Marine Center Port Engineer

Job Description

Marine Center Port Engineer

ID226275

Project Name

Snug Harbor-Marine Ctr

Posted Date05/08/2026

Closing Date05/22/2026

FTE100.0%

Compensation$11000.00-$14000.00/Month

StateHawaii

IslandOahu

Job Summary

CLOSING DATE: May 22, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the University of Hawaii Marine Center (UHMC), located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $11,000 - $14,000/Mon.

DUTIES: Serves as the UH Marine Center's principal authority (i.e., subject matter expert) on all engineering related matters. Primary responsibility is to ensure that the engineering systems on the University of Hawaii (UH) research vessels are reliable, safe, efficient, and maintained by UH Marine Center. Responsible for the general maintenance and operational readiness of the ships' engineering plants, auxiliaries, and deck equipment. Provides engineering oversight and management for the UHMC/shore facilities, including vehicles and machine shop. Works with the Marine Operations Superintendent to ensure that the projected shoreside facilities, vessel maintenance/repair and five-year MOSA budget is adequate, and annual expenditures are within projection while maintaining short and long-term vessel maintenance requirements. Ensures that the ships' engineering department is staffed with qualified engineers. Oversees and maintains UHMC shore side engineering equipment and facilities, including supervising machine shop, the storage facility and small boat dock at Sand Island. Serves as UH Marine Center's Facilities Security Officer (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code)), Designated Person Ashore (International Safety Management (ISM)) in the absence of the Marine Operations Superintendent and as an emergency relief Engineer for research vessel(s). Drives to the shipyard, ports and worksites.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering Technology, Ocean Engineering, Engineering Management, or related field. (Current USCG Chief Engineer/1st Assistant Engineer license (unlimited) with a minimum of three (3) years of sailing experience as Chief Engineer may substitute for a Bachelor's Degree.).

EXPERIENCE: Five to seven (5-7) years of shore-side port engineering experience; vessel management experience in a technical or supervisory capacity; or vessel construction, conversion, or major repair project management experience. (Current USCG 2nd Assistant Engineer license and a minimum of three (3) years sailing in that capacity; or current USCG 3rd Assistant Engineer license or USCG licensed Deck Officer credential, with a minimum of three (3) years sailing in that capacity may substitute for the five (5) years of shore-side port or vessel experience.).

KNOWLEDGE: Very familiar with USCG (regulatory) and Classification Society (American Bureau of Shipping preferred) regulations regarding operation of ocean research or commercial vessels. Must be well versed in the marine engineering principles consistent with research or commercial vessel operations/maintenance. Strong mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic skills. Strong troubleshooting, diagnostics, and preventative maintenance skills. Competent in all marine/shore-side engineering matters necessary to support the science researchers in their research efforts. Working knowledge of AutoCAD and vessel maintenance software. Knowledge of personal computer applications (i.e., email, internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

ABILITIES & SKILLS: Must be a U.S. Citizen and possess a valid U.S. passport (minimum six (6) months prior to renewal) needed for foreign travel/deployments and to board Navy-owned vessels. Status is required to obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Must read, sign, and adhere to the University of Hawai'i Code of Conduct for employees. Ability to read and interpret ship blueprints. Ability to compose clear and concise letters, shipyard specifications, instructional procedures, policies, and other documents. Must possess effective written and verbal communication skills. Must possess a valid driver's license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver's insurance equivalent to Hawaii's No-Fault Driver's Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must possess and maintain USCG upper level engineering license (2nd Assistant Engineer or higher) or obtain within eighteen (18) months of hire if applicable. Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months. Must be able to complete the UH Title IX training within 30 days from date of hire, and re-certify annually. Must be able to complete the Workplace Violence Prevention training within 30 days from date of hire, and re-certify annually.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to pass USCG physical for merchant mariners before serving at sea. Must be physically able to move about our vessels-climb ladders and enter voids, tanks, and tight spaces. Ability to work effectively on research vessels for extended periods at sea. Able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds. Works primarily in office environment, but spends approximately one quarter (1/4) time dealing with engineering issues on board the ship and around the Marine Center facility. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to obtain and maintain medical clearance to work on SOEST research vessels or other appropriate vessels and maintain throughout duration of employment.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawaii's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience with ISM and ISO 9001 programs. Experience with UH Hazardous Materials Management Program (HMMP). Experience with small waterplane twin hull (SWATH) ships. Experience working with researchers and on research vessels. Trained and certified in International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), Designated Person Ashore International Safety Management (ISM Code), confined space entry, forklift operations, and crane operations (CCO). Familiar with UH and RCUH policies and procedures. Experience in new vessel build.

INQUIRIES: Anita Lopez ... (Oahu).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, please send additional documents to .... If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call ... or .... Please visit for more information on RCUH's Benefits for eligible employees.

RCUH's mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawaii, with a focus on the University of Hawaii.

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.