Port Engineer

Job Summary

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking a highly skilled Port Engineer to join their team. As a key member of the Ship Operations Department, this position is responsible for designing and overseeing the installation and/or repair of marine power plants, propulsion systems, heating, ventilating, and all other mechanical and electrical systems on research vessels.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and guidance to all shipboard officers and crew.
• Direct repairs, maintenance, and inspection of ships' machinery systems.
• Prepare and maintain records and documents for U.S. Coast Guard, US Navy, National Science Foundation inspections and American Bureau of Shipping surveys.
• Write contract specifications for scheduled shipyard dry-docking, repairs, and overhaul requirements.
• Evaluate and oversee modifications to equipment and systems to meet new regulatory agency requirements.
• Manage the logistics for our ship(s), directing maintenance, spare parts, equipment, casualties, and machinery repairs.
• Port Office contact for issues dealing with shipboard maintenance and repair systems using ABS Nautical Systems software.
• Create purchase orders and track expenses in the ship and shore-side service accounts, providing input to the budget process.
• Provide updates to staff on regulatory requirements influencing maritime operations and WHOI.
• Provide on-site shipyard supervision as scheduled by Director of Ship Operations.
• Travel may be required up to 15% of the time, occasionally for up to 2+ months during a regulatory drydock.
• May manage the Ship Operations Internal Safety Management (ISM) program.
• May coordinate and manage the purchase of fuel for WHOI's global research vessels.
• May act as company Fleet Security Officer, managing WHOI's research vessels in following current Coast Guard and International security requirements.
• May act as company Fleet Oil Spill Response Coordinator, ensuring WHOI vessels meet all applicable Coast Guard and international marine pollution regulations.
• May manage Federal EPA-VGP program for WHOI vessels, ensuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

Education & Experience

• Required:
  • Education: Degree in Marine Engineering/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience plus at least 10 years' experience in Marine Engineering.
  • Experience: Must have thorough knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping rules and regulations.
  • Certification/License: Must have demonstrated foresight and judgment in planning, budgeting, organizing, and guiding extensive and complex ship repair projects.
  • Soft Skills: Communicates effectively with everyone onboard, especially with our stakeholder groups and Port Office.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment USCG DOT drug screening and participate in random drug testing per USCG regulations.
  • Must be a US Citizen.
• Desired:
  • Education: Maritime Academy Engineering or similar.
  • Experience: Diesel Electric Propulsion and management of Dry-dock Projects.
  • Certification/License: 3rd A/E Unlimited desired, CE Unlimited preferred.
  • Soft Skills: Microsoft Office suite, ABS Enterprise Software.
  • Must possess a valid TWIC card for maritime security access.

Physical Requirements

• Balance - Work in confined and unstable areas - Bend, kneel, squat, Clean, maintain, and inspect equipment.
• Climb - Reach work areas, equipment, and stores by ladder and stairs.
• Crawl - Crawl through bilge pockets, and under ladders and winch beds.
• Feel - Touch objects: where sight is limited. Manipulate nuts, bolts, tools, and cleaning gear.
• Handle - Handle equipment and stores with sure grip.
• Hear, talk - Communicate with people.
• Lift, carry - Load stores over 50 pounds.
• Push, pull - Move equipment over 50 pounds.
• Reach - Up, over, and under equipment and stores.
• See - Read labels, menus, logs, charts, and gauges in poor lighting.
• Sit - Operate crane, small inflatable boat, and life raft.
• Stand - Work on equipment.
• Walk - Perform rounds at sea.
• Write - Maintain logs.

Work Conditions and Examples of Hazardous Area/Duty

• Confined areas - Store rooms, engine spaces, and tanks.
• Potential allergens and irritants - Fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases.
• Adverse weather - On deck in rough seas during equipment maintenance.
• Extreme temperatures - On deck in tropics and high latitudes; in engine room.
• Potential hazards - Being at sea; slippery and uneven surfaces; moving parts and objects; climbing ladders; and working aloft.
• Noise - Constant and loud engine room noise, blowers, exhaust fans.
• Schedule - Protracted and irregular working hours.
• Vibrations - Ship's engines and chipping hammer.

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