Senior Marine Engine Room Lead

Marquette Transportation Company; Paducah (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Marquette Transportation Company seeks an experienced Engine Room Specialist to oversee the operation and maintenance of all mechanical systems aboard the river towboat and its tow. You will supervise engine room tools, logs, and safety procedures.

You’ll monitor EMD, Caterpillar, and Cummins engines, participate in dry-dockings and major overhauls, and train crew in firefighting and safety. A strong background in marine hydraulics, electricals, pneumatics, and diesel systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with EMD 645, EMD 710, or Caterpillar 3600 series main engines.
• River towboat experience with hp 4500–10000.
• At least 5 years of engine room experience.
• Available to work 28/14 or 28/28 schedule.
• Proficient in marine mechanical systems (electrical, pneumatics, plumbing, diesel, hydraulics).
• Experience with John Deere 6081/6090, CAT 3306, or Cummins generators.
• Ability to replace power packs on EMD engines.
• Experience with ZF Marine Z Drive units and Cummins QSK60 engines is a plus.
• A valid driver's license required for rental car use during crew changes.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of all mechanical equipment aboard the vessel and its tow.
• Oversee and maintain all engine room tools and equipment.
• Keep detailed logs of engine hours, fuel transfers, and maintenance activities.
• Monitor engine room performance (EMD, Caterpillar, Cummins).
• Participate in dry-dockings, major repairs, and overhauls.
• Supervise transfer of fuels, lubricants, and bilge from fuel flats per procedures.
• Repair vessel engines, generators, and other critical systems.
• Maintain engine room cleanliness through regular cleaning and upkeep.
• Adhere to safety protocols and wear PPE.
• Follow vessel transfer procedures and USCG regulations.
• Ensure safe vessel operations by servicing engines, steering, electrical, plumbing, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
• Inspect and maintain all fire suppression systems.
• Train crew in onboard firefighting equipment usage.
• Assist the captain in fire emergency procedures and drills.

Skills

EMD/Caterpillar engines

River towboat experience

Engine room experience 5+ yrs

Marine mechanical systems

Generators knowledge (Cummins/CAT)

Power pack replacement

ZF Marine Z Drive

Driver's license

Tools

John Deere 6081/6090

CAT 3306

Cummins generators

ZF Marine Z Drive

Job description

Marquette Transportation Company seeks an experienced Engine Room Specialist to oversee the operation and maintenance of all mechanical systems aboard the river towboat and its tow. You will supervise engine room tools, logs, and safety procedures.

You’ll monitor EMD, Caterpillar, and Cummins engines, participate in dry-dockings and major overhauls, and train crew in firefighting and safety. A strong background in marine hydraulics, electricals, pneumatics, and diesel systems is essential.