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Port Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Port Engineer (Fleet/Shipyard Superintendent) will work hand in hand with Senior Port Engineer and collaborate with team to meet below responsibilities and tasks. WHAT YOU'LL DO: * Assist Senior ...

Dredge Port Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$140K/yr

The Port Engineer (Fleet/Shipyard Superintendent) will work hand in hand with Senior Port Engineer and collaborate with team to meet below responsibilities and tasks. WHAT YOU'LL DO: โ€ข Assist ...

As a Port Service Engineer, you will be responsible for selling and promoting marine products, services and concepts in a professional way while in ports and at terminals. To satisfies the immediate ...

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Port Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$16.2K

$116.4K

$179.1K

How much do port engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for port engineer in Houston, TX is $116,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,300.00 and $178,600.00 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 Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Port Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Port Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Port Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Port Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Port Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Port Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Port Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $116,369 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Port Engineer - MSC Gov't Experience/Shipyard Preferred

Patriot Contract Services

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

PORT ENGINEER


Patriot Maritime is a leading maritime contractor to the U.S. Government, managing and operating vessels.  Headquartered in Houston, TX, Patriot is looking for Port Engineers in conjunction with the contract requirements for Military Sealift Command (MSC), MARAD, and our commercial fleet. 

An active SECRET level security Clearance or the ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance is required.

Responsibilities & Authorities:


  • Oversee the safe and economic operation of an assigned group of vessels and cost-effectively manages the assigned
  • Manage day-to-day vessel-related problems including operational, technical support and safety areas, providing supervision and handling crew-related
  • Manage daily operations according to the Safety and Quality Management
  • Monitor the incidents and reports submitted by assigned vessels via the Docmap program and respond with comments, resolutions, corrective actions as necessary. Provide closure to incidents/reports in the SQMS within specified response times.
  • Periodically review the Class vessel report for deficiencies and relevant date-specific requirements.
  • Work with assigned vessel personnel to ensure they operate according to the policies, procedures, and performance standards of
  • Member of the Incident Response Team (IRT) for any vessel casualty they are
  • Conduct accident or near miss
  • Maintain familiarity with Company’s Employee Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), as described in SQMS and requirements for completing Vendor/Visitor Familiarization Checklist prior to beginning work on the
  • Ensure that the Chief Engineer reviews and signs off on all vendor service reports and conducts a personal physical review when possible. The Port Engineer may take on this responsibility for the Chief Engineer when
  • In consultation with the Chief Engineer, physically inspect the preventive maintenance records in SAMM and manage Planned Maintenance Industrial Assist (PMIA) w/in SAMM.
  • Maintain awareness of outstanding USCG 835 deficiencies and Port State Control findings, and report current status and progress on any required tracking

Qualifications:


  • Possess a minimum of three years' experience as a Port Engineer having managed and negotiated at least two shipyard dry-docking availabilities with a value greater than three million dollars. Experience gained while employed by a shipyard or while serving active duty in the military may be applicable towards meeting this requirement if the duties and responsibilities of the positions are substantially the same as a Port Engineer. This experience shall demonstrate their ability to effectively manage and negotiate complex projects such as shipyard dry dock overhauls and other types of repairs.·              
  • Possess a minimum of four years’ experience serving aboard Government or commercial ocean-going ships of not less than 4,000 HP as either a Chief Engineer or a First Assistant Engineer. This experience shall demonstrate effective management of maintenance and repair of ocean-going ships.·              
  • Possess minimum of seven years’ total experience that is comprised of one or more of the following:
    • An engineering related degree (e.g. Marine Engineer, Marine Architecture; Mechanical Engineering).
    • A Bachelor’s Degree will count for three years’ total education experience.
    • A Master’s Degree or higher will count for an additional one year of experience.
    • Engineering Degree(s) will count for no more than four years’ total experience.
    • Experience gained while employed by a shipyard in a management position
    • Serving active duty in the military performing duties substantially the same as a Port Engineer
    • This experience shall demonstrate their ability to manage and negotiate complex projects such as shipyard dry dock overhauls and other types of repairs on ocean-going ships.
  • Strong communication skills both written and verbal
  • Good project management skills, including strong decision-making, problem-solving and strategic planning abilities
  • Strong time management skills
  • Intermediate knowledge of the MS Office Suite, MS 360 and SharePoint required
  • An active SECRET level security Clearance or the ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance is required
  • The ability to travel up to 15% per year, and up to 50% during shipyard years.


Patriot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Patriot is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion, or belief, national or social or ethnic origin, gender, age, physical, disability, sexual/identity, or orientation.