Fleet Technical Manager - Jones Act Tankers

U. S. Marine Management Position Description

A key player in the maritime industry, USMMI expertly manages a diverse fleet of ships. Our expertise implementing maritime contracts, makes us a pivotal force in global commerce and government operations, notably with the U.S. Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Maritime Administration's Tanker Security Program (TSP).

As a Jones Act qualified company, we adhere to the highest U.S. shipping standards. USMMI also operate a variety of non-Jones Act qualified ships. Our specialized capabilities in ship design, project management, and conversion allow us to provide tailored and innovative solutions that address the dynamic needs of our clients with precision and efficiency.

Our Vision: To solve the worlds hardest maritime challenges for a better future

Our Mission: To provide excellence and reliability in all aspects of ship operations and management services; while affording our shipboard crews and shoreside colleagues a safe, secure, and rewarding work environment.

Purpose/Summary: We are seeking an experienced commercial Jones Act Tanker Fleet Technical Manager to oversee the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of Jones Act MR Class Tankers. The ideal candidate will hold a U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer Merchant Mariner Credential with tank vessel endorsements and have a minimum of 5 years of sailing experience as Chief Engineer onboard Jones Act-qualified tank vessels. This position is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, operational readiness, and financial performance of assigned vessels, working closely with vessel crews, vendors, shipyards, classification societies, and Federal/state regulatory agencies.

USMMI's main office is in Norfolk, VA. We prefer colleagues work from our Norfolk, VA office, but will consider authorizing remote work for exceptional candidates. The Jones Act Fleet Technical Manager performs routine travel to ports and ship repair locations primarily within the continental United States, and less routinely internationally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary technical liaison between vessel engineering departments and shoreside management.
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, repairs, and drydocking's.
• Manage vessel budgets and ensure cost-effective procurement of parts, services, and labor.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, applicable state regulations, as well as company safety and environmental standards.
• Be an advocate for shipboard safety, the company safety culture, and actively support timely attention to any safety issue.
• Review and analyze machinery performance data, fuel consumption, and preventive maintenance records.
• Support vessel crews in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.
• Conduct onboard inspections to assess equipment condition and operational standards.
• Coordinate with vendors, shipyards, and classification societies for inspections, surveys, and certifications.
• Participate in near miss/incident investigations and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation and reporting in fleet maintenance systems (e.g., ABS Wavesight Nautical Systems).
• Provide oversight for vessel Masters and Chief Engineers to ensure that all voyages are efficiently and safely performed in accordance with charter party requirements.
• Actively coordinate with terminals, vendors and other functions to service the vessel with timely attention and efficiency.
• Act as the operational point of contact with the customer/charterer.
• Responsible for internal coordination of engineering matters to ensure contract or charter party compliance and customer satisfaction.
• Review the vessel safety committee meeting minutes and initiate timely follow-up of issues identified.
• Ensure operations are carried out and conflicts/issues are addressed in accordance with USMMI Safety Management System procedures.
• Act on continuous improvement initiatives with timely attention and completion in a cost-efficient manner.
• Participate in internal and external audits and vetting inspections to include TMSA, SIRE 2.0, ISO, ISM, etc.
• Perform other position related duties as specified by management.
• Support company commitment to safety and other selected standards and certifications

Education and Experience:

• U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer Credential Unlimited Horsepower, with Tank Vessel endorsement for tank vessels.
• Minimum 5 years of sailing experience as Chief Engineer on Jones Act-qualified tank vessels (MR class preferred).
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. maritime and classification society regulations/standards, including the Jones Act, USCG, ABS, SIRE 2.0, TMSA, and MARPOL.
• Strong technical expertise in slow speed diesel marine propulsion systems, electrical systems, cargo systems, and marine automation.
• Experience in drydock planning, execution, and budget management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with marine maintenance management systems including ABS Wavesight Nautical systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid TWIC and U.S. Passport.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• US Citizen capable of obtaining a Secret security clearance
• Familiarity with MR class tanker specifications and operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marine engineering, Marine Transportation, or a related field.
• Previous shoreside experience in a port engineering or fleet management role.

Travel Requirements: Extensive travel (including foreign travel and travel in cars, boats, ships, and airplanes) will be required to attend to shipyard maintenance, to ride vessels or visit vessels for quality assurance and general management of vessel and crews, and on short notice for casualties, to conduct investigations and to protect the company's reputation, or as directed by management.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

General office setting, typically the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work, usually at a computer terminal with short breaks or lunch period. However, there may be some bending/stooping, reaching above shoulder level, walking; standing; carrying of light items such as papers, books, or packages of up to 25 pounds. Should be able to hear & speak clearly using phone / headset to communicate with customers; be able to navigate, view & enter information on the computer.

Operations Setting: typically, the employee must be able to be in Confined Spaces, Sit, Stand, Walk, Bend, Push/Pull, Kneel, Squat, Reaching and Twisting. Can not have any Fear of Heights. Also need the ability to consistently be able to lift 10lb 100lb utilizing Folding Hand Truck & Dolly, Rolling Utility Carts or Single Hand Trucks (70 100%) of time.