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Port Engineer - Portland, OR

Foss
life insurance, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, Oregon, Portland
9030 Northwest Saint Helens Road (Show on map)
Apr 29, 2026
Req. Number
003-4393
Posting Date
Apr 29, 2026
Address
9030 NW St. Helens Road, Portland , Oregon 97231 , United States
Job Description

About Foss Maritime


Foss Maritime is one of the most recognized and respected maritime brands in the U.S., combining a rich legacy with a forward-thinking approach to industry innovation. While deeply rooted in tradition, Foss is evolving at a fast pace, continuously setting new standards for operational excellence and sustainability.


With operations spanning all U.S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and offshore wind projects. Our primary operations are on the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii.


As part of the Saltchuk family of companies, Foss is a values-driven organization that takes pride in its exceptional team, commitment to safety, and dedication to customer success. With a culture built on integrity, innovation, and collaboration, Foss Maritime remains a trusted leader in the maritime industry.


About the Role

Responsible for the operational readiness, maintenance and regulatory compliance of the tug fleet, including management of vessel costs and marine personnel working on the vessels. Promotes the safety culture to personnel working onboard company vessels. Provides support with regard to equipment inspections, vessel surveys, repairs, dry-dockings and yard periods to other regions, divisions and companies as required.
Essential Functions:

Vessel Maintenance:



  • Develops and reviews planned maintenance program for vessels.
  • Evaluates and initiates corrective action on emergency/casualty repairs for vessels.
  • Ability to analyze problems via communication while a vessel is at sea or in a remote location.
  • Monitors all engineering work-in-progress for planned and unplanned maintenance and repairs for vessels.
  • Interfaces with appropriate operations personnel, advising of action to be taken such as shutting down a vessel, continuing or discontinuing its operation.
  • Determines methods, lengths and costs of necessary vessel repairs.
  • Trains engineers with regard to vessel systems, repairs, and regulatory compliance.
  • Evaluates and initiates proper corrective action to eliminate additional expenses to maintenance and repair budget.
  • Provides help for inspection of vessels by regulatory groups. Accompanies USCG and ABS surveyors for mid-period inspections, load line annual surveys, special, intermediate surveys and other regulatory inspections. Responsible for the remedy and repair of all deficiencies, operational and administrative.
  • Must be able to understand and effectively operate SAP software.


Safety



  • Conducts safety meeting, generally one-on-one, with vessel engineers.
  • Performs safety checks on all vessels, initiates any necessary repairs.
  • Oversees safety policies, procedures and precautions for receiving and transferring of fuel on PNW vessels.
  • Promotes safe work practices with all company employees and vendors working on company vessels.


Supervisory and Leadership of Direct Staff



  • Responsible for all matters of employment including recruiting, training, development, promotion, discipline and termination.
  • Understands and complies with Foss' Affirmative Action Plan, EEO, Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and all other HR policies and procedures.
  • Effectively communicates regional goals and objectives.
  • Provides direction and leadership to achieve company Core Values, Mission and Safety Vision.
  • Processes employee evaluations in a timely manner.
  • Directs, motivates and develops employees for maximum performance.
  • Maintains personal proficiency in related engineering field through formal training and reviews related technical publications on an ongoing basis.
  • Miscellaneous duties, as required, such as annual maintenance/repair and capital budget preparation for vessels.
  • Personnel functions such as hiring, training, dispatching, disciplining, terminating ocean vessel engineers, as necessary.
  • Assists other regions, divisions and companies with vessel repairs, dry-dockings, etc as required.
  • Evaluates and surveys damages for insurance claims. Provides allegations as to cause and effect of damage. Consults with Risk Manager on matters relating to vessel casualties and estimated repair costs. Supervises emergency repairs to vessels whenever they are operating. Arranges for shipyard services, materials and inspections by regulatory groups, federal, state and local.
  • Crew's training to perform required tasks to maintain regulatory compliance including, but not limited to: USCG, EPA, ISM, ABS, OSHA and OSPR.
  • Effectively communicates regional goals and objectives.
  • Provides direction and leadership to achieve company Core Values, Mission and Safety Vision.
  • Processes employee evaluations in a timely manner.
  • Directs, motivates and develops employees for maximum performance.
  • Performs special duties and other projects as assigned.
  • Adheres to all company policies.
  • Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:



  • Knowledge of each vessel and its system with respect to vessel maintenance history, machinery and electrical equipment manufacturing standards based on practical experience and technical training.
  • Strong mathematical skills and ability to prepare an operating budget for vessel costs.
  • Strong maritime background with a thorough understanding of vessel operations and equipment capabilities/limitations within the geographic scope of those operations.
  • Manage marine personnel and their interactions with the vessels as they perform work in various environmental conditions.
  • Ability to interpret, administer and ensure compliance with company policies and governmental regulations related to vessel manning, construction, maintenance and repair, safety, training, work rules, emergency response, and towing operations.
  • Possess an understanding of basic finance and cost accounting, suitable for budget forecasting and financial planning processes.
  • Must effectively develop, track and manage vessel budgets on a routine basis. Strong organizational and planning skills are essential.
  • Strong communication skills in order to draft business correspondence, technical reports, surveys, policies, procedures, and repair specifications.
  • Interpersonal skills to work well with customers, peers, company executives, competitors, and the general public. Should also have a great appreciation for and sensitivity to the needs and expectations of our customers.
  • A team player willing to exercise authority and make independent decisions. Strong problem solving abilities are required. Must have good negotiating skills to deal with regulators, customers, vendors, and marine personnel.
  • Capable of recognizing the level of importance of new assignments and prioritizing them accordingly to meet all work deadlines without sacrificing operational readiness.
  • Ability to communicate, in English, across all lines on written, spoken and hearing levels.
  • Proficient engineering knowledge of vessels and related equipment.
  • Knowledge of marine labor contracts and work rules.
  • Knowledge of personal computing (Word, Excel, database, LAN).
  • Able to analyze, solve problems, reason and make decisions regarding the repair of vessels.
  • Good eye/hand coordination and know how to use all tools and equipment associated with vessel repair.
  • Able to work within given time constraints.
  • Able to use routine office equipment such as telephone, copy machine, fax machine calculator, computer, and programs: Word, Excel, MS Project, Outlook, SAP, BMS.


Minimum Requirements:

High school education is desirable and preference given to those with maritime academy or college degree. 3-5 years as a tugboat engineer or shoreside management/ocean towing is preferred. Must possess a valid USCG engineer's license or Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) license.
Compensation: Pay for this position will be between $107,966 to $161,949 annually based on experience. This position is eligible to participate in our annual incentive compensation plan (ICP). The target bonus will be 20% of base salary, subject to company and individual performance and per company policy.

Benefits:



  • The benefit program includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
  • This position will accrue 15 days of vacation a year. Accrued vacation will be vested and available for use after successfully completing six (6) months of service.
  • Life insurance equal to two times annual base salary.
  • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Long term disability insurance.
  • 401k program with a 4% match, vested immediately.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts.
  • Business travel assistance program.
  • Other voluntary benefits are available for purchase via payroll deduction at group rates.
  • Nine (9) paid holidays with two (2) additional floating holidays available after six (6) months of service.
  • Full time employees will accrue ninety-six (96) hours of sick leave per year, up to a maximum of 1,040 hours.
  • Bereavement Leave - three (3) paid days off for a death in the immediate family, or five (5) days off if travel greater than 500 miles is required.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • All other benefits as required by law


How to Apply


Ready to set sail with Foss? Submit your application via our careers page. If you need any assistance please reach out to fossjobs@foss.com. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.


Drug Free Workplace
Foss Maritime Company LLC is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Foss Maritime Company LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Compensation
Pay for this position will be between $107,966 to $161,949 annually based on experience.
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