Job Description

Port Engineer – Tanker

Lead Critical Maritime Operations. Drive Performance. Shape the Future of U.S. Shipping.

At USMMI, you won’t just manage ships—you’ll help power the backbone of U.S. commerce and national security.

As a trusted leader in the maritime industry, USMMI operates a fleet of vessels supporting both commercial trade and vital government programs, including the Military Sealift Command and the Maritime Administration’s Tanker Security Program (TSP). Our work sits at the intersection of operational excellence, engineering innovation, and mission-critical logistics.

We are known for doing things the right way — holding ourselves to the highest global standards and continuously advancing best practices aligned with OCIMF. Our team brings deep expertise in ship operations, design, and lifecycle management, enabling us to deliver smart, reliable solutions in a complex and evolving industry.

Why Join USMMI

Mission-Driven Work: Support operations that directly impact U.S. economic strength and national security.  High-Impact Role: Your decisions directly influence vessel performance, safety, and charter success.  Professional Respect: Work alongside experienced mariners and engineers who value expertise and leadership.  Growth & Ownership: Take ownership of fleet performance and drive meaningful improvements.  Dynamic Environment: Split time between office strategy and hands-on vessel and shipyard operations. 

Your Impact

As a Port Engineer , you will take ownership of the technical performance, safety, and compliance of MR tankers operating in the Jones Act trade. You’ll serve as a critical link between shipboard teams and shoreside leadership—ensuring vessels operate safely, efficiently, and at peak readiness.

This is a role for a seasoned Chief Engineer ready to transition to the shoreside (or elevate their current port engineering career) and make a measurable impact across a fleet.

What You’ll Do

Lead the technical management and operational readiness of assigned vessels.  Partner with Masters and Chief Engineers to ensure safe, efficient voyages.  Plan and execute maintenance strategies, repairs, and drydock periods.  Own and manage vessel budgets, balancing cost control with operational excellence.  Drive compliance across USCG, ABS, EPA, and international regulatory frameworks.  Champion safety culture and proactively address risks across the fleet.  Analyze performance data to improve reliability, fuel efficiency, and lifecycle outcomes.  Troubleshoot complex engineering issues and support crews with practical solutions.  Oversee vendor, shipyard, and class engagements for inspections and certifications.  Lead incident investigations and ensure effective corrective actions.  Contribute to audits and vetting programs (TMSA, SIRE 2.0, ISM, ISO).  Advance continuous improvement initiatives aligned with OCIMF best practices. 

What You Bring

Required Experience & Credentials

U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer License (Unlimited HP) with Tank Vessel endorsement. 10+ years sailing as Chief Engineer on MR tankers (40,000–50,000 DWT preferred).  Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or related field.  Strong knowledge of U.S. and international maritime regulations (USCG, ABS, SOLAS/MARPOL, TMSA, SIRE 2.0).  Expertise in low-speed diesel propulsion, electrical systems, cargo systems, and automation.  Proven experience planning and executing drydock projects and managing budgets. 

Core Strengths

Leadership and decision-making in high-stakes operational environments  Strong communication across shipboard and executive stakeholders  Analytical mindset with a focus on performance optimization  Hands-on problem solving with practical, field-ready solutions 

Additional Requirements

Valid TWIC and U.S. Passport  Ability to travel extensively (domestic and international, often on short notice)  U.S. citizenship with eligibility for Secret clearance 

Preferred

Prior port engineer or fleet management experience  Advanced degree in engineering management or related discipline 

Work Environment & Travel

This role blends office-based planning with hands-on field execution:

Location: Norfolk, Virginia – On-Site  Travel: Extensive travel (including foreign travel and travel in cars, boats, ships, and airplanes) will be required to attend to shipyard maintenance, to ride vessels or visit vessels for quality assurance and general management of vessel and crews, and on short notice for casualties, to conduct investigations and to protect the company’s reputation, or as directed by management 

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General office setting , typically the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work, usually at a computer terminal with short breaks or lunch period. However, there may be some bending/stooping, reaching above shoulder level, walking; standing; carrying of light items such as papers, books, or packages of up to 25 pounds. You should be able to hear & speak clearly using phone / headset to communicate with customers; be able to navigate, view & enter information on the computer.

Operations Setting: typically, the employee must be able to be in Confined Spaces, Sit, Stand, Walk, Bend, Push/Pull, Kneel, Squat, Reaching and Twisting. Can not have any Fear of Heights. Also need the ability to consistently be able to lift 10lb – 100lb utilizing Folding Hand Truck & Dolly, Rolling Utility Carts or Single Hand Trucks (70 – 100%) of time.

Our Commitment to You

At USMMI, we are committed to providing a workplace where safety, professionalism, and respect come first. We invest in our people and empower them to take ownership, lead with confidence, and grow their careers in a meaningful way.

Ready to Take the Helm Shoreside

If you’re a seasoned Chief Engineer or experienced Port Engineer looking to make a broader impact, this is your opportunity to lead, influence, and help shape the future of maritime operations.

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