Marine Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is looking for a part-time Marine Engineer/Team lead for our Kiribati Cross-Cutting Program Support (CCPS) Project's Kiritimati Island pier feasibility study. This is a remote position that requires travel to Kiritimati, Kiribati.
CCPS is implemented by MSI, a Tetra Tech company, and provides monitoring and evaluation, technical assistance, communications, and travel support, and manages the Kiritimati Island Study. The Kiritimati Island Study is a feasibility assessment of the island's existing pier and related logistics infrastructure. The study will evaluate facility conditions, operational performance, economic viability, environmental and social considerations, and long-term development opportunities, including potential alternative locations and infrastructure options.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Position Summary:
The Marine Engineer/Team Lead will lead and coordinate the Kiritimati Island pier feasibility study, overseeing a multidisciplinary team of technical specialists. The role will provide technical direction for infrastructure assessments, alternatives analyses, feasibility evaluations, conceptual designs, and cost estimates. Working closely with Government of Kiribati counterparts, port authorities, stakeholders, and development partners, the Team Lead will ensure the study delivers practical findings and actionable recommendations that support long-term economic development.
The ideal candidate will have experience in marine infrastructure planning, design, rehabilitation, and pier/port development, with experience in small island developing states and Pacific environments preferred. This is a part-time position from September 2026 through December 2027 and will require multiple trips to Kiritimati Island.
Essential Job Functions:
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
Project Leadership and Management
• Develop and oversee technical work plans, schedules, and deliverables to ensure timely completion of study activities.
• Serve as the primary technical lead for the feasibility study and expert for marine engineering matters.
• Lead and coordinate a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
• Ensure all study components are technically integrated and aligned with project objectives.
• Provide quality assurance and technical review of all reports, designs, and recommendations.
• Communicate and coordinate regularly with MSI-TT, MCC, Government of Kiribati agencies, stakeholders, and project partners.
Technical Support
• Support the design of the pre/feasibility study for an existing pier and potential pier area.
• Lead condition and use assessment of the existing sea-based infrastructure and land-based facilities.
• Evaluate structural integrity, remaining service life, operational limitations, maintenance requirements, and fitness-for-purpose of existing facilities.
• Identify features of the infrastructure and logistic zone that require replacement, upgrading and/or new infrastructure or technology to maintain functionality and optimize the efficiency of pier.
• Lead options analysis and screening technical feasibility of upgrading/retrofitting/re-establishing at existing locations versus feasibility/viability of options at alternative locations.
• Based on assessment, develop a suite of alternative conceptual project designs and order of magnitude cost estimates.
• Conduct an MCC compliant Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and prepare Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Master's degree in Marine Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Port Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 10-15 years of professional experience in marine infrastructure planning, design, assessment, rehabilitation, and construction.
• Professional Engineer (PE), Chartered Engineer (CEng), or equivalent professional registration preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading feasibility studies for ports, harbors, marine terminals, piers, wharves, or coastal infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating technical studies.
• Familiarity with MCC requirements, IFC Performance Standards, World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, or similar international standards preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with government agencies, local stakeholders, and international development partners.
• Experience in small island developing states, remote maritime environments, or Pacific Island countries strongly preferred.
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel to Kiritimati Island, required.
• Computer skills, particularly email, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, required.
Physical Requirements:
• Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and using a computer.
• The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical demands include frequent walking, standing, and navigating project sites. The role may require climbing ladders or stairs, bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching. The employee may be required to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and uneven terrain. Prolonged periods of driving, standing, or walking may be necessary, as well as the use of handheld tools, measuring devices, and mobile technology (e.g., tablets, smartphones).
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Visual acuity to observe site conditions and read plans and specifications.
Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
• This position is part-time, contract position and generally follows a standard business schedule; however, extended hours, early mornings, evenings, weekends, or overtime may be required based on project needs and deadlines.
• Essential functions of this position are primarily remote, however requires travel to Kiritimati, Kiribati for 1-3 weeks, approximately 3-4 times over a 14-month period. Time in Kiritimati will require site visits of industrial facilities.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
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