Careers

Chief Engineer STCW III/2 of Motor Propelled Vessels (no restrictions) – or – (Limited) Of Motor Propelled Vessels less than 1600 GRT Upon Oceans, Near Coastal, and Great lakes

Job Summary:

FRS Clipper seeks a skilled and experienced individual to fill the role of Chief Engineer for our high-speed passenger catamaran. This position is a key member of the team providing safe operation and maintenance of all propulsion, hydraulic, electrical, and auxiliary systems aboard the vessel. The position encompasses hands on labor, plant operations, project planning, and record keeping.

The Chief Engineer reports to the Staff Engineer and the Technical Superintendent ashore and is supported by the Port Engineer. This creates a small, fast, and innovative engineering team. The successful candidate is an experienced, knowledgeable, and motivated person who is looking for an employer who values their effort and abilities.

Status: Full-Time, Part-Time, or Seasonal.

Location: Seattle, Pier 69 Waterfront

Schedule: 12 hour Shifts (varies daily). Day shift. Weekends and Holidays (scheduling does have some flexibility). A full-time schedule usually includes 15 shifts per month.

The fast ferry and international route are unique in the Pacific Northwest. FRS Clipper is homeported in Seattle, travels daily to Victoria, BC., and the schedule allows you to be home nightly. There is no accommodation onboard.

Wage: $56.50 – $58/hour. Day rate is estimated between $675-$975

About the vessel

• Flag: Bahamas Class: DNV
• 167 feet long, 40 feet wide
• 525 passengers + crew
• 2.75 – 3 hour sailing time per leg of journey
• 4x MTU 12V4000 @ 6960kw / 9333hp Main Engine
• Kamewa waterjet propulsion system, standard cruising speed of 30 knots

Certification

• Chief Engineer Of Motor Propelled Vessels (no restrictions)
  OR
• Chief Engineer (Limited) Of Motor Propelled Vessels less than 1600 GRT Upon Oceans, Near Coastal, and Great lakes
• STCW III/2 Chief Engineer
• STCW Medical Certificate
• TWIC
• Passport (US only)

Requirements

• Must be a citizen of U.S. with US passport
• Must be able to travel to Canada daily for every shift
• No DUI/DWI, negligent driving, or felony convictions (this will disqualify your entry into Canada)
• Must pass a required pre-employment drug screen (includes cannabis) (paid for by FRS)
• Team leader with a positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Comprehensive knowledge of marine systems
• Ability to read and interpret system drawings
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office and/or 365

Key Responsibilities

• Monitors, inspects and repairs vessel’s equipment
• Records repairs, inspections, and work into the preventative maintenance system
• Bunkers fuel, oil and water
• Operates the vessel plant including main propulsion, auxiliaries, safety systems, house systems and electrical systems
• Monitors vessel seaworthiness, crew and safety as well as environmental protection
• Maintains and repairs technical equipment of the fleet and related on shore equipment
• Contributes to the conversion and modification of the vessels
• Contributes to compliance with all applicable class, flag state and port state rules and applicable requirements by regulatory agencies
• Participates in the safety management system
• Provide excellent customer service while ensuring a safe, reliable, and enjoyable travel experience for our guests.

The Technical Superintendent is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost‑effective operation of the company’s high‑speed passenger vessels and terminal facilities. The role oversees technical management, maintenance planning, regulatory compliance, capital projects, and operational readiness.

Serving as a key liaison among vessel crews, regulators, contractors, shipyards, and senior leadership, the Technical Superintendent ensures that company assets are maintained to the highest standards while supporting long‑term fleet strategy and organizational growth.

Location: Victoria, BC. or Seattle, WA.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Role Purpose

The Technical Superintendent maintains fleet reliability, executes technical projects, ensures regulatory compliance, manages vendor and shipyard relationships, and contributes to long‑term asset and infrastructure planning. The role requires strong engineering expertise, project management capability, regulatory knowledge, and leadership skills.

Technical Leadership

• Develop and oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs for vessels and terminal facilities.
• Plan and manage vessel repairs, dry dockings, inspections, and major overhauls.
• Monitor vessel condition and equipment performance to maximize reliability and minimize downtime.
• Provide technical and troubleshooting guidance to vessel engineering teams.
• Maintain technical records, drawings, maintenance histories, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard, Transport Canada, Class, environmental regulations, and internal safety standards.
• Coordinate inspections, audits, surveys, certifications, and corrective actions.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement compliance strategies.
• Lead vessel modification, refit, and construction projects.
• Represent the company during shipyard periods and technical projects.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical specifications.
• Coordinate contractors, consultants, suppliers, and shipyard personnel.
• Oversee commissioning, sea trials, acceptance testing, and warranty follow‑up.
• Support strategic initiatives including vessel acquisitions, disposals, terminal development, and fleet modernization.
• Support sustainability initiatives including fuel‑efficiency programs, emissions‑reduction efforts, and evaluation of emerging technologies.

People Leadership

• Recruit, onboard, develop, and retain vessel engineering personnel.
• Oversee workforce planning and scheduling to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Set performance expectations and support ongoing training and professional development.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across vessel and shore‑side teams.

Administration

• Develop annual operating and capital budgets for fleet and terminals.
• Manage maintenance and project expenditures.
• Create long‑term asset replacement and lifecycle management plans.
• Evaluate equipment performance and recommend capital improvements.
• Provide technical recommendations to executive leadership.
• Maintain regulatory documentation and support reporting requirements.
• Ensure accurate and timely administrative recordkeeping related to maintenance, compliance, and capital projects.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Marine Engineering degree or equivalent maritime technical education.
• Chief Engineer license or equivalent engineering experience.
• Minimum 5 years of marine engineering, vessel maintenance, or technical management experience.
• Experience managing shipyard projects, dry docks, and vessel modifications.
• Strong knowledge of marine mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and auxiliary systems.
• Experience managing contractors, vendors, and technical service providers.
• Strong organizational, budgeting, and project management skills.
• Ability to travel to shipyards, terminals, and vessel locations as required.

Preferred

• Experience with passenger vessels and high‑speed craft.
• Experience with vessel construction or major conversion projects.
• Familiarity with U.S. Coast Guard and Transport Canada regulations.
• Experience managing capital projects exceeding $500,000.

Desired Attributes

• Self‑directed and able to work independently.
• Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in dynamic environments with competing priorities.
• Able to balance immediate operational needs with long‑term strategic objectives.

Additional Requirements

• Regular presence at the office and terminal in Victoria and Seattle.
• Willingness to work weekends or evenings if required for urgent matters.
• Valid passport and ability/willingness to travel between Canada and the United States.

Position Details

Job Type: Full‑time, year‑round

Compensation: starting at CA $145,000.  This position is eligible for the Annual Incentive Program (bonus). 

Additional Benefits

Complimentary travel aboard the Victoria Clipper vessels