Director of Engineering

Lead Engineering Strategy for a 40-Vessel Commercial Fleet

Parcc Associates is representing a well-established maritime transportation organization seeking a senior engineering leader to oversee fleet reliability, regulatory compliance, modernization initiatives, and technical operations across a multi-port tug fleet.

This role is ideal for a strategic yet hands-on marine engineering executive who thrives in high-responsibility environments and wants direct influence on fleet performance, capital planning, and operational excellence.

• Executive-level impact on fleet strategy and modernization
• Oversight of a large active fleet operating across multiple ports
• High visibility with senior leadership and regulatory agencies
• Authority to implement engineering improvements and process upgrades

The Director of Fleet Engineering & Marine Operations is responsible for the technical leadership, reliability, compliance, and performance of the organization’s fleet. This leader will oversee engineering teams, manage maintenance and repair programs, coordinate with shipyards and vendors, and drive initiatives focused on safety, efficiency, and cost optimization.

• Direct engineering operations for a multi-vessel commercial fleet
• Lead preventive maintenance, repair, overhaul, and reliability programs
• Oversee shoreside engineering staff, technicians, and vessel crews
• Partner with U.S. Coast Guard, ABS, and regulatory agencies to maintain compliance
• Manage incident investigations and root-cause analysis
• Develop and execute fleet modernization and capital improvement strategies
• Negotiate and manage vendor, shipyard, and OEM contracts
• Prepare and manage engineering operating and capital budgets
• Lead engineering projects and fleet performance initiatives
• Maintain documentation, audit readiness, and safety management systems
• Report engineering performance, risk factors, and initiatives to executive leadership
• Champion safety culture and operational excellence across all ports

• Extensive marine engineering experience supporting commercial vessels or fleets
• Proven leadership of engineering teams or fleet maintenance operations
• Strong knowledge of propulsion systems, vessel machinery, and marine systems
• Experience working with maritime regulatory bodies (USCG, ABS, etc.)
• Demonstrated success improving reliability, efficiency, or fleet performance
• Strong business acumen with experience managing budgets and vendors
• Ability to balance strategic planning with operational execution

• Experience managing multi-location or multi-port fleets
• Background in tug, tow, offshore, shipping, or marine transportation sectors
• Decisive technical leader
• Operationally driven problem solver
• Strong communicator across crews, executives, and regulators
• Calm under pressure in emergency situations