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Port Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Watco

Port Supervisor - Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site

... engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • Leadership and ... port and terminal operations, including vessel movements, cargo handling, and import/export ...

New

Watco

Port Supervisor - Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site

... engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • Leadership and ... port and terminal operations, including vessel movements, cargo handling, and import/export ...

New

American Cruise Lines

Engineer - Unlicensed

Alton, IL

... Port Engineers. At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-- Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work ...

American Cruise Lines

Engineer - Unlicensed

Alton, IL · On-site

... Port Engineers. At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values- Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work ...

INA Solution

Industrial Engineer

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

Port Reading, NJ | New Berlin, WI | Lower Nazareth, PA | Plainfield, IL | Lancaster, TX Salary: Up to $130,000 + $10,000 Bonus We are hiring a Senior Industrial Engineer to drive continuous ...

New

AHEAD

Product Engineer 1

Libertyville, IL

As a Product Engineer I - Configuration Services, you will be instrumental in implementing ... Develop and maintain system configuration plans and port mapping for single systems and small ...

AHEAD

Product Engineer 1

Libertyville, IL · On-site

As a Product Engineer I - Configuration Services, you will be instrumental in implementing ... Develop and maintain system configuration plans and port mapping for single systems and small ...

AHEAD

Product Engineer 1

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

As a Product Engineer I - Configuration Services, you will be instrumental in implementing ... Develop and maintain system configuration plans and port mapping for single systems and small ...

Trace3

Engineer: Tier 1 (On-site)

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Engineer will provide clients with remote and on-site support services, focusing on physical ... port assignments. • Ability to identify various power receptacle types (NEMA 5-15, C13/14/15, C19 ...

Doist

Network Automation & Reliability Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

We are looking for an engineer who is genuinely production‑grade on both sides of the job -- deep ... Support capacity expansion and site turn‑ups: high‑level design, port channelization, optics ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Every airport, road, bridge, port, or transit project is an opportunity to make communities safer ... Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof ... Every airport, road, bridge, port, or transit project is an opportunity to make communities safer ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof ... Every airport, road, bridge, port, or transit project is an opportunity to make communities safer ...

Stantec

Railway Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Every airport, road, bridge, port, or transit project is an opportunity to make communities safer ... Your Opportunity As a Railway Engineer, you will support the planning and design of a wide rangeof ...

Stantec

Transportation Engineer - Roadways

Chicago, IL · On-site

$79K - $105K/yr

Every airport, road, bridge, port, or transit project is an opportunity to make communities safer ... Your Opportunity The Transportation Engineer will plan, design, and direct engineering projects ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPort Engineer JobsPort Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Port Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$16.5K

$118.1K

$181.7K

How much do port engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for port engineer in Illinois is $118,081.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,600.00 and $181,200.00 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.

More about Port Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Port Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Port Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Port Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Port Engineer job openings:

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

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

Port Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Engineer job openings in Illinois 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 $118,081 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Port Supervisor - Chicago, IL

Watco

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Watco rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

284th of 362 rated logistics

Job description

Port Supervisor - Chicago, IL
Job Location: Chicago Ferro
Office Location: Onsite
Employment Type: Salary
Job Type: Full Time
Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference
Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:
• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities
Job Summary
The Port Supervisor leads and supports teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant port and terminal operations, including vessel movements, cargo handling, and import/export activities. They act as a liaison between internal teams and external customers while maintaining operational documentation and supporting scheduling, resource allocation, and reporting.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead, schedule, and support their teams to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate port and terminal operations
• Support the coordination of vessel and barge movements, cargo handling, and terminal activities, including import/export operations and special customer requests
• Act as a liaison between internal teams, customers, and regulatory agencies to maintain clear communication and operational flow
• Support and ensure compliance with company policies, safety protocols, FTZ regulations, and customs requirements
• Support operational documentation not limited to vessel schedules, cargo records, and correspondence, and track all relevant communications
• Engage in operations calls that support the daily vessel schedule
• Assist with operational needs, not limited to planning, labor allocation, and resource coordination to optimize vessel and terminal performance
• Support reporting and additional operational tasks, including environmental, financial, or procedural documentation as needed
• Performs other duties assigned by leadership
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be able to pass and/or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position and location. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in port, terminal, or related operations
• Knowledgeable in port and terminal operations
• Strong ability to serve as a liaison between internal teams and external customers
• Valid Driver's License
• Valid TWIC card or the ability to obtain and maintain one, required
Education
High School or GED equivalent
Associate's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field preferred

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