Port Engineer - R/V Sikuliaq

We are currently accepting applications for a Port Engineer to join our crew. This is a permanent, year-round position based in Seward, Alaska. As Port Engineer on R/V Sikuliaq, you will play a vital role in supporting the maintenance, repair, and regulatory compliance of the 261-foot, global-class, ice-capable research vessel operated by the University of Alaska. Upcoming missions include Tahiti, Chile, and Antarctica, supporting critical oceanographic and polar research. Your responsibilities will include writing contract specifications, ensuring vessel operations meet regulatory and safety standards, and overseeing shipyard and pier-side repairs.

To thrive in this role, you should be able to develop and implement shipboard plans and interpret and enforce maritime regulations. A thorough knowledge of American Bureau of Shipping classification requirements, Coast Guard COI requirements, and IMO standards is essential, as is an in-depth understanding of ship repairs, maintenance, and installation planning and procedures. Experience with diesel-electric propulsion and azimuth thrusters is preferred. Strong budget management and computer literacy skills are required, along with the ability to travel and go to sea as needed. 

The R/V Sikuliaq (pronounced see-KOO-lee-auk) is a 261-foot oceanographic research ship capable of bringing scientists to the ice-choked waters of Alaska and the polar regions. Sikuliaq, one of the most advanced university research vessels in the world, is able to break ice up to 2.5 feet thick. Constructed in Marinette, Wisconsin, Sikuliaq is homeported in Seward, Alaska, at UAF's Seward Marine Center.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on one of the most advanced vessels in the academic research fleet. If you are passionate about supporting marine science both at sea and ashore, we encourage you to apply.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must possess the following: A high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with a U.S. Coast Guard Chief Engineer Unlimited horsepower credential, or an equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the duties of the position. A valid driver's license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria is required. Applicants should have a minimum of five years’ experience as a marine engineer, including 3-5 years experience with planning and overseeing shipyard repair availabilities and vessel maintenance, repair, and installation projects. Applicants must also be able to pass a pre-employment DOT drug test and physical exam meeting the USCG medical certification standards for Demonstration of Physical Activity, General Medical Exam, and Vision & Hearing Standards.

Position Details:

This position is located at the Seward Marine Center (SMC) and infrequently at sea on the R/V Sikuliaq. It is a full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 81, based on education and experience.

Applications will be accepted for review through November 17, 2025, to ensure consideration, please apply by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on November 16, 2025.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

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 uaf-cfos-hr@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.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

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.