Port Engineer - Tanker

Constellation Navigation and Trading, LLC

Posted: 5/15/26

Location:

Norfolk VA

Lead Critical Maritime Operations. Drive Performance. Shape the Future of U.S. Shipping.

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.

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

• 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 dry‑dock 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.

• U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer License (Unlimited HP) with Tank Vessel endorsement.
• 10+ years sailing as Chief Engineer on MR tankers (40,000–50,000 DWT preferred).
• 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 dry‑dock projects and managing budgets.

• 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.

• Valid TWIC and U.S. Passport.
• Ability to travel extensively (domestic and international, often on short notice).
• U.S. citizenship with eligibility for Secret clearance.

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

Location:

Norfolk, Virginia. Extensive on‑site travel required (including foreign travel and travel in cars, boats, ships, and airplanes) to attend to shipyard maintenance, to ride vessels, visit vessels for quality assurance, manage casualties, conduct investigations, and protect the company’s reputation or as directed by management.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General office setting: the employee may sit comfortably at a computer terminal with short breaks or lunch periods. There may be bending, stooping, reaching above shoulder level, walking, standing, or carrying light items up to 25 lb. The employee must be able to hear and…