Vessel Engineering Manager

About the role

The Vessel Engineering Manager provides strategic leadership to the engineering team, ensuring vessel schedule integrity, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective maintenance operations. This position reports to the Director of Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Verify vessel schedule integrity by monitoring daily performance and identifying potential disruptions.

• Approve Port Engineer maintenance plans to align with fleet objectives and regulatory standards.

• Cook up emergent maintenance solutions to minimize downtime.

• Communicate repair plans and timelines to stakeholders for transparency.

• Manage Port Engineer schedules for optimal resource allocation.

• Develop lay period work lists for interim dry dock planning.

• Provide timely reporting through daily, weekly, and monthly updates.

• Oversee senior engineering personnel onboard, including recruitment/selection, training, and preparation of performance reviews.

• Develop and manage annual vessel budgets aligned with operational goals.

• Audit vendor deliverables and invoices to ensure accuracy and prevent overbilling; resolve discrepancies promptly.

• Maintain purchase order performance for cost control and accountability.

• Prepare and submit Capital Expenditure Requests (CERs) for planned and emergent upgrades.

• Implement and refine policies supporting the Safety Management System (SMS).

• Ensure environmental stewardship in all vessel operations.

• Maintain regulatory certificates and verify compliance with classification requirements.

• Monitor safety compliance as a member of the Marine Safety Committee meetings.

Requirements

• Licensed USCG Chief Engineer, Unlimited Steam and Motor (First Assistant or Chief Engineer preferred).

• Familiarity with all aspects of vessel operations and technical management for modern US flag containerships.

• Experienced in overseeing shipboard maintenance and repair administration through Nautical Systems Enterprise (NSE).

• Proficient in project management with expertise in MS Project for planning and execution.

• Excellent ability to craft clear, concise documentation and apply critical analysis to complex problems.

• Strong Excel capabilities with hands-on experience in pivot tables for analytical and reporting tasks.

• Strong expertise in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint, combined with solid Windows operating proficiency.

• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage both large and small audiences.

Qualifications

• Licensed US Coast Guard Chief Engineer, Unlimited Steam & Motor (First Assistant or Chief Engineer preferred).

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a State or Federal Maritime Academy preferred.

• Experience as a Containership Technical Manager.

Extra Credit

• Ability to travel as required.

• Ability to commit to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals and/or deadlines, including work on the weekends and holidays, to meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting 60 minutes per hour
• Walking 60 minutes per hour
• Standing 60 minutes per hour

Pay

The annual salary range is posted for this position in Washington and California. The salary offered will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits

• Life insurance, supplemental life insurance, paid leaves of absence, and long-term disability insurance

• Emergency childcare, death, and dismemberment insurance, prepaid legal services, and adoption assistance

• 401k with employer matching, cash balance plan, and profit sharing

• 13 paid holidays, 10 sick days, and a tiered vacation plan