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Contract Port Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Resident Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$113K - $145K/yr

... contract time. * Attend meetings with the Contractors and assist the Port in resolution of ... Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related fields. * Registered ...

CIVIL ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$53.79 - $73.21/hr

Airport, Community Development, Harbor (Port of Long Beach), Public Works, and Utilities. Click ... contracts, including analyzing and negotiating contract changes, evaluating claims and reviewing ...

CIVIL ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$53.79 - $73.21/hr

Airport, Community Development, Harbor (Port of Long Beach), Public Works, and Utilities. SPECIAL ... contracts, including analyzing and negotiating contract changes, evaluating claims and reviewing ...

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Contract Port Engineer information

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.

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

The most popular types of Port Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Port Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Port Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Port Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution.

Port Engineer Alcatraz City Cruises

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Summary: Sign-on bonus potential, relocation package available

Full company paid benefits with $0 employee-paid premiums. 401k match, 11 paid holidays

Responsible for the coordination and management of all shifts, working directly with the Lead Engineer(s) and or Night Lead Engineer(s) to keep the shifts balanced, coordinated, and on track with department goals and business requirements. Provides oversight and management of special projects and yard periods. Provides support and mentorship to Engineering Manager(s) to grow them into respected, capable, and dependable problem solvers. Primary point of contact with vendors for daily operations and presents reports ready for final preparation and submission to the NPS, USCG, and other business partners. Provides Director of Engineering and other Senior Management necessary updates on departmental status, goals, and efficiency, and presents available solutions and options to identified problems for group consideration and ultimate executive decisions. Involved with planning decisions under the guidance of the Director of Engineering and is able to present advanced and factory-level repair and maintenance options.

Shifts are 8 hours, have 4:30am starts or 10:45pm ends. Position requires open schedule including holidays and weekends

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manages all daily operations of the department, including oversight of all Lead Engineer(s) and Night Engineering Manager(s).
  • Responsible for meeting all contractual and business requirements, and making the final quality assurance checks before submission to the Director of Engineering and the Corporate Leadership Team.
  • Act as a mentor to all Engineering Managers to guide their safety IQ and develop their growth as intelligent and protective members of the management team.
  • Identify the need to perform and perform all JSA/JHAs to protect the safety of the employees.
    Manages workplans in concert with Lead and Night Engineering Manager(s) based on departmental goals and operational requirements.
  • Guides other Engineering Managers in division of labor to execute workplan in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
  • Provides final quality assurance checks of all work, and guidance for corrective action, as needed.
  • Performs JSAs and JHAs under the supervision of the Director of HSSQE and the Director of Engineering.
  • Ensures all crew is working safely, per IIPP, and other safety plans, and in proper PPE when required.
  • Maintain Lock out Tag Out standards (LOTO) / Comply with written Hazardous Control of the Release of Energy Plan.
  • Directs workplan and division of labor as required to protect continuity of businesses and insure we meet all NPS contract requirements.
  • Keeps vessels service ready.
  • Primary point of contact for emergencies, providing on the ground support and guidance to respond and recover from any scenario.
  • Provides for audits and corrections of all department reports and recordkeeping and continuity of information between shifts.
  • Responsible for the oversight and implementation of all safety systems.
  • Responds to all company emergencies as required by business needs.
  • Guides department through any crisis with calm and collected leadership, and redirects employees, equipment, and managers as needed to resolve and recover from any unforeseen issues.
  • Manages vendors and crew during special projects.
  • Ensures that all vessels exceed the minimum standards for the USCG and all Federal, State, and local safety standards.
  • Maintains and coordinates repair of marine machinery and equipment for installation on vessels.
  • Inspects marine equipment and machinery to draw up work requests and job specifications.
  • Reviews work requests and prepares technical reports.
  • Procures materials needed to repair marine equipment and machinery.
  • Acts as liaison between vessels’ Captains and Engineers to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained, and that vessels are operated safely and efficiently.
  • Maintains records of engineering department activities, including expense records and details of equipment maintenance and repairs.
  • Schedules machine overhauls and the servicing of electrical, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, and sewage systems.
  • Supervises other engineers, maintenance personnel and crewmembers, and trains them for routine and emergency duties.
  • Maintains all equipment to manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Writes and implements department policy including safety policy to protect employees, operations, business needed, and under the requirements of any applicable standards.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
  • Designs and oversees testing, installation, and repair of marine apparatus and equipment, including
    • Providing and designing diagnostic actions,
    • developing necessary designs and directing preparation of layouts and schematics,
    • data analysis to determine feasibility of product proposals
  • Coordinates activities with regulatory bodies to ensure repairs and alterations are at minimum cost, consistent with safety.
  • Investigates and observes tests on machinery and equipment for compliance with standards.
  • Prepares plans, estimates, designs and construction schedules, and contract specifications, including any special provisions.
  • Performs monitoring activities to ensure that vessels comply with international regulations and standards for life saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
  • Follows all National Park Service directives and Alcatraz Island policies, to ensure all passengers, guests, and visitors to the Area have an Interpretive Experience.
Requirements & Qualifications
  • Senior management experience, including scheduling, staffing, performance management, and disciplinary processes
  • Proven project management skills with the ability to oversee concurrent workstreams and special projects
  • Contract compliance and regulatory experience, including familiarity with federal, state, and local labor and safety requirements
  • Inventory management experience with demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records and reporting
  • Strong vendor coordination skills, including management of contractors during shipyard periods and special projects
  • Advanced computer proficiency, including engineering management programs and documentation platforms
  • Valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record; open availability including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
  • Engineering experience with demonstrated hands‑on knowledge of marine machinery, propulsion systems, and vessel operations
  • Experience maintaining compliance with USCG regulations and federal, state, and local maritime safety standards
  • Proven ability to perform and supervise JSA/JHA processes and implement effective hazard controls
  • Experience with LOTO/Hazardous Energy Control procedures and workplace safety systems including IIPP compliance
  • Ability to evaluate marine equipment operability and make service-ready determinations for vessels and components
  • Experience preparing technical reports, work specifications, and regulatory submissions for agencies including the USCG and NPS
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