Chief Engineer - UIC Bowhead Transport, LLC

UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

UIC Bowhead Transport, LLC seeks a Chief Engineer to oversee all engineering systems aboard company vessels, including propulsion, power generation, electrical, HVAC, and deck machinery. The role emphasizes reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance.

The incumbent may supervise engineering staff, support training initiatives, and assist the Project Manager with maintenance records and compliance documentation. Seasonal schedule applies with peak periods noted.

Qualifications

• USCG Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) license with 4,000 HP rating.
• STCW-95 endorsement required.
• Minimum of 5 years as an engineer aboard vessels with hands-on maintenance experience.
• US citizenship and a valid US passport.
• TWIC with at least 6 months remaining before renewal.
• Valid driver’s license with at least 6 months remaining before renewal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance of propulsion, power generation, electrical, lubrication, fuel, water distillation, HVAC, fire suppression, emergency equipment, and deck machinery.
• Possibly supervise engineering crew and support training initiatives.
• Assist Project Manager with maintenance records and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Merchant Mariners exam

Communication skills

Writing ability

Record keeping

Interpersonal/team skills

Education

USCG DDE license (4,000 HP)

STCW-95 endorsement

Tools

TWIC card

Driver’s license

Job description

UIC Bowhead Transport, LLC is seeking a Chief Engineer responsible for overseeing the maintenance, operation, and repair of all engineering systems aboard company vessels. This includes propulsion mechanics, power generation systems, electrical systems, lubrication and fuel systems, water distillation, HVAC, fire suppression systems, emergency equipment, and deck machinery.

The Chief Engineer will ensure the reliability and safety of all vessel systems through predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance. This role may also involve supervising engineering crew members, supporting training initiatives, and promoting a safe working environment. Additionally, the Chief Engineer assists the Project Manager with compiling maintenance records and ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Seasonal Schedule: 6-8 months with peak season is 10-August to 1-October with limited time off during this window.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

• The Chief Engineer is responsible for conducting all predictive, preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs of all Engineering; propulsion mechanics, power generator system, electricity, lubrication, fuel system, water distillation, HVAC, fire suppression systems, emergency equipment, and maintenance of deck equipment.
• May be required to supervise employees.
• Assists the Project Manager with collection and compilation of vessel maintenance statistics, training of staff, and ensuring the safety of the workplace

Knowledge And Critical Skills/Expertise

• Able to complete an annual Merchant Mariners physical exam and perform physically demanding shipboard duties.
• Communication skills require the ability to provide an explanation of very complex or technical matters to people with little or no background in the area under discussion.
• Writing skills require the ability to write by hand, email, or text to clearly communicate technical information.
• Record keeping requires all maintenance and repairs to be included in the ships records
• Strong interpersonal/team skills and the proven ability to often deal in situations where immediate satisfactory resolution of issues must be achieved.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• USCG Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) license rated for 4,000 HP with STCW-95 endorsement.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an engineer aboard vessels, with hands-on experience performing routine operations and predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance and repairs of:
• Outboard and inboard propulsion systems
• Auxiliary engines
• Electrical, electronic, and pneumatic systems
• Motor vehicles and support equipment
• Fire suppression systems
• Quality Management Program implementation
• U.S. citizenship and possession of a valid U.S. passport.
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) with at least six (6) months remaining before renewal.
• Valid driver’s license with at least six (6) months remaining before renewal.

Physical And Mental Demands

• Must be physically qualified and able to complete an annual Merchant Mariners physical exam.
• Must be capable of performing physically demanding shipboard duties in various conditions.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English, including use of radios, speakers, and electronic devices.
• Must be able to perform repetitive and prolonged postures including standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, kneeling, stooping, and reaching overhead and to deck level.
• Ability to move extremities and spine through full physiological range of motion for varied work postures.
• Must occasionally perform flexing, twisting, and awkward postures while assisting with mooring lines, cables, and equipment repairs.
• Requires good manual dexterity and frequent use of one or both hands for grasping, fingering, and tool handling.
• Must maintain good balance and coordination for walking across catwalks, entering/exiting hatches, and navigating uneven or slippery surfaces.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairwells, and pushknees.
• Must be able to step 2 feet horizontally and 2 feet vertically when boarding vessels or navigating dock/barge interfaces.
• Must be able to carry tools and lines while walking over pipes, ledges, catwalks, and other obstacles.
• Requires sufficient cardiorespiratory fitness to perform medium to heavy physical labor over extended shifts (up to 6 hours), including walking, climbing, and lifting.
• Must be able to work in extreme cold or heat while wearing appropriate PPE (e.g., life preserver, respirator, goggles).
• Lifting requirements include:
• 65 lbs. from floor to knuckle level daily
• 65 lbs. from floor to waist level daily
• 30 lbs. from floor to shoulder level daily
• 10 lbs. from floor to crown level daily
• 30 lbs. carried with both hands at waist level for 30 feet on a level surface

Working Conditions

• Work is performed aboard vessels in confined and cramped spaces.
• May work in low-visibility conditions including fog, darkness, or inclement weather.
• Exposure to fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases is common.
• Regularly works in an Arctic marine environment with extreme cold, high winds, icing, moisture, and wave action.
• Constant exposure to loud noise from engines, blowers, and exhaust systems.
• Subject to continuous vibrations from vessel machinery and engines.
• Irregular working hours, including nights, weekends, and extended shifts.
• Frequent physical hazards include pinch points, slips, falls, sprains, strains, concussive impacts, and lifting-related injuries.
• High risk of hypothermia and cold-related conditions; appropriate PPE must be worn at all times.
• Ongoing hazard awareness and corrective action are critical due to the extreme and unpredictable work environment.