Job Summary F3EA is seeking a qualified Chief Engineer to support maritime operations aboard operational vessels supporting dynamic mission requirements. This position is responsible for leading the Engine Department and ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of vessel propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, electrical systems, and engineering equipment. The Chief Engineer serves as the senior engineering authority onboard and is responsible for engineering department leadership, maintenance management, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, and operational readiness. Personnel in this role are expected to uphold F3EA operational standards while reinforcing a culture of professionalism, accountability, safety, and mission execution. Roles and Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise all operations within the Engine Department
- Ensure safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of vessel propulsion, auxiliary, hydraulic, and electrical systems
- Manage engineering department personnel, training, work schedules, and professional development
- Ensure compliance with applicable Class, Flag State, ISM, ISPS, and environmental requirements
- Administer and manage the vessel Planned Maintenance System (PMS)
- Monitor and execute preventative and corrective maintenance actions
- Maintain Engine Room Log Book, Oil Record Book, and required engineering documentation
- Manage bunker operations, fuel transfers, potable water systems, lubricants, and waste handling procedures
- Ensure compliance with oil spill prevention, pollution control, and environmental regulations
- Supervise engine room inspections and maintain safe, clean, and operational engineering spaces
- Coordinate procurement and inventory management of spare parts and engineering supplies
- Lead engineering casualty response and immediately report operational limitations affecting vessel maneuverability
- Serve as Fire Chief and oversee maintenance and inspections of firefighting systems and equipment
- Plan and support emergency drills, safety meetings, and vessel readiness activities
- Support risk management, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and implementation of safe work procedures
- Coordinate engineering operations with vessel leadership, clients, and supporting personnel
- Promote effective communication and coordination between deck, engineering, and support departments
- Perform additional duties as assigned in support of vessel operations and mission requirements
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Direct supervisory responsibility for all engineering department personnel and engine room operations.
Required Qualifications and Education
- Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Chief Engineer appropriate to vessel requirements
- Valid STCW endorsements and required maritime certifications
- Extensive experience managing vessel engineering operations aboard operational vessels
- Knowledge of marine propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, electrical systems, and engineering safety procedures
- Experience managing Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS) and engineering department operations
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
- Ability to work rotational schedules in maritime environments
- U.S. citizenship required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance
Preferred Qualifications and Education
- Experience supporting government maritime operations or defense-related missions
- Prior experience aboard offshore support vessels, research vessels, or similarly complex platforms
- Experience operating in high operational tempo maritime environments
- Prior military or government-contracted maritime experience
- Familiarity with Dynamic Positioning (DP) vessel operations
Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
- Operational maritime and shipboard environment
- Exposure to varying weather conditions, vessel motion, machinery noise, and engineering spaces
- Extended periods standing, climbing ladders, and operating in physically demanding environments
- Ability to support rotational or extended underway operations as required
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement F3EA, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. F3EA, Inc. makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. |
F3EA, Inc.
Jun 10, 2026