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Curtin Maritime

Marine transportation, construction, dredging, subsea installations

Tugboat Engineer

General Maintenance & RepairUpdated on Nov 12
Full-timeRemote in USA

About the Job

Requirements

  • The role requires attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to make safe, effective decisions under stressful or dangerous conditions.
  • The role requires responsibility, ownership, and initiative in completing tasks.
  • The role requires strong logistical and mechanical reasoning and a thorough understanding of vessels and their movement.
  • The role requires the physical agility to traverse uneven ground and gangways at varying heights, bend, stoop, squat, and climb ladders and high steps frequently.
  • The role requires the ability to safely lift 40 pounds and move heavy, large, or awkward equipment.
  • The role requires the strength and dexterity to handle lines, make up tows with wire rigging, operate deck machinery, and work on equipment that may be poorly accessible.
  • The role requires the ability to work below decks in periods of darkness and in confined spaces, perform emergency duties, use onboard emergency equipment, and swim.
  • The role requires a TWIC Card, MMC OS/Wiper, CG Med Cert, and passport.
  • Engineer II requires MMC QMED/Oiler and STCW Basic Training in addition to the Engineer I requirements.
  • Engineer III requires DDE 1000 in addition to Engineer I and II requirements.
  • Engineer IV requires DDE 4000 in addition to Engineer I–III requirements.
  • Engineer V requires DDE of any horsepower and a 500-ton credential in addition to Engineer I–IV requirements.
  • Engineer I requires experience as an assistant or sole engineer on tugs, basic knowledge of electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems, troubleshooting ability, tow winch operation, and engine-room cleaning and maintenance.
  • Engineer II requires proficiency in Engineer I–III deckhand duties, sign-off as an engineer on multiple fleet vessels, the ability with some guidance to identify basic engineering systems on a new vessel, and growing vessel-systems troubleshooting and repair abilities.
  • Engineer III requires engineering experience on all fleet vessels, including ocean tugs; the ability to engineer an unfamiliar vessel without prior knowledge or instruction; thorough vessel-systems troubleshooting and repair ability; and proactive critical-path planning to maintain readiness and maximize operational efficiency.
  • Engineer IV requires high-level troubleshooting and repair experience across fleet equipment, including tugs, cranes, winches, electrical systems, pumps, auxiliary equipment, gasoline engines, and vehicles; heavy repairs such as engine overhauls and power-pack replacement; system installation for new and retrofit applications, including repowers and hydraulic and other plumbing systems; vessel commissioning, critical-spares lists, and standard operating procedures; and basic welding skills.
  • Engineer V requires the Engineer IV vessel-proficiency qualifications, including high-level engineering, troubleshooting, repair, heavy repairs, system installation, vessel commissioning, and basic welding skills.
  • The role requires basic proficiency in the Vessel Management System, compliance with the Curtin Standard, and thorough recordkeeping and reporting to the Port Engineer.
  • Engineer II requires proficient Vessel Management System use and a beginning understanding of Subchapter M, ABS, and USCG requirements.
  • Engineer III requires full Vessel Management System use, thorough understanding of Subchapter M, ABS, and USCG requirements, participation in internal and external audits, and a record of strong Vessel Management System performance and training others in its use.
  • Engineer IV and V require proficiency in internal and external audits, participation in developing audit criteria, and a record of strong Vessel Management System performance and training others in its use.
  • Engineer I leadership duties require taking ownership of assigned vessels, maintaining inventories and work plans, creating requisitions proactively, and maintaining vessel cleanliness.
  • Engineer II leadership duties require managing project teams, holding members accountable for completing tasks, and assisting the Captain in assigning work.
  • Engineer III requires strong management skills for working with crew, vendors, and shipyards; maintaining onboard training for Engineers I and II and Deckhands; and providing constructive feedback to crew and on equipment and jobs.
  • Engineer IV and V require experience managing dry-dockings and repairs, independently managing projects and coordinating with vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, and shoreside teams, and contributing to standard operating procedures and training content.
  • The role requires strong communication skills to address office staff and instruct or train crew at multiple levels.

Responsibilities

  • Work directly with the Port Engineer and Vessel Captain while maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard.
  • Plan and execute voyages and understand vessel mechanics and movement.
  • Operate tow winches and maintain and clean engine rooms to the Curtin Standard.
  • Take ownership of assigned vessels, maintain inventories and work plans, create requisitions, and leave vessels cleaner than they were found.
  • Manage Deckhands when applicable on projects and during downtime.
  • Partner with the Port Engineer and Captain to plan work while underway.
  • Manage teams on vessel projects and ensure accountability for completing tasks and assignments; assist the Captain in keeping crew productively assigned and lead by example.
  • Engineer vessels across the fleet, including ocean tugs at Engineer III level, and troubleshoot and repair vessel systems and equipment.
  • Plan engineering work proactively, maintain vessel readiness, and maximize operational efficiency.
  • Perform heavy repairs, install systems on new and retrofit applications, and commission new vessels, including preparing critical-spares lists and standard operating procedures.
  • Participate in internal and external audits and help develop audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard.
  • Train other crew members in Vessel Management System use and function.
  • Manage dry-dockings and repairs, coordinate projects with vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, and shoreside teams, and contribute to standard operating procedures and training content.
  • Perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard the vessel.
  • Travel to and from vessels and work offshore, often for long hours and weekends, with project-specific schedules.

Desired Qualifications

  • Engineer I preferred credentials include MMC QMED/Oiler, Able Seaman Endorsement, and STCW Basic Training.
  • Engineer III preferred credential: STCW RFPEW.
  • Engineer IV preferred credentials: STCW RFPEW and AS-Engine.
  • Engineer V preferred credentials: STCW RFPEW, AS-Engine, and STCW OICEW.

About the Company

Curtin Maritime

Marine transportation, construction, dredging, subsea installations

Curtin Maritime provides marine solutions, including marine transportation, dredging, construction, and subsea installations, serving government, commercial, and private clients in the United States and around the world. It works by offering end-to-end project support: from design through execution, with flexible delivery models that include time charters and turnkey lump-sum solutions. Revenue comes from contracts for marine transport, project cargo, heavy lift work, and other specialized maritime services. The company differentiates itself through its ability to tailor services to each project phase, its dual delivery options (time charter and turnkey), and its emphasis on safety, customer satisfaction, and environmental stewardship. Its goal is to complete projects efficiently and safely, meeting client needs on time and within budget through customized, responsible maritime solutions.

Company size
201-500
Company stage
Not listed
Total funding
Not listed
Headquarters
Long Beach, CA
Founded
1997

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