Port Engineer

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute; California (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off including vacation and holidays

Job summary

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute is seeking a Port Engineer to oversee and ensure the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of its fleet of vessels. This position will manage a team, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, have significant shore-side management experience, and be skilled in marine systems. A competitive salary and benefits package will be provided.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of shore-side management experience.
• Must obtain forklift training and certification within 6 months of hire.
• Experience drafting shipyard work specifications and overseeing shipyard repair work.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance, repair, and readiness of the fleet of vessels.
• Manage annual budgets for vessel maintenance and repairs.
• Ensure fleet compliance with U.S. Coast Guard and other regulatory bodies.

Skills

Marine engineering skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Maintenance management software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or related field

Job description

Port Engineer

MBARI is seeking an experienced, safety-focused Port Engineer to oversee the maintenance, repair, and readiness of a fleet of vessels to ensure technical goals and regulatory compliance are met. This is a full‑time, term position of 1 year with the possibility of extension.

Primary responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and execute preventative and corrective maintenance schedules for all vessels in the fleet, troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Coordinate with shipyards, contractors, and vendors to manage the scope, budget, and timeline for complex repair and refit operations, including scheduled dry‑docking.
• Develop, manage, and monitor annual budgets for vessel maintenance and repairs, recommending cost‑effective solutions.
• Coordinate purchasing of parts, equipment, and services for maintenance and repair projects, ensuring purchase orders are issued and requisitions are approved.
• Provide technical advice and hands‑on support to vessel crews and engineers during missions, port calls, or emergencies.
• Analyze technical reports, oil samples, and performance indicators to evaluate vessel equipment and system conditions, initiating corrective actions.
• Ensure fleet compliance with U.S. Coast Guard, ISM Code, ABS, DNV, and other regulatory bodies.
• Prepare vessels for regulatory inspections, surveys, and audits, maintaining accurate compliance records.
• Oversee safety procedures for tasks such as fuel transfers and conduct safety meetings with engineers and crew.
• Manage a team of engineers and technicians, including recruiting, training, and ongoing support.
• Act as the technical liaison between vessel crews, corporate management, external clients, and regulatory bodies.
• Develop and manage technical documentation, including repair specifications, failure analysis reports, and contract deliverables.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related technical field.
• At least 2 years of shore‑side management experience.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with marine systems, repair tools, and maintenance management software.
• Must obtain forklift training and certification within 6 months of hire through MBARI.
• Must obtain a U.S. Passport and Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) within 6 months of hire.
• Experience drafting shipyard work specifications and overseeing shipyard repair work.

Preferred qualifications

• Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) – U.S. Coast Guard engineer’s license of 3rd‑class assistance engineer or higher with international endorsement.
• Previous UNOLS or research vessel experience.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

• Position requires work in multiple locations including Moss Landing, vessel port‑call sites, and shipyard dry‑dock facilities.
• Ship operations are seven days a week; weekend and holiday work may be required, and shifts may change based on operational needs.
• Will work aboard vessels at sea and on small vessels on occasion.
• Work in a port/dock environment operating forklift and lift equipment, assisting mooring, and performing light facility tasks.
• Tasks may involve heights (e.g., ship’s mast), be performed over water, and require lock‑out/tag procedures.
• May be exposed to high noise, paint, fuel, or other fumes.
• Use of protective gear including safety eyewear, hearing protection, and respirator or dust mask is required.
• Position requires lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving objects up to 40 pounds.

Salary range: $180,000 – $230,000 annually.

MBARI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, and paid time off such as vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

MBARI is a non‑profit, private oceanographic research institute and an equal‑opportunity employer. MBARI considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, disability, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local laws. MBARI welcomes diversity.