Description
KeyLakes, Inc. (a subsidiary of Keystone Shipping Co) is seeking an experienced engineering professional to join our Engineering Department as a Port Engineer in our Duluth, Minnesota office. This key leadership role oversees the engineering operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance for our fleet of self-unloading Great Lakes bulk carriers. The position reports directly to the Fleet Engineer.
What You’ll Do
As Port Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of assigned vessels.
Key responsibilities include:
- Provide overall engineering management for assigned vessels, including operation, maintenance, repair, condition monitoring, and certification.
- Plan and manage voyage repairs, drydockings, winter layup maintenance, and repair periods — including procurement of materials and services.
- Ensure vessels remain fully certificated and in compliance with regulatory requirements, coordinate inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard, ABS, and other regulatory bodies.
- Prepare annual budgets for spare parts, voyage repairs, major repairs, and special projects; manage expenditures within approved budgets.
- Maintain thorough familiarity with the operational status, hull condition, and all equipment on your assigned vessels.
- Oversee technical engineering operations and provide expert guidance to shipboard senior officers and shoreside teams.
- Monitor vessel performance and maintenance data, identify improvement opportunities, and recommend modifications to Chief Engineers and company leadership.
- Represent KeyLakes in industry technical forums as needed.
- Take on additional projects as assigned by the Vice President of Engineering or Fleet Engineer.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit a resume and salary requirements to:
Kevin Davis, Human Resources
KeyLakes, Inc. / Keystone Shipping Co.
One Belmont Avenue, Suite 901
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004-1496
Or via email:
kdavis@keyship.com
Requirements
What You Bring
We’re looking for a results-oriented engineering leader with strong technical and project management skills who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative maritime environment.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Marine, Mechanical, or a closely related discipline) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 5 years of hands-on experience in marine engineering, vessel maintenance/repair, or a related heavy industrial engineering field.
- Demonstrated experience in equipment maintenance, repair oversight, and technical problem-solving.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
- U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited License as First Assistant Engineer (or higher) — highly desirable but not required.
- Prior experience as a Port Engineer, project management of drydockings, conversions, or major repair projects.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical background.
- Knowledge of electrical systems and ability to read technical prints/schematics.
- Proficiency with CAD software.
- Working knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard and ABS rules and regulations.
- Familiarity with planned maintenance software (e.g., ABS NS5 or similar systems).
- Excellent communication, analytical, administrative, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a teamwork-oriented environment.
Additional Requirements:
- Must possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
- Willing and able to relocate to the Duluth, MN area.
- Able to pass a physical examination and physically capable of entering confined spaces and climbing ladders aboard vessels.
- Moderate travel required, with higher demands during winter layup periods.
o Note: This role involves moderate (including up to 25% during winter layup periods) and occasional shipboard visits requiring physical ability to climb ladders and enter confined spaces.
