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Port Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Port Engineer - Alcatraz Cruises

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

  • Retirement

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 ...

Tugboat Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$450 - $875/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Engineers will work directly with the Port Engineer, and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. Schedule:

Notifies the Captain and Port Engineer of any abnormal changes in the status of machinery operation. * Performs safe and effective voyage repairs with limited resources and outside support, while ...

ML Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$132K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Learning Engineer, Applied AI As a MLE you'll join our Product Innovations team and work across the full applied ML stack - deploying models, building the evaluation systems that tell us ...

Notifies the Captain and Port Engineer of any abnormal changes in the status of machinery operation. * Performs safe and effective voyage repairs with limited resources and outside support, while ...

New

Apple Services Engineering (ASE) powers many AI features across App Store, Music, Video and more. We build deeply personal products with the goal of representing users around the globe authentically.

Apple Services Engineering (ASE) powers many AI features across App Store, Music, Video and more. We build deeply personal products with the goal of representing users around the globe authentically.

Vessel Engineering Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

$132K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Approve Port Engineer maintenance plans to align with fleet objectives and regulatory standards. * Coordinate emergent maintenance solutions to minimize downtime. * Communicate repair plans and ...

Showing results 21-40

Port Engineer information

See California salary details

$16.8K

$120.3K

$185K

How much do port engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for port engineer in California is $120,260.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $184,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a port engineer faces when managing vessel maintenance schedules?

Port Engineers often encounter challenges in balancing routine maintenance with unexpected repairs, especially when vessels have tight operational schedules. Coordinating with ship crews, contractors, and suppliers to ensure timely completion of work while minimizing downtime is crucial. Additionally, managing budget constraints and adhering to regulatory compliance can add complexity to the role. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are key to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring vessels remain seaworthy and operational.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a port engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Port Engineer, you need a solid background in marine engineering, vessel maintenance, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and maritime certifications. Familiarity with ship management software, maintenance planning systems, and industry standards such as SOLAS and MARPOL is crucial. Strong problem-solving, organizational skills, and effective communication are essential for coordinating repairs and collaborating with ship crews and vendors. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of vessels, minimizing downtime and maintaining port and fleet reliability.

What is a port engineer?

Port Engineers are professionals responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and operation of ships and marine equipment while they are docked at a port. They manage technical aspects, coordinate with ship crews and contractors, and ensure vessels comply with all safety and environmental regulations. Port Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that ships are seaworthy and ready for their next voyage, often managing budgets and timelines for repair projects. Their work is vital to minimize downtime and maintain the efficiency of shipping operations.

What is the difference between Port Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectPort EngineerMarine Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in port operationsMarine engineering degree, maritime certifications
Work EnvironmentPort facilities, shipyards, maritime terminalsShips, engine rooms, maritime vessels
Industry UsagePort authorities, shipping companies, logisticsShipping lines, vessel operators, shipbuilding
Primary FocusPort infrastructure, vessel maintenance coordinationShip engine systems, propulsion, machinery

While both roles involve maritime environments, a Port Engineer primarily manages port facilities and vessel maintenance at port sites, whereas a Marine Engineer focuses on the technical operation and repair of ship engines and machinery onboard vessels.

What does a port engineer do?

A port engineer works on the technical aspects of operations and infrastructure at a port. You oversee ship maintenance and repair, and your duties include ensuring that engineering work meets safety standards and marine regulations. During projects, you remain present on the dock to offer guidance to technical personnel. The responsibilities of many port engineers include managing a maintenance budget and finding ways to lower costs and increase the efficiency of port operations. You may communicate with ships on the ocean to coordinate maintenance. You may also work on harbor improvements, dredging, and other infrastructure projects.

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 job categories do people searching Port Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Port Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Port Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Port Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Port Engineer jobs in CA?

For Port Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Port Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $120,260 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Port Engineer - Alcatraz Cruises

Hornblower

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines


Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group's premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systemsHornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.
Position Summary:
$5000 sign-on bonus after 90 days, 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.
Maintains all higher-level department functions, including scheduling and staffing levels, maintaining inventory and reporting requirements, adjusting and implementing maintenance intervals, inspections and repairs. Provides final quality control checks for submission to the Director of Engineering. Oversight of the maintenance and repair of all company vehicles, vessels, assets, and facilities. Project management of all ongoing and special projects. Supervises the appearance of the vessels in a manner that enhances the Interpretive Experience of our guests and Respects the Planet. Communicates status of department work activities to the Director of Engineering and is responsible for organizing the work duties for the Engineers. Audits the recording of assignments in appropriate programs and places with accuracy, providing guidance, assistance and reporting as needed. Monitors feedback from the Engineering managers and alerts upper management if any issues arise that may require formal intervention or discipline. Involved in disciplinary action when necessary and helps the Director of Engineering compose performance improvement plans to correct any identified deficiencies in the department or with a team member.
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. Ensures work is managed in a way to minimize disruption, and protects all business operations.
  • 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. Able to determine if safety sensitive or compliance items are corrected, and able to determine and make recommendations on if a vessel or component is service ready.
  • Performs JSAs and JHAs under the supervision of the Director of HSSQE and the Director of Engineering. Correctly identifies hazardous conditions in a reliable manner and provides structured controls to remediate hazards and reduce risk to the maximum extent possible.
  • 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 and ensures operations are closed out in a manner each day that sets up the following shifts for success.
  • Primary point of contact for emergencies, providing on the ground support and guidance to respond and recover from any scenario. Involves HR or upper management as needed if the issue is beyond the scope of the position.
  • 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, including maintenance of all equipment and recertification and recalibration according to legal requirements and company and industry standards.
  • Responds to all company emergencies as required by by business needs. Guides department through any crisis with calm and collected leadership, and re directs employees, equipment, and managers as needed to resolve and recover from any unforeseen issues.
  • Manages vendors and crew during special projects, including at shipyards or other work locations.
  • Ensures that all vessels exceed the minimum standards for the USCG and all Federal, State, and local safety standards.
  • Evaluates operation of marine equipment.
  • 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 compare them with previous work completed on Vessels in order to ensure that costs are economically sound.
  • Prepares technical reports for use by engineering, marine operations, and upper management.Procures materials needed to repair marine equipment and machinery.
  • Acts as liaisons between vessels' Captains and Engineers to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained, and that vessels are operated safely and efficiently.
  • Checks, tests, and maintains automatic controls and alarm systems.
  • 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.
  • Provides and designs diagnostic actions to solve the underlying root of any unwanted symptom from an engineering system or vessel / facility.
  • Conducts analytical, environmental, and operational or performance studies to develop designs for products, such as marine engines, equipment, and structures.
  • Prepares, or directs the preparation of, product or system layouts and detailed drawings and schematics.
  • Analyzes data to determine feasibility of product proposals.
  • Confers with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems, and to develop or modify designs.
  • 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.
  • Determines conditions under which tests are to be conducted, as well as sequences and phases of test operations.
  • Maintains contact with and formulates reports for contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.
  • 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:
  • HAZWOPER certificate (40 hours)
  • HAZMAT certificate
  • Able to write and implement department policy after review and sign off from Directors and GMs
  • Advanced upper management and HR skills. Including payroll, and all adhering to applicable local, State, or Federal requirements under labor laws, MOU's, Cal-OSHA or other similar organization
  • Project management skills
  • Engineering experience required
  • Experience with maintaining a safe workplace required
  • Management experience required
  • Inventory management experience required
  • Contract compliance and regulatory experience required
  • Customer service experience required
  • Knowledge of foreign language helpful
  • Advanced computer skills and familiarity with all engineering programs is required
  • Valid CA Driver's License and clean driving record
  • Open schedule and ability to work any assigned schedule, including holidays and weekends
  • Ability to work a shift that may start as early as 4:30 am or end as late as 10:45 pm. Shifts are 8 hours.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
#AlcatrazCityCruises
#HB1
The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

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