Port Engineer in Norfolk, Virginia at US Waterways Transportation, LLC

Description

U.S. Waterways Transportation, LLC (“USWT”) is a Virginia-based maritime management company overseeing the operations of Norfolk Tug Company, James River Barge Line, and Buchanan Marine — three companies engaged in the tug and barge industry across Hampton Roads, Virginia, Eastern North Carolina, and the New York Harbor / Long Island Sound region. Our mission is to provide safe, environmentally responsible, and dependable tug services on every job, every time. We achieve that by hiring exceptional people and entrusting them with meaningful responsibility for the work they do.

Position Summary:

The Fleet Manager is a shoreside position reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, responsible for three core functions on behalf of an assigned fleet of tugs within USWT’s operations: vessel engineering and maintenance, daily dispatch, and crewing. The Fleet Manager manages scheduled and unplanned maintenance through USWT’s maintenance management system, provides oversight and technical guidance to vessel engineers, coordinates daily dispatch in support of customer commitments, and ensures vessels remain properly manned in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The role demands sound technical judgment, professional communication across crews, vendors, customers, and internal departments, and the ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently. The Fleet Manager is expected to be fully conversant with, and to set the standard for, USWT’s Safety Management System (SMS) and applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Standard hours are Monday through Friday; off-hours, weekend, and holiday availability is required as operational conditions warrant. Some travel is required.

Specific Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to:

Manage Fleet Engineering Activities

• Manages scheduled and unplanned maintenance through the Small Boat Application (SBA); reviews daily engineering reports from vessels.
• Ensures compliance with USCG, ABS, and other regulatory and class obligations; serves as USWT’s point of contact on inspections and audits.
• Recommends capital improvement projects to the COO and assists with specifications for dry dockings.
• Procures spares and consumables; maintains the SBA maintenance management database; identifies and implements cost-saving measures where appropriate.
• Serves as a subject-matter resource for the assigned vessels’ systems; leads troubleshooting and root-cause analysis on recurring or significant equipment issues.

Manage Dispatch & Daily Operations

• Coordinates daily dispatch of assigned tugs in support of customer commitments, including job assignments, scheduling, and voyage orders to vessel Masters.
• Maintains real-time awareness of assigned-fleet status, vessel readiness, and operating constraints; aligns dispatch with maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Coordinates directly with customers, agents, terminals, pilots, and crews on schedule changes, contingencies, and disruptions.
• Provides daily and weekly operational summaries to the COO and management team.

Manage Crewing & Manning

• Develops and maintains crew rotation schedules to ensure vessels remain manned in accordance with their Certificate of Inspection and applicable USCG manning requirements.
• Tracks mariner credentials (MMC, TWIC, STCW, medicals, etc.) and ensures documentation remains current.
• Partners with HR on recruiting, onboarding, and retention of qualified mariners, and addresses day-to-day crew issues with vessel Masters.

Manage Vendor Relationships & Shoreside Support

• Selects approved vendors, schedules them with operations, and ensures Quality Control and SMS conformance.
• Reviews and approves vendor invoicing for accuracy and cost control.
• Ensures preventative maintenance, regulatory compliance, and readiness of shoreside facilities and support equipment (forklift, crane, vehicles, etc.).

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated analytical capability and a track record of structured problem-solving, with a working understanding of mechanical systems and the failure modes typical of marine propulsion, electrical, and hydraulic equipment.
• Practical experience across diesel propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, and related mechanical systems. Direct marine experience is preferred; relevant adjacent backgrounds — heavy equipment, industrial maintenance, military, fleet management, or manufacturing — will also be considered.
• Demonstrated capacity to acquire technical knowledge quickly and apply it across new systems and operating environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across crews, vendors, regulators, and customers.
• Sound organizational discipline and professional judgment under pressure, with the ability to manage engineering, dispatch, and personnel priorities concurrently.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, applied science, or related technical field preferred; equivalent practical experience will be considered.
• Must possess or be able to obtain TWIC documentation (including meeting the physical requirements of the USCG 719K physical exam).
• Valid Driver’s License and computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to travel when required (estimated 20–30%).

Physical Demands of this Position Include the Ability To:

• Frequently reach, bend, stoop, and crawl.
• Frequently walk and navigate stairs, ladders, and uneven surfaces (when visiting vessels, shipyards, and facilities).
• Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

In Return, We Offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Career development opportunities
• Team-oriented work environment
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Plans
• 401(k) plan with 6% company match (dollar-for-dollar)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions
• Paid Vacation based on years of service
• Optional remote work on Fridays

This job description does not cover or contain a complete list of responsibilities or activities. Responsibilities and activities may change, or other responsibilities and activities may be assigned, at any time with or without notice.

U.S. Waterways Transportation, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status.