Description

At USMMI, you won’t just manage ships—you’ll help power the backbone of U.S. commerce and national security.

As a trusted leader in the maritime industry, USMMI operates a fleet of vessels supporting both commercial trade and vital government programs, including the Military Sealift Command and the Maritime Administration’s Tanker Security Program (TSP). Our work sits at the intersection of operational excellence, engineering innovation, and mission-critical logistics.

We are known for doing things the right way — holding ourselves to the highest global standards and continuously advancing best practices aligned with OCIMF. Our team brings deep expertise in ship operations, design, and lifecycle management, enabling us to deliver smart, reliable solutions in a complex and evolving industry.

Why Join USMMI

Mission-Driven Work: Support operations that directly impact U.S. economic strength and national security. 
High-Impact Role: Your decisions directly influence vessel performance, safety, and charter success. 
Professional Respect: Work alongside experienced mariners and engineers who value expertise and leadership. 
Growth & Ownership: Take ownership of fleet performance and drive meaningful improvements. 
Dynamic Environment: Split time between office strategy and hands-on vessel and shipyard operations. 

Your Impact

As a Port Engineer, you will take ownership of the technical performance, safety, and compliance of MR tankers operating in the Jones Act trade. You’ll serve as a critical link between shipboard teams and shoreside leadership—ensuring vessels operate safely, efficiently, and at peak readiness.

This is a role for a seasoned Chief Engineer ready to transition to the shoreside (or elevate their current port engineering career) and make a measurable impact across a fleet.

What You’ll Do

Lead the technical management and operational readiness of assigned vessels. 
Partner with Masters and Chief Engineers to ensure safe, efficient voyages. 
Plan and execute maintenance strategies, repairs, and drydock periods. 
Own and manage vessel budgets, balancing cost control with operational excellence. 
Drive compliance across USCG, ABS, EPA, and international regulatory frameworks. 
Champion safety culture and proactively address risks across the fleet. 
Analyze performance data to improve reliability, fuel efficiency, and lifecycle outcomes. 
Troubleshoot complex engineering issues and support crews with practical solutions. 
Oversee vendor, shipyard, and class engagements for inspections and certifications. 
Lead incident investigations and ensure effective corrective actions. 
Contribute to audits and vetting programs (TMSA, SIRE 2.0, ISM, ISO). 
Advance continuous improvement initiatives aligned with OCIMF best practices. 
 

Requirements

Required Experience & Credentials

U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer License (Unlimited HP) with Tank Vessel endorsement. 
10+ years sailing on tankers. 
Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or related field. 
Strong knowledge of U.S. and international maritime regulations (USCG, ABS, SOLAS/MARPOL, TMSA, SIRE 2.0). 
Expertise in low-speed diesel propulsion, electrical systems, cargo systems, and automation. 
Proven experience planning and executing drydock projects and managing budgets. 

Core Strengths

Leadership and decision-making in high-stakes operational environments 
Strong communication across shipboard and executive stakeholders 
Analytical mindset with a focus on performance optimization 
Hands-on problem solving with practical, field-ready solutions 

Additional Requirements

Valid TWIC and U.S. Passport 
Ability to travel (domestic and international) 
U.S. citizenship with eligibility for Secret clearance 

Preferred

Prior port engineer or fleet management experience 
Advanced degree in engineering management or related discipline 

Work Environment & Travel

This role blends office-based planning with hands-on field execution:

Extensive travel (including foreign travel and travel in cars, boats, ships, and airplanes) will be required to attend to shipyard maintenance, to ride vessels or visit vessels for quality assurance and general management of vessel and crews, and on short notice for casualties, to conduct investigations and to protect the company’s reputation, or as directed by management 

Our Commitment to You

At USMMI, we are committed to providing a workplace where safety, professionalism, and respect come first. We invest in our people and empower them to take ownership, lead with confidence, and grow their careers in a meaningful way.