Contract Port Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are:

As a privately held, U.S.-owned and operated company, Crowley provides services to 36 nations and island territories. Our purpose is to bravely advance what's possible to elevate people and planet, with our core values of Integrity, Sustainability and Drive guiding everything we do.

By expanding and innovating our services, we have expanded our footprint in services within the Logistics, Land Transportation, Shipping, Wind and Fuel industries. Crowley and its affiliated companies have generated more than $3.5 billion in annual revenue through our people's focus on excellence and a culture that values everyone's voices and collaboration. 

To continue laying the groundwork and challenge what's possible for our business, we seek to partner with individuals ready to elevate their careers with us.

Work Arrangement:

Hybrid

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.

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.

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.

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.

Other:

Valid driver’s license, Passport and TWIC card required.

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.

Working Conditions:

Works both inside an office environment and also outside in conditions of both high and low temperatures. May be exposed to odors, dust, dirt, mechanical hazards, high noise levels and potentially dangerous equipment. Must be able to crouch and stoop to get into areas with restricted headroom and be able to climb ladders. May require extended use of computer keyboard and viewing of computer monitor and ability to sit for long periods of time.

• Must be able to work on board the vessel 5 days a week.

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           

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.

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.

Other:

Valid driver’s license, Passport and TWIC card required.

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.

Working Conditions:

Works both inside an office environment and also outside in conditions of both high and low temperatures. May be exposed to odors, dust, dirt, mechanical hazards, high noise levels and potentially dangerous equipment. Must be able to crouch and stoop to get into areas with restricted headroom and be able to climb ladders....