Northern Reliability Leader

American Commercial Barge Line LLC; Jeffersonville (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical coverage

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Employee assistance

Job summary

American Commercial Barge Line in Paducah, KY seeks a Northern Reliability Leader to guide vessel maintenance and reliability strategies across our northern operations. You will mentor engineers, set maintenance standards and oversee schedules to improve fleet performance and minimize downtime.

This full-time role blends strategic leadership with hands-on problem solving, with relocation assistance possible for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in vessel maintenance, marine engineering, reliability, or related fields.
• Demonstrated leadership with increasing responsibilities in maintenance, engineering, reliability, or operations.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard regulations, Subchapter M, OPA 90, and hazardous materials handling.
• Extensive knowledge of propulsion systems, engines, mechanical equipment, and repairs.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day activities, technical oversight, and reliability strategy for vessel engineering and maintenance.
• Develop and execute reliability, maintenance, and asset management initiatives to improve availability.
• Coach and develop vessel engineers and technical personnel, including succession planning.
• Establish maintenance standards, PM programs, inspection processes, and testing procedures.
• Collaborate with Operations and Logistics to optimize repair schedules and minimize disruptions.
• Oversee vendors and contractors to ensure quality repairs and projects.
• Monitor fleet performance metrics and identify efficiency improvements.
• Develop budgets, forecasts, and maintenance expenditures.
• Research and implement solutions to recurring mechanical challenges.
• Ensure vessels meet regulatory requirements including Coast Guard and environmental standards.

Skills

Vessel maintenance

Marine engineering

Reliability engineering

Leadership

Problem solving

Job description

Job Title: Northern Reliability Leader

Company: American Commercial Barge Line

Location: Paducah, KY (On-site)

Job Type: Full-Time; Salary

Do you enjoy leading teams, solving complex equipment challenges, and improving operational performance? American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is looking for a Reliability Leader to join our Northern Operations team in Paducah, Kentucky. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to shape maintenance and reliability strategies, mentor engineering talent, and drive improvements that directly impact the performance and reliability of our fleet.

This position offers the chance to combine strategic leadership with hands‑on problem solving while supporting one of the most respected marine transportation companies in the industry. Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

When You Join ACBL

American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) is one of the largest and most diversified marine transportation companies in the United States. Since 1915, we have built a legacy of providing the nation's most economical, safest, and most environmentally responsible mode of freight transportation.

Whether on the river or ashore, our employees play a critical role in moving commerce throughout America's inland waterways. We are committed to attracting exceptional talent and providing opportunities for growth, development, and long‑term career success.

What You'll Be Doing... Your Impact

• Lead the day-to-day activities, technical oversight, and reliability strategy for vessel engineering and maintenance operations.
• Develop and execute reliability, maintenance, and asset management initiatives that improve equipment availability and fleet performance.
• Manage, coach, and develop vessel engineers and technical personnel, including work assignments, troubleshooting support, professional development, and succession planning.
• Establish and maintain maintenance standards, preventive maintenance programs, inspection processes, and testing procedures to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
• Partner with Operations, Logistics, and other stakeholders to optimize repair schedules and minimize operational disruptions.
• Oversee vendors, contractors, and service providers to ensure quality repairs, overhauls, and project execution.
• Monitor fleet performance metrics and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, cost reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Develop budgets, forecasts, and performance reports while managing maintenance expenditures responsibly.
• Research, investigate, and implement solutions to recurring mechanical and operational challenges.
• Ensure vessels meet or exceed all applicable regulatory requirements, including U.S. Coast Guard, Subchapter M, environmental, and safety standards.

What We're Looking For:

• 8+ years of progressive experience in vessel maintenance, marine engineering, fleet maintenance, reliability engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with increasing levels of responsibility in maintenance, engineering, reliability, or operations.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard regulations, Subchapter M requirements, OPA 90, and safe handling of hazardous materials.
• Extensive knowledge of vessel propulsion systems, engines, mechanical equipment, and repair practices.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast‑paced operational environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and maintenance‑related systems.
• Ability and willingness to travel to ACBL operating locations as needed.

Even Better If You Have:

• Experience leading fleet maintenance, vessel reliability, asset management, or marine engineering programs.
• Strong background in diesel engines, propulsion systems, marine maintenance, and vessel repair operations.
• Experience implementing preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, or reliability‑centered maintenance programs.
• Continuous Improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence experience.
• Experience supporting vessel construction, major retrofits, drydock projects, or fleet modernization initiatives.
• Previous leadership of technical teams across multiple locations or operational regions.
• Relevant marine, engineering, maintenance, reliability, or leadership certifications.
• An equivalent combination of education, technical training, certifications, and related experience will be considered.

Reasons You'll Love Working at ACBL

• Positive and collaborative team environment
• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Paid time off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on the reliability and performance of one of the nation's leading inland marine transportation fleets

Additional Information

This role will be hired at the title level most appropriate for the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, scope of responsibility, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. Depending on the successful candidate's background, the position may be filled at the Manager, Senior Manager, or Director level.

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.