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Port Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

All vacancies are located in the Assistant Port Engineer Branch (N757) in Norfolk, VA.Qualifications: Basic Requirements This series covers technical positions supervising, leading, or performing ...

Superviosry General Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$108K - $140K/yr

Coast Guard, OPERATING LOCATION-SFLC IBCT PORT ENGINEER SECTION 2-ALAMEDA CA in ALAMEDA, California. Learn more about this agency Duties Help You will serve as an Superviosry General Engineer and be ...

MARINE SURVEYOR

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$75K - $98K/yr

All vacancies are located in the Assistant Port Engineer Branch (N757) in Norfolk, VA. Learn more about this agency Duties Help * You will manage the ships life cycle plan by planning, directing and ...

Advanced Planner

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Plan work to be accomplished by Combat Systems Port Engineer(s) (CSPE(s)), On-Site Installation Coordinator(s) (OSIC(s)), installation and modernization Team Leads, In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA ...

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$75K - $118K/yr

You will serve as a principal port engineer for assigned ocean-going vessels, including those powered by steam and/or diesel and/or gas turbine. * You will determine, plan, and schedule all technical ...

Advanced Planner

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Plan work to be accomplished by Combat Systems Port Engineer(s) (CSPE(s)), On-Site Installation Coordinator(s) (OSIC(s)), installation and modernization Team Leads, In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA ...

Plan work to be accomplished by Combat Systems Port Engineer(s) (CSPE(s)), On-Site Installation Coordinator(s) (OSIC(s)), installation and modernization Team Leads, In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA ...

Showing results 41-60

Port Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$16.9K

$120.8K

$185.9K

How much do port engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for port engineer in Virginia is $120,810.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $185,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

How much do port engineers make in the US?

Port engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior or specialized port engineers can earn higher salaries, especially in major port cities or with advanced skills in project management and maritime systems.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Port Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Port Engineer job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Port Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $120,810 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

$75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Survey vessels to determine their condition and the extent of work necessary for compliance with requirements.

  • Inspect and accept work accomplished to ensure vessels meet specified conditions.

  • Interpret and apply regulations and standards related to ship maintenance, repair, and operation.


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
All vacancies are located in the Assistant Port Engineer Branch (N757) in Norfolk, VA.Qualifications:Basic Requirements
This series covers technical positions supervising, leading, or performing work involving surveying Government-owned and/or operated vessels, or privately-owned and operated merchant vessels, to determine their condition and the extent of work necessary for the vessels and their components to meet specified requirements. The work requires applying a practical knowledge of:
  • preparing specifications, including estimates of labor and material costs, to cover work determined to be necessary as a result of surveys; and
  • inspecting and accepting the work accomplished to place the vessel in the condition specified.

Experience Requirements
Specialized Experience (for all positions): per OPM
Applicants must have had 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression. Specialized experience is responsible work in the maintenance and repair of ocean-going vessels that demonstrated the ability to survey and inspect such vessels for the purposes of classification, appraisal, determination of general conditions and fitness for operation, and determination of the extent of damage sustained and type and cost of repairs and reconditioning required. This experience may have been gained in marine surveying or other work such as:
  • Seagoing experience as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed marine engineer in the merchant marine.
    • For GS-11 (or equivalent), applicants must have sailed under a 2nd Assistant license for at least 1 year.
    • For GS-12 (or equivalent), applicants must have sailed under a 1st Assistant license for at least 1 year.
  • Experience in a ship repair yard or in the engineering department of a steamship company serving in positions such as marine superintendent or port engineer.

Specialized Experience (for all positions): per Agency
GS-12:
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience interpreting commercial regulatory bodies such as the American Bureau of Shipping, United States Coast Guard, American Petroleum Institute, America Society of Testing Materials, and MARPOL requirements and their standards, policies and procedures as they apply to the operation and maintenance of a combined commercial and military fleet of ships.
  • Experience supporting the alteration, improvement, maintenance and repair of assigned ship classes.
  • Experience supporting the liaison process between sponsors, design agents, shipyards, and contractors on maintenance, repair, funding and scheduling for matters impacting assigned ship classes.
  • Experience conducting ship checks to verify the work item technical requirements and regularly work with the ships force to troubleshoot systems and technically analyze the cause of casualties.

GS-11:
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience utilizing a wide range of shipboard main and auxiliary systems.
  • Experience utilizing vessel operations and maintenance both in a commercial and military environment.
  • Experience reviewing plans, specifications, preliminary technical reports, design drawings, specifications for ship maintenance and repairs, and alterations.
  • Experience communicating on equipment and system life cycle issues.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/marine-survey-technical-series-0873/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:There is no educational substitution for a GS-0873-12.
There is no educational substitution for a GS-0873-11.Employment Type: OTHER

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