Chief Engineer - UIC Bowhead Transport, LLC

Overview

UIC Bowhead Transport, LLC is seeking a Chief Engineer responsible for overseeing the maintenance, operation, and repair of all engineering systems aboard company vessels. This includes propulsion mechanics, power generation systems, electrical systems, lubrication and fuel systems, water distillation, HVAC, fire suppression systems, emergency equipment, and deck machinery.

The Chief Engineer will ensure the reliability and safety of all vessel systems through predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance. This role may also involve supervising engineering crew members, supporting training initiatives, and promoting a safe working environment. Additionally, the Chief Engineer assists the Project Manager with compiling maintenance records and ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Seasonal Schedule: 6-8 months with peak season is 10-August to 1-October with limited time off during this window.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

• The Chief Engineer is responsible for conducting all predictive, preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs of all Engineering; propulsion mechanics, power generator system, electricity, lubrication, fuel system, water distillation, HVAC, fire suppression systems, emergency equipment, and maintenance of deck equipment.

• May be required to supervise employees.

• Assists the Project Manager with collection and compilation of vessel maintenance statistics, training of staff, and ensuring the safety of the workplace

Knowledge and Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Able to complete an annual Merchant Mariners physical exam and perform physically demanding shipboard duties.

• Communication skills require the ability to provide an explanation of very complex or technical matters to people with little or no background in the area under discussion.

• Writing skills require the ability to write by hand, email, or text to clearly communicate technical information.

• Record keeping requires all maintenance and repairs to be included in the ships records

• Strong interpersonal/team skills and the proven ability to often deal in situations where immediate satisfactory resolution of issues must be achieved.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• USCG Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) license rated for 4,000 HP with STCW-95 endorsement.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an engineer aboard vessels, with hands-on experience performing routine operations and predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance and repairs of:

• Outboard and inboard propulsion systems

• Auxiliary engines

• Electrical, electronic, and pneumatic systems

• Motor vehicles and support equipment

• Fire suppression systems

• Quality Management Program implementation

• U.S. citizenship and possession of a valid U.S. passport.

• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) with at least six (6) months remaining before renewal.

• Valid driver’s license with at least six (6) months remaining before renewal.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Must be physically qualified and able to complete an annual Merchant Mariners physical exam.

• Must be capable of performing physically demanding shipboard duties in various conditions.

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English, including use of radios, speakers, and electronic devices.

• Must be able to perform repetitive and prolonged postures including standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, kneeling, stooping, and reaching overhead and to deck level.

• Ability to move extremities and spine through full physiological range of motion for varied work postures.

• Must occasionally perform flexing, twisting, and awkward postures while assisting with mooring lines, cables, and equipment repairs.

• Requires good manual dexterity and frequent use of one or both hands for grasping, fingering, and tool handling.

• Must maintain good balance and coordination for walking across catwalks, entering/exiting hatches, and navigating uneven or slippery surfaces.

• Ability to climb ladders, stairwells, and pushknees.

• Must be able to step 2 feet horizontally and 2 feet vertically when boarding vessels or navigating dock/barge interfaces.

• Must be able to carry tools and lines while walking over pipes, ledges, catwalks, and other obstacles.

• Requires sufficient cardiorespiratory fitness to perform medium to heavy physical labor over extended shifts (up to 6 hours), including walking, climbing, and lifting.

• Must be able to work in extreme cold or heat while wearing appropriate PPE (e.g., life preserver, respirator, goggles).

• Lifting requirements include:

• 65 lbs. from floor to knuckle level daily

• 65 lbs. from floor to waist level daily

• 30 lbs. from floor to shoulder level daily

• 10 lbs. from floor to crown level daily

• 30 lbs. carried with both hands at waist level for 30 feet on a level surface

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed aboard vessels in confined and cramped spaces.

• May work in low-visibility conditions including fog, darkness, or inclement weather.

• Exposure to fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases is common.

• Regularly works in an Arctic marine environment with extreme cold, high winds, icing, moisture, and wave action.

• Constant exposure to loud noise from engines, blowers, and exhaust systems.

• Subject to continuous vibrations from vessel machinery and engines.

• Irregular working hours, including nights, weekends, and extended shifts.

• Frequent physical hazards include pinch points, slips, falls, sprains, strains, concussive impacts, and lifting-related injuries.

• High risk of hypothermia and cold-related conditions; appropriate PPE must be worn at all times.

• Ongoing hazard awareness and corrective action are critical due to the extreme and unpredictable work environment.

Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug & alcohol screening and/or random drug screen, and must follow UIC’s Non-DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Program requirements. If the position requires, an applicant must pass a pre-employment criminal background history check. All post-secondary education listed on the applicant’s resume/application may be subject to verification.

Where driving may be required or where a rental car must be obtained for business travel purposes, applicants must have a valid driver license for this position and will be subject to verification. In addition, the applicant must pass an in-house, online, driving course to be authorized to drive for company purposes.

UIC is an equal opportunity employer. Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and subject to other state and federal requirements, UIC and its subsidiaries may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to UIC Shareholders and their Descendants. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity posters here .

All candidates must apply online at www.uicalaska.com , and submit a completed application for all positions they wish to be considered. Once the employment application has been completed and submitted, any changes to the application after submission may not be reviewed. Please contact a UIC HR Recruiter if you have made a significant change to your application. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), persons unable to complete an online application should contact UIC Human Resources for assistance www.uicalaska.com/careers/recruitment/ .

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) is the village corporation of Utqiaġvik, Alaska and is recognized as one of Alaska’s top 10 companies with approximately 4,400 employees nationwide and revenues above $1 Billion annually. UIC is projected to grow substantially in the coming years to become a top 3 company in Alaska by 2030. As a proud Alaska Native Corporation, our success brings growth and benefits to our Iñupiat shareholders. The size and diversity of our operations means we have a broad variety of career opportunities.

UIC and its subsidiaries are committed to and strive for safety, quality, business ethics, and shareholder value. We offer competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short/long term disability, and 401(k) retirement plans as well as paid time off programs for eligible full-time employees. Eligible part-time employees are able to participate in the 401(k) retirement plans and state or contract required paid time off programs.

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Requisition ID 2026-26264

Category Mariners/Vessels/Diesel Engineers

Location : Location US-AK-Anchorage

Travel Requirement 75% - 100%