Location: Galveston, Texas
Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time | Permanent
Work Arrangement: Onsite | No Remote
Compensation: $180,000 – $180,000 Per Year
Experience Required: Minimum 15 Years of Equipment Repair, Maintenance, and Equipment Management Experience
Benefits: Full Benefits
Interview Expenses: Provided
Relocation: Provided
Schedule: Full Time
Additional Compensation: $700 Rate; Monthly Cell Phone Allowance; Vehicle Allowance or Travel Assistance for Eligible Candidates
Credential: Must Be Able to Obtain a TWIC

Position Overview

An experienced Chief Engineer is sought to manage and oversee equipment used in dredge operations, including repair programs, preventive maintenance schedules, equipment inventory, and critical spare parts. The Chief Engineer will work closely with the Vessel Manager and project management teams to ensure equipment reliability, compliance, and operational readiness across assigned project locations.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned equipment professional with strong mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic expertise, excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills, and proven experience supervising crews and managing preventive maintenance programs. This position requires an organized, safety-focused, and reliable professional who can work independently at remote project sites for extended periods.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate inventory records for all equipment and equipment locations.
• Manage and oversee equipment repair and maintenance programs.
• Ensure equipment remains in safe, reliable, and operational condition.
• Track daily, weekly, monthly, and annual inspections and associated reports.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of equipment repairs and maintenance activities.
• Manage inventory of spare parts and critical spare components.
• Requisition required parts, supplies, fuel, lubricants, and water.
• Monitor mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems for performance, reliability, and potential issues.
• Enforce applicable safety rules, equipment compliance standards, and operational requirements.
• Initiate corrective and preventive maintenance actions when required.
• Support project management teams with equipment-related operational decisions.
• Work closely with the Vessel Manager and project management teams to support operational readiness.
• Participate in safety and environmental initiatives.
• Supervise, mentor, and support crew members and maintenance personnel as required.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of equipment repair and maintenance experience, including equipment management.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
• Strong hydraulic systems knowledge and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Proven experience with preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or providing leadership to staff or crew members.
• Knowledge of marine equipment, tools, machinery, and related systems.
• Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to complete assignments accurately and on schedule.
• Ability and willingness to travel to project locations and work away from home for extended periods.
• Ability to comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and company policies.
• Reliable, motivated, safety-focused, and results-driven work ethic.
• Must be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Technical Expertise

The Chief Engineer should possess broad technical knowledge across equipment systems used in dredging and marine operations. The role requires hands-on expertise in mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, along with the ability to diagnose equipment failures, coordinate repairs, and implement preventive maintenance strategies.
• Mechanical equipment systems and machinery.
• Electrical systems and components.
• Hydraulic systems and components.
• Equipment troubleshooting and diagnostics.
• Preventive and predictive maintenance practices.
• Corrective maintenance and repair programs.
• Marine equipment, tools, and systems.
• Equipment inventory and critical spare parts management.
• Inspection tracking and maintenance documentation.

Leadership & Operational Support

The Chief Engineer will provide hands-on technical leadership and operational support across assigned dredging projects. The successful candidate will work closely with vessel and project leadership to maintain equipment reliability and make informed operational decisions.
• Supervise and mentor crew members and maintenance personnel.
• Provide technical guidance during equipment troubleshooting and repair activities.
• Coordinate maintenance priorities with project and vessel management.
• Identify equipment risks and implement timely corrective actions.
• Support project planning and operational decisions related to equipment readiness.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and results-driven performance.

Core Competencies

• Stress management and composure in demanding operational environments.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Results-driven performance.
• Safety-focused decision-making.
• Strong organization and prioritization.
• Independent judgment and accountability.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Clear verbal and written communication.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, personal flotation device (PFD), respirator, and other required equipment.
• Ability to walk, climb, kneel, crouch, twist, bend, and work in confined or elevated areas.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds individually.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to push or pull up to 150 pounds of peak force.
• Ability to climb stairs and vertical ladders, including ladders 6 feet or higher.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying temperatures and conditions, including dust, humidity, loud noise, and vibration.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are required.

Work Environment & Travel

This position supports dredge operations and may require travel to remote project locations. The Chief Engineer must be comfortable working away from home for extended durations and operating in outdoor marine and industrial environments. The role requires flexibility, reliability, and the ability to maintain focus on safety and equipment readiness under changing operational conditions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $180,000 – $180,000 per year.
• Full benefits package.
• Monthly cell phone allowance.
• Vehicle allowance or travel assistance for eligible candidates.
• Interview expenses provided.
• Relocation assistance provided.

General Position Information

• Job Title: Chief Engineer.
• Location: Galveston, TX.
• Job Type: Direct Hire.
• Work Arrangement: No Remote.
• Schedule: Full Time.
• Experience Required: 15+ years.
• Compensation: $180,000 – $180,000 per year.
• Full Benefits: Yes.
• Interview Expenses: Yes.
• Relocation Expenses: Yes.
• TWIC: Required / Must Be Obtainable.