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Port Mechanic Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the ... Two years as an engineer on tugboats and mechanical experience working on Detroit Diesel 71 Series ...

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the ... Two years as an engineer on tugboats and mechanical experience working on Detroit Diesel 71 Series ...

Plumbing Mechanic - Construction The primary responsibility of the Plumbing Mechanic is to assemble ... Cut and thread pipe, using necessary tools (i.e., pipe cutters, port-a-band saw, reciprocating saw ...

Overview East Coast Port Engineer LOCATION: Virginia Beach, VA JOB STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE ... Ability to review electronics/mechanical schematics/drawings. * Ability to learn to determine ...

Piping Mechanic - Construction The primary responsibility is to assemble, install, maintain, and ... Cut and thread pipe, using necessary tools (i.e., pipe cutters, port-a-band saw, reciprocating saw ...

Port with a mobile full time workforce that ensures that a quality product is delivered on time every time. IMIA, LLC has the equipment, seasoned deckplate supervision and mechanics, as well as ...

Sheet Metal Mechanic

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$23 - $38/hr

Port with a mobile full time workforce that ensures that a quality product is delivered on time every time. IMIA, LLC has the equipment, seasoned deckplate supervision and mechanics, as well as ...

Sheet Metal Mechanic

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$23 - $38/hr

Port with a mobile full time workforce that ensures that a quality product is delivered on time every time. IMIA, LLC has the equipment, seasoned deckplate supervision and mechanics, as well as ...

$21 - $37/hr

Port with a mobile full time workforce that ensures that a quality product is delivered on time every time. IMIA, LLC has the equipment, seasoned deckplate supervision and mechanics, as well as ...

SHT Mechanic

Newport News, VA · On-site

$21 - $37/hr

Port with a mobile full time workforce that ensures that a quality product is delivered on time every time. IMIA, LLC has the equipment, seasoned deckplate supervision and mechanics, as well as ...

Port with a mobile full time workforce that ensures that a quality product is delivered on time every time. IMIA, LLC has the equipment, seasoned deckplate supervision and mechanics, as well as ...

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Showing results 1-20

Port Mechanic information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$26

$38

How much do port mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for port mechanic in Virginia is $26.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $31.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a port mechanic?

Port Mechanics are skilled technicians responsible for maintaining, repairing, and servicing the heavy equipment and machinery used at seaports, such as cranes, forklifts, and container handlers. Their work ensures that cargo operations run smoothly and safely, minimizing delays and equipment downtime. Port Mechanics diagnose mechanical issues, perform routine maintenance, and may also work on hydraulic, electrical, or pneumatic systems. Their role is essential for keeping port operations efficient and supporting global trade.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a port mechanic?

To thrive as a Port Mechanic, you need strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting abilities, and relevant technical training or certification in diesel engines, hydraulics, or heavy equipment repair. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and equipment manuals is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help set outstanding port mechanics apart. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient operation and minimal downtime of critical port machinery, which is vital for smooth cargo handling and port operations.

What are some typical challenges a port mechanic faces when maintaining equipment in a busy port environment?

Port Mechanics often work in fast-paced settings where equipment such as cranes, forklifts, and conveyor systems must remain operational to keep cargo moving efficiently. Common challenges include diagnosing and repairing machinery under tight deadlines, working outdoors in various weather conditions, and ensuring safety compliance amidst heavy equipment traffic. Effective communication with operations teams is crucial, as is staying updated on evolving technologies used in port logistics. Adaptability and problem-solving skills are key to overcoming unexpected breakdowns and maintaining smooth port operations.

What is the difference between Port Mechanic vs Marine Technician?

AspectPort MechanicMarine Technician
CertificationsASE certifications, specialized port equipment trainingMarine certifications, such as STCW or marine engine repair
Work EnvironmentPorts, shipyards, cargo terminalsShips, docks, marine repair facilities
Industry UsageShipping companies, port authoritiesMaritime industry, boat manufacturers
Common Search IntentPort repair, cargo ship maintenanceShip engine repair, marine system troubleshooting

While both Port Mechanics and Marine Technicians work on ships and port equipment, Port Mechanics primarily focus on maintaining port machinery and cargo handling systems. Marine Technicians tend to specialize in repairing and maintaining ship engines and marine systems. The roles overlap in certifications and work environments, but their specific focus areas differ within the maritime industry.

Infographic showing various Port Mechanic job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,725 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Assistant Port Engineer

Norfolk, VA • On-site

McAllister Towing
Water Transportation • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Posted 8 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 highly experienced Assistant Port Engineer to join our team. Duties and responsibilities are outlined below:
Assistant Port Engineer
Reports to:
The Assistant Port Engineer is responsible and accountable to the Port Engineer.
Supervises:
None
Description of Duties:
The Assistant Port Engineer is a skilled Engineer and is responsible for fleet support in the operational readiness, maintenance, and regulatory compliance in a specific region Accurate and timely data entry, filing, and retrieval of all account's payable documents.
Assist Port Engineer to ensure all vessel engineers are properly trained, qualified, and complies with a regulatory training and/or certification requirements.
Assist Port Engineer with the timely and cost-effective maintenance, repair, modifications, and refurbishment projects of existing fleet.
Assist Port Engineer with monitoring the contractor and/or shipyard during maintenance and repair projects.
Conducts on-site surveys of vessels and equipment to determine maintenance and repair needs.
Analyzes problems and interfaces with appropriate operations personnel.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
Two years as an engineer on tugboats and mechanical experience working on Detroit Diesel 71 Series, EMD, Fairbanks Morse, and Caterpillar engines. Electrical system experience also required.
High School Degree or equivalent is required.
A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field preferred.
Maritime Academy graduate is preferred.
USCG Merchant Mariner Credential and Transportation Worker Identification Card.
USCG license preferred.
Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
Physical Requirements:
Ability to work in a sedentary office environment operating computers, telephones, radios and standard office equipment.
Capable of climbing ladders and safely embarking / disembarking moored vessels.
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 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.
FLSA Status:
Professional Exemption
*This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees are always expected to follow their supervisor's instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.
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.