Port Engineer - MARAD

About Us

Matson has been the leading ocean shipping and logistics provider throughout the Pacific since 1882. We are the supply chain lifeline for Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, and islands of the South Pacific. We also offer the top two ocean shipping services in the world’s largest trade lane - Asia to the U.S. West Coast. With our subsidiaries Matson Terminals and Matson Logistics, our business focus is exceeding customer expectations with quality, reliability, and integrity.

We strive to operate in an environmentally sustainable manner and promote land-based environmental programs in Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska. We help improve the communities in which we work and live through our community giving program that annually supports hundreds of local organizations. And we work to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in our company, communities and industry through an active social equity program.

Matson is a great place to work, and everyone who works with us becomes part of the Matson ohana or family. Join our team and help us move freight better than anyone.

Learn more at matson.com.

About the Role

The Port Engineer is responsible for the day-to-day technical operation of assigned Matson managed MARAD RRF Cape H vessels while at ROS lay berth in San Francisco or under MSC OPCON FOS mission operation. Will be primarily responsible for vessel repair and maintenance, regulatory (ABS & USCG) compliance and execution of MARAD business plan repairs. Overall person in charge of vessel activities including ROS maintenance & repairs, activation & sea trials, dock trials, mission operations, dry-dock and ROS crew personnel management. Monitors and advises vessel’s Senior Officers in order to maintain operational capabilities and mission readiness of the vessel. Communicates directly with MARAD and various Matson leaders on vessel status, including crew and operational issues. Required Membership of Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA).

What you’ll do:

• Determine the extent of necessary repairs, recommends which work should be done by outside contractors or ship’s crew and is responsible for putting work in hand with vendors, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Prepare and write specifications (SR’s) and issues RFP’s and SPO’s using NSE for repairs, estimates costs by competitive bids, direct negotiation or other valid methods. Negotiate prices with vendors.
• Inspect and supervise vendor work including acceptance, witness, and testing.
• Advise the accounting on the status of costs of each vessel’s maintenance and repair work and maintains surveillance over budgets within allot MARAD business plan budget and MARAD task order funding levels.
• Develop shipyard repair and drydocking specifications and advises on vessel modifications.
• Supervise drydocking operations while maintaining cost spreadsheets.
• Prepare drydock reports and prepare accurate detailed specifications and cost estimates for work or surveys to be performed.
• Arrange for and attend surveys with underwriters and surveyors of regulatory agencies for damage surveys, periodic surveys, modifications and inspections.
• Utilize the vessel management software application (Nautical Systems Enterprise - NSE) to maintain credibility of survey status; class shore-based spares inventory location and condition and administration of class planned preventative maintenance program.
• Responsible for the conduct and preparation of vessel condition surveys on assigned Cape H vessels.
• Responsible for continuous maintenance of condition survey accuracy in order to develop effective specifications.
• Recommend appropriate time and action to resolve any deficiencies noted.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual M&R and Drydocking budgets through MARAD business plan process.
• Utilizing software application (NSE), screen and authorize spare parts and consumable requisitions. Ensure requisitions are received in a timely manner.
• Primary liaison for communication with MARAD and Matson on service, repairs and certification of navigation and communication equipment on assigned vessels.
• Budget personal time consistent with vessel and department needs to ensure optimum application of such time within constraints of labor contract, holding compensatory time to an irreducible minimum.
• Coordinate planning of vessel in-port repair availabilities, including, bunkers, lube and diesel oil deliveries with the agents and suppliers when ship is on FOS mission operation.
• Supervise repair contractors satisfactorily and economically.

Personnel Related Duties of Port Engineer

• Directly supervises 11 officers & crew, including Chief Engineer / OIC and Chief Mate, while ship is in ROS in San Francisco or in Portland / San Diego during dry dock.

You have these skills:

• Advanced knowledge of all rules and regulations and regulatory bodies regarding construction, repair and operation of US Flag containerships or government owned MARAD RRF vessels.
• Able to travel to Portland or San Diego for approximately 45 days for dry-dock work.
• Informed and supportive of all environmental rules and regulations pertaining to vessel operations and repairs.

And these qualifications:

• Port Engineer experience with liner containerships or MARAD RRF vessels.
• Valid TWIC credential. 
• Member of Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA). 

Extra credit if you have:

• USCG Unlimited Motor Chief engineer license.
• USCG Licensed Chief Engineer, Motor Unlimited.

At Matson, we're looking for people to build a unified team to maintain our values of trust, integrity, and reliability. We welcome diverse perspectives and people who think rigorously and thoughtfully challenge assumptions.

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