OPS / Temporary Marine Chief Engineer
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Saint Petersburg, FL, United States
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- C level
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Operations
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- High School Degree and minimum of four years of experience assigned as an Assistant or Chief Engineer. Experience must include demonstrated ability to maintain engineering logs, document repairs and m
- Certifications for Standards for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping, Basic Safety Training, STCW-95/BST, first aid, and CPR must be achieved within 3 months of employment. Must have a valid dri
Nice to have
- Experience working in an academic, research, or educational vessel environment with students, researchers, faculty, technicians, or science users is preferred.
- Preferred qualifications include experience with:
- Research vessel operations.
- Marine diesel propulsion and ship service generators.
- Hydraulic, electrical, HVAC, fuel, plumbing, firefighting, sewage, potable water, bilge, steering, and auxiliary systems.
- Preventive maintenance systems and engineering recordkeeping.
- Shipyard repair periods, dry dock planning, and contractor coordination.
- U.S. Coast Guard inspections, ABS/class surveys, load line requirements, or vessel safety management systems.
- Scientific mission support, including cranes, winches, A-frames, small boats, over-the-side equipment, ROV/AUV support, and deck machinery.
- Training and mentoring assistant engineering personnel.
- Certifications for STCW Basic Safety Training, first aid, CPR, MMC Engine Dept, and TWIC card.
Full description
The OPS Marine Chief Engineer’s primary function is to ensure the safe, reliable, compliant, and mission-ready operation of all engineering systems aboard FIO research vessel(s), both in port and at sea.
This position serves as the senior engineering representative aboard the vessel and is responsible for routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance of vessel propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, HVAC, plumbing, firefighting, fuel, pneumatic, damage control, potable water, sewage, and auxiliary systems.
In addition to technical repair and maintenance duties, the OPS Marine Chief Engineer is responsible for significant administrative and management functions, including preventive maintenance tracking, engineering logs, equipment records, repair planning, spare parts and inventory control, shipyard work list development, regulatory inspection support, safety compliance, vendor coordination, and training or mentoring assigned engineering personnel.
The position works closely with the Vessel Captain, Marine Operations Manager, Fleet Readiness Manager, Assistant Engineer, deck department, science users, contractors, and shoreside support personnel to ensure FIO vessels are prepared to safely and effectively support research, education, outreach, and marine operations.
35% Repair, maintain, troubleshoot, and operate main diesel engines, ship service generators, air compressors, pumps, motors, piping systems, and other mechanical equipment aboard marine vessels at sea and in port. Install, repair, and maintain vessel systems including, but not limited to, hydraulic, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, firefighting, fuel, pneumatic, potable water, sewage, bilge, steering, auxiliary, and damage-control systems. Perform routine shipboard maintenance in port, including preservation, de-scaling, painting, cleaning, and operation of portable hand and power tools. Ensure engineering spaces and equipment are maintained in a safe, orderly, and mission-ready condition.
25% Manage engineering department administrative functions, including preventive maintenance tracking, engineering logs, machinery records, fuel and fluid records, equipment operating hours, repair history, deferred maintenance items, inspection findings, and corrective actions. Develop and maintain preventive maintenance schedules based on manufacturer guidance, regulatory requirements, vessel operating hours, calendar intervals, and equipment condition. Maintain accurate documentation suitable for management review, audits, inspections, surveys, and long-term vessel lifecycle planning.
15% Plan, coordinate, and support vessel repair periods, shipyard work, dry dock maintenance, contractor support, and between-cruise maintenance availabilities. Identify engineering deficiencies, prepare repair recommendations, assist with work lists and scopes of work, support procurement of parts and services, coordinate vendor access, monitor contractor work, and verify completion of repairs before equipment is returned to service. Provide technical input to the Vessel Captain, Marine Operations Manager, Fleet Readiness Manager, and other shoreside personnel regarding vessel readiness, repair priorities, lifecycle replacement needs, and operational limitations.