Director of Engineering- Passenger Ferry Operations

Position Overview

The Director of Engineering serves as a senior manager responsible for the comprehensive oversight of maintenance and repair activities across the fleet of passenger ferries and associated facilities. This role is accountable for establishing strategic direction, developing policies, and ensuring effective execution of all engineering and maintenance functions.

The Director is expected to be fully engaged in planning, oversight, and management of maintenance programs, and to serve as a readily accessible resource to WETA personnel. The position requires responsiveness to operational needs, including participation in unscheduled meetings and timely handling of requests. When necessary, responsibilities must be formally reassigned to a qualified interim leader with appropriate advance notice to ensure continuity of operations.

Disclaimer: This position is part of a contract bid. We’re identifying candidates now for proposal submission, and hiring will move forward if the contract is awarded and you’re selected. Please note that inclusion in the proposal does not guarantee employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for all vessel and facility maintenance and repair programs, ensuring reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance
• Develop and implement short- and long-term maintenance strategies, including capital improvement planning and lifecycle management of assets
• Direct engineering support services, including technical evaluations, system improvements, and major repair initiatives
• Establish and manage dry-dock schedules, preventative maintenance programs, and repair cycles to maintain optimal fleet condition
• Oversee procurement activities related to vessels, equipment, materials, and services, including development of technical specifications and evaluation of vendor proposals
• Ensure all maintenance and engineering activities comply with applicable federal, state, and maritime regulations, as well as industry best practices
• Lead contract administration efforts, ensuring deliverables, timelines, and performance standards are met
• Coordinate closely with operations, procurement, and finance teams to align maintenance activities with organizational priorities and budget constraints
• Represent the organization in interactions with regulatory agencies, vendors, and external stakeholders
• Provide leadership in labor relations matters, including coordination with union representatives and participation in negotiations or grievance processes as required
• Oversee maintenance management systems to ensure accurate tracking of work orders, labor, materials, and asset performance
• Promote continuous improvement through data analysis, performance monitoring, and implementation of best practices

Essential Functional Areas

This position is responsible for ensuring the following critical organizational functions are effectively supported:

• Safety, Environmental, and Risk Oversight – Establish and maintain programs that promote safe operations, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation across all engineering and maintenance activities
• Supply Chain and Inventory Control – Direct procurement processes and inventory systems to ensure timely availability of materials and equipment
• Customer Experience and Service Quality – Support operational reliability and service excellence through well-maintained assets and responsive engineering support
• Financial Stewardship – Oversee budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting related to maintenance and capital programs
• Workforce and Labor Management – Lead workforce planning, employee development, and labor relations for both represented and non-represented staff
• Issue and Complaint Resolution – Ensure timely and effective response to operational concerns and stakeholder complaints

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or a related engineering discipline
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering or maintenance leadership roles
• Demonstrated experience working with aluminum high-speed vessels or comparable marine assets

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and organizational management capabilities, including experience overseeing complex technical teams and programs
• In-depth knowledge of maritime operations, vessel maintenance practices, and applicable regulatory frameworks
• Experience with capital project planning, procurement processes, and contract management
• Familiarity with labor relations, collective bargaining environments, and workforce development practices
• Ability to analyze technical and operational challenges and implement effective, practical solutions
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal teams, external partners, and regulatory bodies
• Proficiency with maintenance management systems and standard business software tools
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a dynamic environment

Additional Expectations

• Maintain consistent availability to support operational needs and leadership requests
• Participate in both scheduled and unscheduled meetings as required
• Ensure continuity of leadership through appropriate delegation planning when unavailable
• Uphold high standards of professionalism, accountability, and confidentiality