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Navy Port Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice ... The Licensed Engineer is responsible and accountable to the Port Engineer. The Licensed Engineer ...

... Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice ... The Licensed Engineer is responsible and accountable to the Port Engineer. The Licensed Engineer ...

3-M Systems Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Navy surface ship, A candidate with SMMO experience or Availability and Maintenance management such as a Shipbuilding Specialist or Port Engineer would certainly be considered. • Preferred Navy ...

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Navy Port Engineer information

See salary details

$30.5K

$68.6K

$115.5K

How much do navy port engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for navy port engineer in the United States is $68,617.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Navy Port Engineer vs Navy Civil Engineer?

AspectNavy Port EngineerNavy Civil Engineer
CredentialsMilitary training, engineering certificationsEngineering degrees, civil engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentNaval bases, port facilitiesConstruction sites, government projects
Employer & IndustryU.S. Navy, military infrastructureU.S. Navy, civilian infrastructure projects

While both roles involve engineering within the Navy, Navy Port Engineers focus on managing port and naval base facilities, often with military-specific training. Navy Civil Engineers typically handle broader civil infrastructure projects, including construction and maintenance, with civilian engineering credentials. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in naval engineering roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Navy Port Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Navy Port Engineer, you need a robust knowledge of naval architecture, marine engineering principles, and ship repair processes, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience with naval vessels. Familiarity with maintenance management systems, shipyard practices, and certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license or USCG endorsements are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills are essential for coordinating with ship crews, contractors, and Navy leadership. These skills ensure the safe, efficient maintenance and readiness of naval fleets critical for mission success.

What are Navy Port Engineers and what do they do?

Navy Port Engineers are technical experts who oversee the maintenance, repair, and modernization of naval ships while they are in port. They serve as the primary point of contact between the ship's crew, shipyard personnel, and Navy leadership to ensure all work is completed safely, on time, and within budget. Port Engineers evaluate ship systems, coordinate repair schedules, and troubleshoot technical issues to keep vessels mission-ready. Their role is critical for maintaining the operational readiness and longevity of the Navy's fleet.

What are some common challenges Navy Port Engineers face when coordinating maintenance projects?

Navy Port Engineers often encounter challenges related to scheduling and resource management, especially when coordinating maintenance projects for multiple vessels with tight operational timelines. They must balance the needs of the fleet with available dock space, shipyard resources, and personnel, all while ensuring compliance with Navy standards and safety regulations. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as Port Engineers regularly collaborate with ship crews, contractors, and Navy leadership to resolve unexpected issues and keep projects on track.
More about Navy Port Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Navy Port Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Navy Port Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Navy Port Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Navy Port Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Navy Port Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,617 per year, or $33 per hour.
Licensed Engineers

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the principal coal exporting facilities in the world. A hub for international trade, over 75 international shipping lines call at Norfolk and the surrounding ports of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Newport News, Yorktown, and other outlying terminals. McAllister Towing of Virgina has been in the port of Hampton Roads for roughly 50 years, serving Yorktown, Piney Point, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Chesapeake area with unsurpassed towing and general harbor assist work.

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of Virginia in 2007. Captain Westall and the entire team in Virginia continues to work earnestly and safely to promote McAllister's reputation as the leader of unsurpassed service in marine transportation.

McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking Licensed Engineers to join our team.   Duties and responsibilities are outlined below.  

Licensed Engineer:

We are looking for a Licensed Engineer for McAllister of Virginia.  

The Licensed Engineer is an experienced skilled crewmember on board the vessel's Engineering Department.  The Licensed Engineer is directly responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of all mechanical equipment on the boat.  The Licensed Engineer is responsible and accountable to the Port Engineer.  The Licensed Engineer must keep Captain apprised of issue(s) or his or her relief.

Responsible for the good condition and efficiency working of the entire machinery plant of the vessel including main engines, propulsion, and auxiliary machinery, all electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic machinery, steering machinery, and all associated components, deck machinery and any and all other valves, pipes, watertight integrity of the vessel. 

The Licensed Engineer must maintain compliance with the quality, safety, and environmental management system as detailed in the McAllister Operations Manual.
Supervises the procurement, loading, use and transfer and discharge of all potable water, ballast water, fuel oil, lube oil, ascertaining that said products are of proper quality and quantity when received on board and making the proper entries in the log and on the Fuel Transfer Certificate. 
Repairs all machinery and equipment onboard the vessel within his capacity and completes the daily engine log each day.

Required Skills:

 Valid Merchant Mariner's Credential.
Valid TWIC Card
Valid Engineering License
Must pass pre-employment drug test.
Must pass pre-employment physical.
- A High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Physical Requirements:
 
The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Engineer to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew.  You must have the physical ability to operate heavy machinery.  Repair work may involve assignments to work beneath machines and close quarters.  Frequent stooping and bending required.  Specific physical requirements include:
  • Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).
  • Adequate hearing.Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.
  • Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.
  • Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.
  • Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.
  • Sufficient strength to:
    • Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level.
    • Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level.
    • Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and
    • Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet 
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
 
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.