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Senior Port Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

matson

Vessel Engineering Manager

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$132K - $190K/yr

Approve Port Engineer maintenance plans to align with fleet objectives and regulatory standards ... Oversee senior engineering personnel onboard, including recruitment/selection, training, and ...

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Senior Port Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior port engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior port engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Port Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Port Engineer, you need a solid background in marine engineering, vessel maintenance, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering and a chief engineer license or equivalent certification. Familiarity with ship management software, planned maintenance systems (PMS), and international maritime regulations like IMO and ISM Code is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set top performers apart in overseeing teams and coordinating with multiple stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring vessel safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory adherence in complex port environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a Senior Port Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Port Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing aging infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Addressing these requires strong communication skills to align stakeholders, proactive maintenance planning to mitigate equipment failures, and staying updated on regulatory changes. Additionally, successful Senior Port Engineers leverage project management tools and continuously seek input from both operations and safety personnel to maintain efficient and compliant port operations.

What is the difference between Senior Port Engineer vs Port Engineer?

AspectSenior Port EngineerPort Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional license, experienceEngineering degree, some experience, possibly licensing
Work EnvironmentProject management, overseeing teams, strategic planningOn-site inspections, technical support, project execution
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, port authorities, maritime firmsPort authorities, shipping lines, construction firms

The main difference is that Senior Port Engineers typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and oversee complex projects, while Port Engineers focus on technical tasks and supporting port operations. Senior Port Engineers often manage teams and coordinate large-scale projects, whereas Port Engineers handle day-to-day technical duties within port operations.

What are Senior Port Engineers?

Senior Port Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, and operation of vessels or port infrastructure. They ensure that all engineering systems, such as engines, electrical, and safety equipment, are functioning properly and in compliance with regulations. Senior Port Engineers often manage a team of engineers and technicians, plan and supervise major repairs or upgrades, and coordinate with other departments to support smooth port or vessel operations. Their role is critical in minimizing downtime and ensuring the safety and efficiency of marine operations.
More about Senior Port Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Port Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Port Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Port Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Port Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Port Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Port Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Port Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Port Engineer jobs are:
Senior Port Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Port Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Vessel Engineering Manager

Vessel Engineering Manager

matson

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$132K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Matson rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Position at Matson Navigation Company, Inc
About Us
Matson has been the leading ocean shipping and logistics provider throughout the Pacific since 1882. We are the supply chain lifeline for Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and islands of the South Pacific. We also offer the top two ocean shipping services in the world's largest trade lane - Asia to the U.S. West Coast. With our subsidiaries Matson Terminals and Matson Logistics, our business focus is exceeding customer expectations with quality, reliability, and integrity.
We strive to operate in an environmentally sustainable manner and promote land-based environmental programs in Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska. We help improve the communities in which we work and live through our community giving program that annually supports hundreds of local organizations.
Matson is honored to be certified as a Great Place to Work. Our team of dedicated and talented employees consistently deliver exceptional results for our customers and the communities in which we serve.
Learn more at matson.com.
About the Role
The Vessel Engineering Manager provides strategic leadership to the engineering team, ensuring vessel schedule integrity, regulatory compliance, and cost effective maintenance operations.
What you'll do:
The position reports to the Director of Engineering. The position is responsible for the management and oversight of all aspects of vessel maintenance and repair (M&R) of the vessels, including safety, financial, accounting, engineering, and personnel management, including the following:
  • Operational Management
    • Verify vessel schedule integrity by monitoring daily performance and identifying potential disruptions.
    • Approve Port Engineer maintenance plans to align with fleet objectives and regulatory standards.
    • Coordinate emergent maintenance solutions to minimize downtime.
    • Communicate repair plans and timelines to stakeholders for transparency.
    • Manage Port Engineer schedules for optimal resource allocation.
    • Develop lay period work lists for interim dry dock planning.
    • Provide timely reporting through daily, weekly, and monthly updates.
    • Oversee senior engineering personnel onboard, including recruitment/selection, training, and preparation of performance reviews.
  • Financial Management
    • Develop and manage annual vessel budgets aligned with operational goals.
    • Audit vendor deliverables and invoices to ensure accuracy and prevent overbilling; resolve discrepancies promptly.
    • Monitor purchase order performance for cost control and accountability.
    • Prepare and submit Capital Expenditure Requests (CERs) for planned and emergent upgrades.
  • Compliance and Safety
    • Implement and refine policies supporting the Safety Management System (SMS).
    • Ensure environmental stewardship in all vessel operations.
    • Maintain regulatory certificates and verify compliance with classification requirements.
    • Monitor safety compliance as a member of the Marine Safety Committee meetings.

You have these skills:
  • Licensed USCG Chief Engineer, Unlimited Steam and Motor (First Assistant or Chief Engineer preferred).
  • Familiarity with all aspects of vessel operations and technical management for modern US flag containerships.
  • Experienced in overseeing shipboard maintenance and repair administration through Nautical Systems Enterprise (NSE).
  • Proficient in project management with expertise in MS Project for planning and execution.
  • Excellent ability to craft clear, concise documentation and apply critical analysis to complex problems.
  • Strong Excel capabilities with hands-on experience in pivot tables for analytical and reporting tasks.
  • Strong expertise in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint, combined with solid Windows operating proficiency.
  • Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage both large and small audiences.

And these qualifications:
  • Licensed US Coast Guard Chief Engineer, Unlimited Steam & Motor (First Assistant or Chief Engineer preferred).
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from a State or Federal Maritime Academy preferred.
  • Experience as a Containership Technical Manager.

Extra credit if you have:
  • Ability to travel as required.
  • Ability to commit to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals and/or deadlines, including work on the weekends and holidays, to meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements:
  • Sitting 60 minutes per hour
  • Walking 60 minutes per hour
  • Standing 60 minutes per hour

The annual salary range is posted for this position in Washington and California. The salary offered will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.
Matson offers medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits as well as a wide variety of other benefits to employees and their families. These benefits options include life insurance, supplemental life insurance, paid leaves of absence, and long-term disability insurance, as well as more specialized benefits such as emergency childcare, death, and dismemberment insurance, prepaid legal services, and adoption assistance. Matson offers a 401k with employer matching, cash balance plan, and profit sharing, along with 13 paid holidays, 10 sick days and a tiered vacation plan. More information on our benefits can be found here.
At Matson, we're looking for people to build a unified team to maintain our values of trust, integrity, and reliability. We welcome people who think rigorously and thoughtfully challenge assumptions.
#MI
Matson is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, ancestry, disability, AIDS/HIV status, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws, as well as applicable local ordinances, including, but not limited to, the San Francisco and Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinances.View our applicant privacy statement: https://www.matson.com/media/Applicant_Privacy_Statement.pdf.

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