Port Engineer, Government Fleet Support

Crowley Maritime Corporation; Jacksonville (FL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits

Training & development

Job summary

Crowley Maritime Corporation in Jacksonville, FL (hybrid) is seeking an experienced Port Engineer to oversee maintenance, repair, and safe operations of our vessels and equipment. The role includes providing flexible technical support across Crowley Government Services’ managed fleets and coordinating shipyard availabilities and emergency repairs.

You will develop repair specs, manage contractors, monitor budgets, review quotations, and ensure regulatory inspections are scheduled on time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marine engineering or related field; USCG license preferred.
• 10+ years in engineering; USCG license and/or maritime graduate preferred.
• 5+ years in marine engineering; vessel sailing or port engineer experience with shipyard dry-docking >$3M.

Responsibilities

• Develop repair specifications and oversee vessel repairs.
• Coordinate maintenance, dry-dockings, and equipment overhauls per standards.
• Plan vessel maintenance with yards, contractors, and vendors.
• Prepare cost estimates and manage budgets for projects.
• Review repair quotations and monitor project costs.
• Coordinate and support inspections by regulators and classification societies.
• Maintain spare parts inventories and procurement.

Skills

Marine engineering

Project management

Contract negotiation

Regulatory knowledge

Budgeting

Team coordination

Technical troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in marine engineering

USCG license preferred

Maritime graduate preferred

Tools

NS-5 ship management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Who Are We?

Crowley is a privately held, U.S.-owned and operated company serving the maritime, logistics and energy industries with scale in 36 nations and island territories. Our Purpose is to bravely advance what's possible to elevate people and planet, guided by our values of Integrity, Sustainability and Drive.

With more than $3 billion in annual revenue, our solutions provide integrated supply chains with a commitment to safety and reliability in our ocean and land transportation services and facilities.

We set high standards, operate with discipline, and continuously improve how we work. Performance, operational excellence and innovation drive how we compete, grow and deliver to our customers and partners.

Work Arrangement:

Hybrid - Jacksonville, FL or Norfolk, VA

Why Join Crowley?

At Crowley, your work as a Port Engineer directly supports the reliability and readiness of our Government Fleet. It's an opportunity to solve complex technical challenges while contributing to work that matters.

What You'll Do:

Responsible for coordinating and overseeing the maintenance, repair and safe operations of all the engineering needs for assigned vessels and equipment.

Responsible for providing flexible technical and engineering support across Crowley Government Services’ managed fleets. This role may be deployed across programs, vessels, and projects based on operational need, including shipyard availabilities, emergent repairs, temporary coverage, and periods of increased workload.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Develop repair specifications and manage the repair of the vessels by overseeing all activities directly related to the repairs. Liaison with the vessel Chief Engineer/Captain on required maintenance needs. Manage and negotiate contractor selection, contract management and contractors work by setting up service to vessels, ensuring regulatory inspections are scheduled timely and controlling expenditures within designated projects. Monitor and coordinate vessel certification inspections with external and internal customers. Regularly attend vessels during times of out of service or dry-docking. Work with warehouse personnel requesting fleet spare equipment be dispatched to support the upkeep of the vessels. Create PO’s/WO’s, review and close outstanding maintenance jobs, review/approve requisitions and review vessel reports. Work with buyer to assist in the purchasing of supplies. Complete PO’s of work performed, make adjustments and update financial information to allow for payment matching to the invoice. Develop maintenance and repair cost analysis sheets and monitor the budget. Assist in the development and modification of preventative maintenance plans for vessel equipment. Ensure the engineering procedures and policies are periodically reviewed, modified and implemented.

Additional responsibilities:

• Manage the technical operation, maintenance, and repair of assigned vessels to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee vessel maintenance, dry dockings, repairs, and equipment overhauls in accordance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular vessel inspections to assess the condition of machinery, equipment, and engineering systems, and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide technical support and guidance to vessel personnel regarding maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair activities.
• Monitor the implementation of planned maintenance programs and ensure maintenance records are accurate and up to date.
• Coordinate with shipyards, contractors, vendors, and service providers to ensure quality workmanship and timely completion of repair projects.
• Prepare repair specifications, technical scopes of work, cost estimates, and project schedules for maintenance and capital improvement projects.
• Review repair quotations, negotiate with suppliers and contractors, and monitor project costs to ensure adherence to approved budgets.
• Coordinate and support vessel inspections conducted by regulatory agencies, classification societies, flag state authorities, and third-party auditors.
• Develop and implement maintenance strategies to maximize vessel availability and minimize downtime.
• Support emergency vessel repairs and provide technical assistance during equipment breakdowns or operational emergencies.
• Collaborate with Operations, Safety, Procurement, and Fleet Management teams to support overall vessel operations and business objectives.
• Ensure spare parts inventories are maintained at appropriate levels and coordinate procurement of technical materials and equipment.
• Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring engineering activities are conducted in compliance with safety management systems and environmental standards.
• Maintain effective communication with vessel crews, management, customers, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education & Credentials:

Bachelor's degree in marine engineering or a related field; 10+ years in an engineering related field may be substituted in lieu of the educational requirements. USCG license and/or Maritime graduate preferred.

Experience:

5 or more years' experience in marine engineering, sailing onboard a vessel or possess a minimum of three years' experience as a Port Engineer having managed and negotiated at least two shipyard dry-docking availabilities with and value greater than three million dollars.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Outlook and Word. Knowledgeable of NS-5 ship management software, computer technology and processes preferred.

Marine Engineering Systems

• Comprehensive knowledge of marine propulsion systems and auxiliary machinery including generators, pumps, compressors, boilers, and HVAC systems.
• Working knowledge of marine electrical generation, distribution, automation, and control systems.
• Dry docking, vessel repair, machinery overhauls, and capital improvement project management.
• Development of technical repair specifications and work scopes.

Regulatory Compliance

• Thorough understanding of:

• SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)
• MARPOL (Marine Pollution Prevention)
• U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations
• American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) regulations

• Experience supporting regulatory inspections, audits, and certification processes.

Project & Technical Management

• Project planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Budget development and cost control.
• Contractor and shipyard management.
• Procurement of marine equipment and spare parts.

Diagnostic & Troubleshooting Skills

• Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic troubleshooting.
• Equipment performance monitoring and trend analysis.
• Vibration, lubrication, and condition monitoring techniques.
• Interpretation of machinery performance data and alarm systems.

Technical Software

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), such as NS5 (ABS Nautical Systems)
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, piping diagrams, and electrical one-line diagrams.

Safety & Environmental Systems

• Safety Management System (SMS) implementation.
• Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and risk assessments.
• Environmental compliance and pollution prevention practices.

Operational Knowledge

• Dry docking and shipyard planning.
• Inventory and spare parts management.
• Emergency response coordination for vessel equipment failures.

Preferred Technical Certifications

• U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer License (Unlimited or Limited Tonnage), or equivalent international certification is advantageous.
• Marine Engineering degree or equivalent maritime engineering qualification.
• Manufacturer-specific training on major marine engines (e.g., Caterpillar, Cummins, Wärtsilä, MAN, MTU, or EMD) is advantageous.
• Background in ABS or USCG Regulatory requirements.

Competencies:

Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to prioritize, organize and perform multiple work assignments simultaneously. Ability to evaluate process effectiveness and develop change or alternatives.

Ability to effectively manage projects that may vary in nature and scope. Ability to prepare, monitor and administer budgets, as well as perform financial analysis. Ability to indirectly mentor, coach, train and/or supervise employees.

What We Offer:

We inspire top talent by offering a comprehensive and competitive package that supports the diverse needs of our people—on land, at sea, in offices, and remotely.

Our Total Rewards include:

• Competitive pay with recognition programs
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, and paid vacation and holidays
• Leave and family support: parental leave and sick leave
• Learning and growth: access to training and development for continuous skill development
• Well-being resources: Employee Assistance Program, wellness program, and gym membership discounts

At Crowley, we invest in you - your success, your health, and your future.

#LI-Hybrid