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Contract Port Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kirby Corporation

Port Engineer

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Port Engineer will be assigned a fleet of vessels and will be communicating with the vessel crews ... Verifying quality of major maintenance work to ensure that it complies with contracts, safety, and ...

Kirby Corporation

Port Engineer

Belle Chasse, LA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Port Engineer will be assigned a fleet of vessels and will be communicating with the vessel crews ... Verifying quality of major maintenance work to ensure that it complies with contracts, safety, and ...

Kirby Corporation

Port Engineer

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Port Engineer will be assigned a fleet of vessels and will be communicating with the vessel crews ... Verifying quality of major maintenance work to ensure that it complies with contracts, safety, and ...

Vitus Energy LLC

Port Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Integral in development of annual budgets and schedules, contractor selection, contract management ... Port Engineer will make frequent inquiries, with the Engineers of the fleet, and Facility Managers ...

Kirby Corporation

Port Engineer

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Port Engineer will be assigned a fleet of vessels and will be communicating with the vessel crews ... Verifying quality of major maintenance work to ensure that it complies with contracts, safety, and ...

Vitus Energy, LLC

Port Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

Integral in development of annual budgets and schedules, contractor selection, contract management ... Port Engineer will make frequent inquiries, with the Engineers of the fleet, and Facility Managers ...

Kirby Corporation

Port Engineer

New Orleans, LA

Port Engineer will be assigned a fleet of vessels and will be communicating with the vessel crews ... Verifying quality of major maintenance work to ensure that it complies with contracts, safety, and ...

G&H Towing

Port Engineer

Galveston, TX · On-site

JOB SUMMARY The Port Engineer supports the engineering departmental goals, the engineering ... Knowledge of marine labor contracts, work rules, and general maritime law * Minimum of 2 years of ...

G&H Towing

Port Engineer

Galveston, TX · On-site

JOB SUMMARY The Port Engineer supports the engineering departmental goals, the engineering ... Knowledge of marine labor contracts, work rules, and general maritime law * Minimum of 2 years of ...

Trident Seafoods Corporation

Port Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

The primary function of the Port Engineer is to manage all maintenance and repairs of fishing ... Manages budgets and schedules, contractor selection, quality assurance and contract management for ...

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Contract Port Engineer information

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$30

$48

$99

How much do contract port engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract port engineer in the United States is $48.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.11 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract port engineer?

Contract Port Engineers are maritime professionals hired on a contract basis to oversee and manage the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of vessels while they are in port. They act as technical advisors, coordinating with ship crews, shipyards, and suppliers to ensure work is completed efficiently and according to safety and regulatory standards. Their responsibilities often include inspecting vessels, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations, and solving technical issues that arise during port stays. Contract Port Engineers typically work for shipping companies, offshore operators, or as independent consultants.

What are some typical challenges a contract port engineer might face when managing vessel repairs and maintenance?

As a Contract Port Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as coordinating repair schedules within tight port calls, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and managing communication between ship crew, vendors, and port authorities. Balancing cost efficiency with the need for timely and thorough repairs is also common, especially when unexpected technical issues arise. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate these complexities and ensure vessels remain seaworthy and operational.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract port engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Port Engineer, you need a solid background in marine engineering, vessel maintenance, and regulatory compliance, typically backed by a degree in marine engineering or a related field and relevant certifications. Familiarity with ship management software, maintenance planning tools, and classification society requirements is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of vessels while meeting regulatory standards and client expectations.

What is the difference between Contract Port Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectContract Port EngineerMarine Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in port operations or project managementMarine engineering degree, maritime certifications, STCW certifications
Work EnvironmentPorts, terminals, project sites, often onshoreShips, vessels, offshore platforms, onboard or dockside
Employer & IndustryPort authorities, shipping companies, logistics firmsShipping lines, maritime companies, offshore operators
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Contract Port Engineer primarily oversees port operations, infrastructure projects, and port facilities, working mainly onshore within port environments. In contrast, a Marine Engineer focuses on the maintenance, repair, and operation of ship machinery and onboard systems, working at sea or on ships. Both roles require engineering credentials and are integral to maritime and port industries, but they differ significantly in work environment and daily responsibilities.

More about Contract Port Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Port Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Port Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Port Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Port Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Port Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Port Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Contract Port Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Port Engineer jobs are:

Contract Port Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Port Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,781 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Port Engineer

Kirby Corporation

New Orleans, LA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Kirby Offshore Marine is seeking a Port Engineer to assist with day-to-day vessel repairs, execute scheduled regulatory shipyards, and various other Engineering related shore side support. Port Engineer will be assigned a fleet of vessels and will be communicating with the vessel crews, vendors, and regulatory agencies frequently.


  • Working with Operations and Sales to ensure onboard preventative maintenance, inspections, testing, and repairs are completed.
  • Supporting company safety and quality objectives by administering the design, construction, and maintenance of Kirby Offshore Marine’s fleet of vessels.
  • Conducting and documenting vessel technical visits at least annually to ensure that planned preventive maintenance has been carried out onboard and that defect reporting records/work orders are accurate.
  • Assisting with the development of the fleet maintenance and repair budget.
  • Monitor vessel budgets and initiate AFEs for any potential costs exceeding the approved budget(s).
  • Track and ensure work orders are completed within given window.
  • Track and ensure investigations are completed.
  • Verifying quality of major maintenance work to ensure that it complies with contracts, safety, and Company quality objectives.
  • Identify and minimize repetitive failures.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Engineering Manager Routine, Shipyard, or General Manager.
  • Overseeing projects and producing project reports.
  • Coordinating ABS and Coast Guard inspections.
  • Scheduling and providing oversight of statutory surveys.
  • Monitoring and verifying work done by contractors.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to make decisions and exercise good judgement.
  • Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds; climb aboard and move around vessels; climb 90-degree vertical ladders.
  • Ability to operate standard office equipment, personal computer, and company vehicles.

  • Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Education/Experience:  

  • College degree with Marine Engineering degree, with a license or equivalent experience with a license.  
  • Minimum of 5 years as an Engineer in the marine transportation industry.
  • 3+ years related experience in the barge and tankering industry.

Working Conditions:

  • Monday – Friday normal business hours
  • Scheduled on-call rotations for after hours and weekends.
  • Travel out of state for scheduled shipyard periods and emergency repairs.

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