Technical Operations Assistant Jobs in Muskegon, MI

Description

Port Engineer

Mainstay Maritime is the largest provider of marine bulk and liquid logistics infrastructure on the Great Lakes, operating a fleet of 23 vessels that safely and efficiently serve customers throughout the region. Guided by a commitment to safety, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship, we invest in our people and assets to deliver reliable transportation solutions and exceptional customer service.

At Mainstay Maritime, we are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative marine transportation solutions while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and customer service. Our success is driven by experienced professionals who are dedicated to safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, and accountability. 

Mainstay Maritime is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Port Engineer to oversee the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of the company's marine fleet. The Port Engineer serves as the primary technical representative for assigned vessels and is responsible for maintaining fleet readiness through effective maintenance planning, repair execution, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle asset management.

This position works closely with vessel crews, operations personnel, purchasing, regulatory agencies, shipyards, equipment manufacturers, and outside contractors to ensure vessels operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements. The Port Engineer develops and administers preventive maintenance programs, manages repair projects and dry dockings, controls maintenance budgets, and provides technical guidance to vessel personnel.

The successful candidate will possess strong marine engineering knowledge, project management experience, and the ability to balance operational priorities with long-term asset reliability. This role requires frequent vessel visits, shipyard oversight, and the ability to respond to technical issues that impact fleet operations.

The successful candidate is expected to take ownership of assigned vessels by driving continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to reduce operating costs, improving equipment reliability, and ensuring maintenance activities are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget. Success in this role is measured by vessel availability, regulatory compliance, maintenance execution, and the effective coordination of internal and external resources to support uninterrupted marine operations.

This position offers the opportunity to play a critical role in maintaining one of the Great Lakes' premier commercial fleets while contributing to the long-term reliability and operational excellence of Andrie LLC's marine assets.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Fleet Maintenance

Develop, implement, and oversee preventive maintenance programs for a diverse network of ships, tugboats and barges.

Schedule and coordinate routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and major overhauls.

Monitor vessel performance and identify opportunities to improve reliability and efficiency.

Review maintenance reports and ensure timely completion of corrective actions.

Provide engineering support to captains, engineers and vessel crews.

Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, propulsion, and auxiliary equipment failures.

Recommend repair methods and equipment upgrades.

Maintain technical documentation, drawings, and equipment specifications.

Plan and manage vessel dry dock projects.

Develop repair specifications and scopes of work.

Solicit and evaluate vendor and shipyard proposals.

Monitor contractor performance, project schedules, budgets, and quality of work.

Inspect completed repairs prior to vessel acceptance.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure vessels comply with applicable regulations established by the United States Coast Guard, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, environmental agencies, and classification societies.

Coordinate inspections, audits, and certifications.

Maintain required maintenance and inspection records.

Assist with corrective actions resulting from inspections.

Budget and Cost Control

Develop annual maintenance budgets.

Track repair expenditures and monitor maintenance costs.

Approve invoices and verify contractor billing.

Identify opportunities to reduce operating costs while maintaining fleet reliability.

Vendor and Contractor Management

Establish relationships with shipyards, equipment manufacturers, and service providers.

Negotiate pricing and service agreements.

Coordinate procurement of vessel parts and equipment.

Ensure contractors comply with company safety standards.

Safety

Continue to promote a strong safety culture throughout the fleet.

Participate in incident investigations and root cause analyses.

Recommend engineering improvements that enhance vessel safety.

Ensure maintenance activities comply with company safety policies.

Documentation

Maintain computerized maintenance management records.

Prepare engineering reports and maintenance summaries.

Track equipment history and lifecycle costs.

Assist in Maintaining spare parts inventories.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture or a related engineering discipline preferred.

Equivalent marine engineering experience may be considered.

Experience

5-10 years of marine engineering, vessel maintenance, or shipyard experience.

Experience with towing vessels, workboats, or commercial marine operations preferred.

Experience managing vessel repair projects and contractors.

Technical Knowledge

Marine diesel engines

Marine propulsion systems

Hydraulic systems

Electrical power generation and distribution

Pumps and piping systems

HVAC and auxiliary machinery

Welding and fabrication

Preventive maintenance systems

Marine environmental compliance

Computer Skills

Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Budgeting and reporting software

Skills and Competencies

Strong mechanical troubleshooting abilities

Project management and planning

Budget management

Vendor negotiation

Excellent written and verbal communication

Leadership and team collaboration

Decision-making under pressure

Time management and organizational skills

Attention to detail

Physical Requirements

Ability to board vessels using ladders and gangways.

Work in engine rooms and confined spaces.

Lift equipment and parts weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Travel to ports, shipyards, and vessel locations as required.

Work Environment

Combination of office, shipyard, dockside, and onboard vessel environments.

Occasional evenings, weekends, or emergency call-outs.

Travel throughout the Great Lakes region may be required.

Preferred Certifications

USCG Marine engineering license or equivalent experience

OSHA safety training

First Aid/CPR certification

TWIC credential 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Fleet operational availability

Maintenance cost performance versus budget

Dry dock project completion on schedule and within budget

Regulatory inspection success rate

Equipment reliability and reduction of unplanned downtime

Safety performance and incident reduction

Preventive maintenance completion rate