What are the responsibilities and job description for the Port Engineer position at Keystone Shipping Co.?
KeyLakes, Inc. (a subsidiary of Keystone Shipping Co) is seeking an experienced engineering professional to join our Engineering Department as a Port Engineer in our Duluth, Minnesota office. This key leadership role oversees the engineering operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance for our fleet of self-unloading Great Lakes bulk carriers. The position reports directly to the Fleet Engineer.
What You’ll Do
As Port Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of assigned vessels.
Key responsibilities include:
• Provide overall engineering management for assigned vessels, including operation, maintenance, repair, condition monitoring, and certification.
• Plan and manage voyage repairs, drydockings, winter layup maintenance, and repair periods — including procurement of materials and services.
• Ensure vessels remain fully certificated and in compliance with regulatory requirements, coordinate inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard, ABS, and other regulatory bodies.
• Prepare annual budgets for spare parts, voyage repairs, major repairs, and special projects; manage expenditures within approved budgets.
• Maintain thorough familiarity with the operational status, hull condition, and all equipment on your assigned vessels.
• Oversee technical engineering operations and provide expert guidance to shipboard senior officers and shoreside teams.
• Monitor vessel performance and maintenance data, identify improvement opportunities, and recommend modifications to Chief Engineers and company leadership.
• Represent KeyLakes in industry technical forums as needed.
• Take on additional projects as assigned by the Vice President of Engineering or Fleet Engineer.
What You Bring
We’re looking for a results-oriented engineering leader with strong technical and project management skills who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative maritime environment.
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Marine, Mechanical, or a closely related discipline) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in marine engineering, vessel maintenance/repair, or a related heavy industrial engineering field.
• Demonstrated experience in equipment maintenance, repair oversight, and technical problem-solving.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
• U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited License as First Assistant Engineer (or higher) — highly desirable but not required.
• Prior experience as a Port Engineer, project management of drydockings, conversions, or major repair projects.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical background.
• Knowledge of electrical systems and ability to read technical prints/schematics.
• Proficiency with CAD software.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard and ABS rules and regulations.
• Familiarity with planned maintenance software (e.g., ABS NS5 or similar systems).
• Excellent communication, analytical, administrative, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a teamwork-oriented environment.
Additional Requirements:
• Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Willing and able to relocate to the Duluth, MN area.
• Able to pass a physical examination and physically capable of entering confined spaces and climbing ladders aboard vessels.
• Moderate travel required, with higher demands during winter layup periods.
o Note: This role involves moderate (including up to 25% during winter layup periods) and occasional shipboard visits requiring physical ability to climb ladders and enter confined spaces.
What We Offer
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Excellent comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a respected fleet of Great Lakes self-unloading bulk carriers.
• Direct impact on vessel performance, safety, and operational efficiency in a dynamic maritime setting.