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Contract Port Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Support the Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager in the day-to-day execution of the Port Engineer Program, overseeing assigned PE/MM/CSPE personnel and ensuring contract performance aligns with ...

Assistant Program Manager

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$135 - $150/hr

Support the Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager in the day-to‑day execution of the Port Engineer Program, overseeing assigned PE/MM/CSPE personnel and ensuring contract performance aligns ...

Support the Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager in the day-to-day execution of the Port Engineer Program, overseeing assigned PE/MM/CSPE personnel and ensuring contract performance aligns with ...

Support the Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager in the day-to-day execution of the Port Engineer Program, overseeing assigned PE/MM/CSPE personnel and ensuring contract performance aligns with ...

AI/ML Model Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

R - 101578Position contingent upon contract awardAs the **AI/ML Model Engineer**, you will develop machine learning models that optimize automation and generate data driven insights. The role ...

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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:

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 - Gov't Experience/Shipyard Preferred

Patriot Maritime

New Orleans, LA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

PORT ENGINEER
Patriot Maritime is a maritime government contracting company providing management, crewing, and vessel support services to the U.S. government under contracts with MARAD and the Military Sealift Command (MSC). With approximately 83 shoreside employees and operations across multiple vessel programs - including the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), Watson-class vessels, Bob Hope vessels, and other federal maritime programs - Patriot operates at the intersection of commercial maritime expertise and federal government contracting. Headquartered in Houston, TX, our team supports the nation's strategic sealift mission and military readiness.
An active SECRET level security Clearance or the ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance is required.
Responsibilities & Authorities:
  • Oversee the safe and economic operation of an assigned group of vessels and cost-effectively manages the assigned
  • Manage day-to-day vessel-related problems including operational, technical support and safety areas, providing supervision and handling crew-related
  • Manage daily operations according to the Safety and Quality Management
  • Monitor the incidents and reports submitted by assigned vessels via the Docmap program and respond with comments, resolutions, corrective actions as necessary. Provide closure to incidents/reports in the SQMS within specified response times.
  • Periodically review the Class vessel report for deficiencies and relevant date-specific requirements.
  • Work with assigned vessel personnel to ensure they operate according to the policies, procedures, and performance standards of
  • Member of the Incident Response Team (IRT) for any vessel casualty they are
  • Conduct accident or near miss
  • Maintain familiarity with Company's Employee Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), as described in SQMS and requirements for completing Vendor/Visitor Familiarization Checklist prior to beginning work on the
  • Ensure that the Chief Engineer reviews and signs off on all vendor service reports and conducts a personal physical review when possible. The Port Engineer may take on this responsibility for the Chief Engineer when
  • In consultation with the Chief Engineer, physically inspect the preventive maintenance records in SAMM and manage Planned Maintenance Industrial Assist (PMIA) w/in SAMM.
  • Maintain awareness of outstanding USCG 835 deficiencies and Port State Control findings, and report current status and progress on any required tracking

Qualifications:
  • A recommended minimum of 3 years' experience as a PE having managed and negotiated at least 2 shipyard availabilities for ships not less than 4,500 dead weight tons (DWT), more than 11,500 horsepower (HP), and with a contract award value greater than $3,000,000.00. Experience gained while employed by a shipyard or while serving in the military may be applicable towards meeting this requirement if the duties and responsibilities of the positions are substantially the same as a PE. This experience shall demonstrate their ability to effectively manage and negotiate complex projects such as shipyard dry dock overhauls and other types of repairs.
  • A recommended minimum of 4 years' experience serving aboard commercial ocean-going ships of not less than 4,000 HP as either a Chief Engineer or a First Assistant Engineer. This experience shall demonstrate effective management of maintenance and repair of ocean-going ships.
  • A combination of education and experience gained while in the performance of duties that clearly demonstrate effective management of maintenance and repair of ocean-going ships.
  • Strong communication skills both written and verbal
  • Good project management skills, including strong decision-making, problem-solving and strategic planning abilities
  • Strong time management skills
  • Intermediate knowledge of the MS Office Suite, MS 360 and SharePoint required
  • An active SECRET level security Clearance or the ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance is required

Patriot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Patriot is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion, or belief, national or social or ethnic origin, gender, age, physical, disability, sexual/identity, or orientation.