Port Engineer

Hornblower City Cruises; Steilacoom (WA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Hornblower Corp seeks a Port Engineer for the Pierce County Ferry fleet. The role leads vessel maintenance operations, ensuring safety, reliability and regulatory compliance while managing multiple priorities and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in passenger vessels, USCG License as Chief Engineer (Unlimited HP) or equivalent, and a strong background in maintenance programs, budgeting, and crew development.

Qualifications

• Experience in passenger vessel industry with increasing responsibilities.
• U.S.C.G. license endorsed as C/E Unlimited HP or equivalent.
• TWIC card and First Aid/CPR certification.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and regulatory compliance across all vessel maintenance activities.
• Lead shipboard engineering team and manage maintenance tasks.
• Coordinate with regulators, vendors, and client representatives.
• Develop and monitor preventative maintenance programs.
• Maintain engineering logs and vessel maintenance records.
• Oversee budget development and M&R expenditures.
• Ensure crew training and drills in line with policies.
• Travel for meetings and operational support.

Skills

Leadership

Safety culture

Organizational skills

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Multiple priorities

Education

HS Diploma

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Helm maintenance system

Job description

Port Engineer - Pierce County Ferry

Pay rate: $110,000 annually + Full Time benefits

Position Summary:

This position is ideal for an experienced marine engineering professional looking to lead vessel maintenance operations while ensuring the highest standards of safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate is a proactive maritime engineering leader with strong technical expertise, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to safety. They can effectively manage multiple priorities, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Remain true to and champion the Company’s Core Values and Code of Conduct
• Safety First – Safety shall remain the highest priority at all times. Be an active advocate of, and participant in, the HMS Safety Culture
• Consider reliability and efficiency with regard to Company operations
• Ensure vessel(s) is operated within all pertinent laws, regulations and guidelines mandated by federal, state or local agencies as well as the dictates of prudent marine practice
• Ensure safety of guests and fellow-workers is maximized through careful and vigorous administration and enforcement of safety policies and guidelines
• Demonstrate practical knowledge of all phases of shipboard safety procedures and knowledge of location and use of all firefighting and safety equipment (i.e. fire extinguishers, life preservers, work vest).
• Use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Handle and dispose of all chemicals and other types of hazardous or caustic materials in compliance with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) (as required).
• Report safety related concerns
• Implement and monitor the client provided Preventative Maintenance Program
• Know and utilize the Company SMS (Safety Management System). Ensure that engineer qualified deck hands do as well.
• Periodically inspect machinery spaces for cleanliness, environmental, safety and health deficiencies
• Monitor the completion of maintenance and repair tasks by Company personnel and outside contractors
• Continually evaluate engineering personnel proficiency and provide instructions/guidance for areas of Encourage and monitor shipboard engineering staff for career advancement.
• Investigate machinery casualties to determine Where appropriate, incorporate findings in engineering and machinery procedures.
• Lead and motivate shipboard crew and personnel to perform their duties with professionalism, accuracy and enthusiasm
• Monitor uniform standards of maintenance personnel and shipboard crew
• Assist with candidate sourcing, interviewing, hiring and orientation of crew designated to work in the machinery spaces
• Know and adhere to the contents of the Employee Handbook and adhere to those requirements
• Develop and promote engineering management systems at the project site
• Support and maintain consistency among engineering training programs at the project site and throughout the Company
• Ensure engineering training and drills are conducted in accordance with company policies, regulatory requirements and best management practices
• Conduct appropriate testing and trend analysis
• Assist other project site managers to ensure vessels and facilities are in compliance with applicable regulations and all inspections and certificates are current and available for inspection
• Provide guidance and assistance in the vessel overhaul process, to include: project planning, definition of work, assistance with technical specifications, definitions of ship’s force projects, and assist with materials/vendor sourcing.
• Work with regulatory bodies during drills and inspections
• Develop positive working relationships with the client, vendors, contractors and regulatory agencies
• Develop and manage work orders in HELM and issue maintenance and repair assignments.
• Maintain machinery history
• Develop and maintain standards for engineering logs and vessel maintenance records
• Assist with budget development and responsible for M&R expenditures, cost control and budget tracking
• Communicate deficiencies of environmental, safety and health to the General Manager and Vessel Master
• Monitor corrective actions until complete
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Travel for meetings, conferences, training, and operational support as requested

Requirements & Qualifications:

• HS Diploma
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent of experience, from an accredited institution preferred
• U.S.C.G. license endorsed as C/E Unlimited Horsepower or equivalent industry experience
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card), and/or ability to obtain and maintain
• Valid First Aid/CPR Certification, and/or ability to obtain and maintain
• Valid Driver’s License
• Copy of DD214, if Veteran status
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to effectively interact with the passengers, guests, and fellow employees.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, quickly-changing environment
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion to develop and execute innovative solutions to crew management and morale issues
• Demonstrated ability to bring increased value to task through efficiencies and cost-control
• Computer proficient with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• 10 years’ experience in the passenger vessel industry demonstrating the ability to handle growing levels of responsibility
• 3 years’ experience as Senior Engineer or above on large passenger vessels or equivalent experience
• Specific training and experience in management of major on-board systems by type and brand
• Excellent career record in marine industry.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

#PierceCountyFerry

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Hornblower will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with fair chance or other applicable laws and regulations.