Chief Engineer, Unlicensed

Holland America-Princess (Holland America Dawson City Inn); Juneau (AK); On-site; USD 75,645 - 89,851; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Drug/Alcohol Test Specimen Collector

Job summary

The Chief Engineer (Unlicensed) role with Holland America-Princess begins in Seattle shipyard and leads into the 2026 Alaska sailing season. This is a year‑round position with 6 weeks on the vessel and 3 weeks off.

Responsibilities include maintaining, operating, and repairing all vessel systems, with oversight of the Assistant Engineer on larger vessels; reporting to the Master and enforcing company policies.

Qualifications

• Graduate from maritime engineering school or hold a valid Duty Engineer license preferred.
• Two years of experience as an engineer on similar-sized passenger vessels preferred.
• Strong knowledge of diesel propulsion, electrical systems, and hotel systems.
• Proficient in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, SharePoint).

Responsibilities

• Maintain ship readiness and ensure safe operation of all systems.
• Oversee potable water, fuel, and waste systems, and compliance testing.
• Supervise the Assistant Engineer on larger vessels and assist the Master.
• Maintain maintenance records and participate in drydocking planning.

Skills

Crisis management

Time management

Professional demeanor

Education

Maritime Engineering school graduate / Duty Engineer license

Tools

Excel

Word

SharePoint

Job description

Engineering

Chief Engineer, Unlicensed

$410.00 - $487.00 / day

Juneau

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Engineer position begins in shipyard (Seattle, WA) over the winter months prior to the summer 2026 Alaska Sailing Season. This is a year-round position working 6 weeks on the vessel with 3 weeks off the vessel.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and repair of all vessel systems. On our larger vessels the Chief Engineer manages Assistant Engineer. The Chief Engineer reports to the Master of the vessel and will assist the Master in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Maritime Engineering School Graduate in good standing and/or a Designated Duty Engineer License, or equivalent, preferred.
• Two years experience as Engineer onboard similar sized passenger vessels preferred.
• Strong knowledge of diesel propulsion and electrical generating systems, fuel centrifuges, air compressors, pumps, hydraulics, water makers, hotel systems, plumbing, refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning.
• Maintain professional demeanor at all times.
• Strong time management skills: able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Crisis management: work well under pressure, act quickly and decisively using sound judgment.
• Computer experience: Microsoft programs Excel, Word, and SharePoint are required.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid TWIC
• CPR / First Aid / AED
• Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport
• QMED (1)
• DDE 1000hp or higher (1)
• Shipyard Competent Person (1)
• CDC Technical Training (1)
• STCW Basic Training (1)
• STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (1)
• STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft (1)
• STCW Medical First Aid Provider(1)
• STCW Crowd Management (1)
• STCW Crisis Management (1)
• VPDSD (1)

Company Preferred

• Company Provided:
• Drug/Alcohol Test Specimen Collector

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Repair and Maintenance:

• Maintain the ship in a state of readiness at all times.
• Maintain potable water and auto chlorination system.
• Maintain black water/gray water/waste tanks, treatment, and testing program.
• Monitor and ensures completion of all deficiencies noted in Cabin Maintenance Notebook.
• Oversee all fuel, oil and Potable water bunkering operations and ensures safety and environmental compliance.
• Oversee and maintain vessel systems including engineering, deck and hotel department preventative maintenance programs on a daily, weekly and monthly basis with the support of the Assistant Engineer.
• Proactively participates in drydocking, shipyard repair and maintenance periods.

Supervisory:

• Directly supervises the Assistant Engineer (where applicable).
• Monitors and counsels work performance throughout the year and conducts written performance evaluations.
• Trains all new and relief Chief Engineers and Assistant Engineers.

Administrative:

• Keep vessel maintenance records, inventories, and voyage status reports. Make proposals for maintenance and repair projects.
• Assist in building the annual shipyard budget and manage projects to the established budget.
• Maintain log sheets for all equipment.
• Oversee all accounting reports, inventory and requisitions regarding equipment maintenance.

Safety and Security:

• Follow company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures and will request supervisory assistance/guidance when necessary.
• Conduct periodic inspections to ensure that crew observes regulations pertaining to safe vessel operation.
• Prepare the vessel for all U.S. Coast Guard annual drydocks and other inspections.
• Participate in shore side and on-board training as required by the company.
• Maintain familiarity with all duties under the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities.

Communication Skills:

• The Chief Engineer will interact with our passengers daily and must be professional and engaging at all times. Must be able to interpret maritime technical literature and governmental regulations. Must be able to verbalize and write technical information clearly and precisely.

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Living Conditions-

Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.

Chief Engineer Sailing/Shipyard Length of Work Shift -

Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 4 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2-4 weeks. During shipyard, works hours are assigned by the vessel Master; these are typically Monday to Friday, 0700-1530.

Mobility-

Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.

Handling/Strength-

Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.

Environmental Conditions-

Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.

BASE PAY

Summer season, $410- $487 / day. Wage range is based on vessel placement

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