A

American Bureau of Shipping

Maritime classification, certification, and advisory services

Marine Principal Surveyor

Full-Time
$125k - $160k/yr
Senior
Bachelor's
San Francisco, CA, USA+1 moreMore locations: Oakland, CA, USA
In Person
Manufacturing Quality & TestInspection & Test
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship Required

About the job

Requirements
  • Qualifications from a tertiary institution within a relevant field of engineering or physical science through a minimum two-year program.
  • Qualifications from a marine or nautical institution and relevant seagoing experience as a certificated ship officer.
  • Typically, three years of experience working as a Senior Surveyor.
  • Typically, two years of experience on international assignments or significant exposure to international projects and processes.
  • Demonstrated expertise in effectively executing surveys across various disciplines.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and an extensive understanding of marine and/or offshore shipbuilding and construction practices, engineering systems, structure, and vessel operations.
  • Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving ability with the skill to propose and convey solutions effectively.
  • Ability to build client and customer relationships supporting business development.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and English fluency for detailed technical and business communication and interaction.
  • Knowledge of metrics-based performance concepts and the ability to manage key performance indicators to meet business outcomes.
  • Ability to learn the ABS Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental Management Systems.
  • Sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, and visual and auditory acuity to perform the duties effectively.
  • Ability to climb vertical ladders up to nine meters and navigate steep steps.
  • Ability to work at heights on various staging and lifting equipment.
  • Ability to maneuver in tight spaces and work inside confined areas for extended periods, including kneeling and crawling.
  • Ability to lift at least 25 pounds or 11.34 kilograms.
  • Ability to use small tools and wear personal protective equipment in accordance with ABS safety procedures.
  • Successful completion of required pre-employment and annual physical examinations where allowed by local laws.
  • U.S. Person status or the necessary export licenses or authorizations required under U.S. export control laws.
Responsibilities
  • Directly perform and support safe and efficient survey activities in accordance with ABS Rules, Guides, statutory requirements, and business outcomes.
  • Execute and safely support the Survey and Certification Core Process as an individual contributor and peer leader or resource.
  • Apply related rules, regulations, requirements, concepts, principles, and processes as a professional specialist.
  • Assist the In Charge Surveyor in planning, scheduling, and coordinating surveying activities.
  • Monitor quality of service delivery, including reviewing survey reports.
  • Assist in recommending short- and long-term manpower planning needs for qualified and trained survey staff based on projected business.
  • Promote a culture of safety and safe working conditions.
  • Maintain awareness of changes and developments in service delivery or technical issues affecting customers and communicate relevant information to supervisory or management personnel.
  • Support the performance and development of junior surveyors through coaching, mentorship, training, monitoring, and performance feedback.
  • Promote ABS services and capabilities through survey operations and customer interaction.
  • Maintain relationships with local Port State authorities.
  • Maintain the quality system in the assigned area of responsibility.
  • Support non-survey-related key Core Processes as needed for organizational success.

About the company

A

American Bureau of Shipping

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ABS is a maritime classification society that provides classification, certification, and technical advisory services for ships and offshore assets to ensure safety and compliance. It sets safety and environmental standards, conducts surveys and inspections, and issues approvals and certificates for vessels, manufacturers, and service suppliers across the asset lifecycle. A global team from 200+ offices in 70 countries performs asset performance, energy and environmental reviews, and lifecycle management, while collaborating with governments and industry on guidance and decarbonization efforts. Its 160-year history, non-profit mandate within IACS, and emphasis on safety and environmental protection distinguish it from many competitors, guiding customers toward safe, efficient, and low-emission operations.

Company Size

5,001-10,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Spring, Texas

Founded

1862

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What believers are saying

  • ABS signed a September 3, 2026 MOU with JB Energy for Brazilian floating wind.
  • ABS issued Fleetzero's battery system assessment on August 11, 2026, boosting electrification credibility.
  • ABS-backed TMV Logistics launched a $200 million maritime fund on May 26, 2026.

What critics are saying

  • DNV, Lloyd's Register, and Bureau Veritas still outrank ABS on installed fleet relationships.
  • ABS's Korea-U.S. shipbuilding push depends on 2026 subsidy politics and yard execution.
  • One class failure on ammonia, hydrogen, or nuclear approval would shred trust overnight.

What makes American Bureau of Shipping unique

  • ABS is an IACS member with 200 offices across 70 countries.
  • ABS combines classification, cyber consulting, and risk services after acquiring RMC Global in April 2026.
  • ABS leads frontier approvals for nuclear, floating data centers, ammonia, and hydrogen designs in 2026.

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Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

1%

2 year growth

8%
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