion and auxiliary engineering systems.
• Oversee maintenance program with Master and Chief Mate.
• Source parts, supplies, and material requirements for maintenance tasks.
• Input O&M data and project long-range maintenance issues.
• Ensure ABS Load-line and U.S. Army standards are met.
• Remain on standby/recall status during dockside periods.
• Participate in off-site OCCM dry-docking on a three-year cycle.

Skills

Public vessel operations

ROS (Reduced Operating Status)

US Army vessel requirements

Diesel‑electric propulsion

Vessel safety practices

Self-starter / team player

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Maritime Academy / Naval Academy background

Job description

Overview

Chief Engineer (Permanent Party)

LOCATION: Kwajalein Army Garrison (Marshall Islands)

JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to Kwajalein (permanent change of station)

CLEARANCE: background check/CAC card

CERTIFICATION: USCG

TRAVEL: 100%

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Chief Engineer to work full time aboard USAV Worthy, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. Astrion has worked extensively at Kwajalein where it has earned a reputation for on‑time delivery of high‑quality products tailored to the needs of its clients. USAV Worthy is homeported in Kwajalein and provides instrumentation and data collection services to the Reagan Test Site. The Chief Engineer will reside on Kwajalein Atoll. Housing is provided.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Education:

• Must have a High School diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine Engineer, or U.S. Naval schools or equivalent in Propulsion; Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc.
  • A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be substituted for the formal education requirement.

Experience:

• A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels

Certifications:

• US Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer of inspected motor vessels operating on oceans, on vessels powered by not less than 2500 HP. USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying endorsements.
• Ability to pass a federal background check to obtain and hold a DoD Common Access Card (CAC). Current U.S. Citizenship Required
• Ability to pass a post offer drug screen and physical/medical clearance.
• Current and Valid U.S. Passport*.

(Passport, MMC/MMD, and med cert must have minimum of 6 months of validity prior to placement, or proof of renewal in progress.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Experience or background in government/public vessel operations.
• Experience with vessels in a reduced operating status (ROS).
• Background in supporting US Army requirements as it pertains to ocean going vessels.
• Experience with diesel electric propulsion systems.
• Knowledge of common safety practices and protective equipment used on an ocean‑going vessel.
• Self-starter, team player and conscientious worker.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief Engineer on the vessel and must work closely with the vessel Master, Chief Mate, and other personnel involved with vessel operations including RGNEXT range safety personnel and embarked personnel. The USAV Worthy is a 200 ft long, 1,483 ton, special purpose vessel with a diesel electric propulsion system and a bow thruster. She typically carries a crew of 13 and up to 20 embarked mission personnel. Operates and maintains the assigned vessel’s propulsion and auxiliary engineering systems.

• Work with the vessel Master and the Chief Mate in executing the USAV Worthy maintenance program. Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the vessel’s systems in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Determine, source, and order parts, supplies, and material requirements for job accomplishment.
• Accurately inputs O&M data, as well as projects long range maintenance issues.
• Ensures the vessel maintains ABS Load—line and U.S. Army standards.
• Remains on standby/recall status to the vessel during dockside periods, as needed.
• Participates in the vessels off site OCCM (On‑Condition Cyclic Maintenance) Dry‑docking on a three‑year basis

• Supervises engineering team including permanent crew and surge crew. Aids in training and development of crew members.
• Reports to the Master and the RGNEXT Technical lead for Range and Mission Safety.
• Coordinates with mission staff (supernumeraries) and other personnel on Kwajalein for logistics, provisioning, re‑stocking, and requesting maintenance activities for the vessel.
• Ensures the vessel maintains ABS Load—line and U.S. Army standards.
• Ensure logbooks and records are maintained and accurately completed.
• Complies with and enforces safety regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures both within the Astrion polices and the relevant and applicable RGNEXT OSHE policies: including but not limited to RGNEXT OSHE hearing conservation and respiratory protection programs.
• Ensures the vessel is operated and navigated in accordance with applicable US laws/regulations and host nation laws/regulations.
• Perform Fire and Emergency duties associated with the Chief Engineer’s billet on Ship’s Station Bill.