Chief Engineer - R/V Sikuliaq (Temporary)

Seize a rare opportunity to lead the Engineering Department aboard the R/V Sikuliaq, a 261-foot, global-class, ice-capable research vessel operated by the University of Alaska. Crew turnover on the Sikuliaq is low, and positions like this are uncommon — this is your chance to apply your technical and leadership skills on science missions in the Arctic, Antarctic and everywhere in between.

As Chief Engineer, you will oversee one of the most advanced diesel-electric propulsion systems in the U.S. academic fleet, providing 5,750 bhp through frequency drives, a/c main motors, and twin azimuthing Z-drives. You will ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all propulsion, power, electrical, and auxiliary systems while mentoring and leading your engineering team.

Upcoming missions include Tahiti, Chile, and Antarctica, supporting critical oceanographic and polar research. You will work closely with scientists, students, and crew to prepare the vessel for science operations, participate in emergency drills, and maintain full regulatory compliance.

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer with an unlimited horsepower endorsement, strong technical expertise, proven supervisory skills, and a collaborative approach suited to challenging environments. The position begins on December 20th in Papeete, Tahiti, as a relief First Assistant Engineer. After gaining familiarity with the vessel’s systems and the trust of the crew, the candidate will be promoted to permanent Chief Engineer.

Join a team powering the future of ocean discovery. Apply now for this rare opportunity aboard the R/V Sikuliaq.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must possess the following: US Coast Guard issued MMC with a National endorsement of Unlimited Horsepower Motor Chief Engineer license and an International endorsement of Chief Engineer; valid US Passport; valid TWIC card, valid (STCW Expiration date) USCG medical certification, and a valid drivers license. Applicants must also be able to pass a pre-employment DOT drug test.

Knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations, ISM, American Bureau of Shipping requirements and vessel stability; Maritime Laws; Current with all applicable laws, regulations, treaties, 33 CFR; 46 CFR; OSHA regulations. Experience with azimuthing propulsion such as Z-drives azipods; a/c diesel electrical experience.

Minimum level of experience: at least three years as Chief Engineer Unlimited Horsepower Motor Oceans credential. Minimum 480 volt 3 Phase electrical power; 690 Volt 3 Phase Power and Distribution, PWM Siemens type Blue Drive or equal 12 pulse solid state Propulsion Frequency Converter experience is highly desirable.

Position Details:

New hires will be placed on the UA Temporary Salary Schedule, Grade 83, based on education and experience.

This is a pooled position and applications are reviewed as needed. Submission of an application does not guarantee review or a job offer.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. The names and contact information (email address and phone number) for three (3) professional references
4. Copy of your MMC (all pages)
5. Copy of your TWIC card
6. Copy of your USCG Medical Certificate
7. Copy of your passport

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Laura Frisone, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences HR Coordinator, at lfrisone@alaska.edu or (907) 474-7383.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.