Top-Level Engineer Mariner Subject Matter Expert - Public Trust

This role offers an opportunity to apply your senior-level marine engineering expertise to support maritime safety, credentialing accuracy, and the reliability of the U.S. Marine Transportation System. You will contribute to the evaluation of more than 140,000 applications annually, helping ensure that qualified merchant mariners meet the necessary professional and regulatory standards. Working within established procedures, you will assess engineering credentials, review maritime training programs, and provide technical recommendations that support consistent, high-quality decisions. Your expertise will help maintain the standards essential to the safe operation of commercial vessels and the continued flow of national and international commerce. The position combines specialized maritime knowledge with technical assessment, regulatory compliance, and detailed documentation in a mission-driven environment. Based in Martinsburg, West Virginia, this opportunity is ideal for an experienced marine engineering professional seeking to make a meaningful contribution to maritime operations and national security.

• Mandatory Marine Engineering Credentials: Must currently hold or have previously held a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed as Chief Engineer on vessels of any horsepower (Unlimited Horsepower) for Motor (Diesel), Steam, or Gas Turbine propulsion; or hold or have previously held a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed as First Assistant Engineer on vessels of any horsepower (Unlimited Horsepower) for Motor (Diesel), Steam, or Gas Turbine propulsion, with at least five years of experience sailing under that credential.

• Professional Maritime Expertise: Demonstrated experience and technical knowledge in marine engineering, vessel propulsion systems, and merchant mariner professional qualifications. The ability to interpret engineering documentation, evaluate technical competencies, and assess compliance with applicable credentialing standards is essential.

• Regulatory and Technical Assessment Skills: Ability to review credential applications and maritime training submissions against established regulatory requirements. Strong analytical skills and sound professional judgment are necessary to identify discrepancies, assess technical information, and formulate clear, defensible recommendations.

• Documentation and Communication: Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare accurate evaluation reports, document technical findings, and draft clear correspondence regarding credentialing and course approval decisions. Attention to detail and the ability to maintain complete records are essential.

• Preferred Propulsion Experience: Experience working across multiple propulsion modes, including diesel, steam, and gas turbine systems, is highly desirable but not mandatory.

• Preferred Training Development Experience: Previous experience writing, designing, developing, or evaluating maritime engineering training courses is advantageous but not required.

• Professional Judgment and Organization: Ability to work independently within established procedures, manage multiple application reviews, maintain consistent quality standards, and meet processing deadlines. A methodical, reliable, and detail-oriented approach is important for success.

• Location and Trust Requirements: The role is associated with Martinsburg, West Virginia, and requires a Public Trust designation. Candidates should be prepared to satisfy the applicable suitability and background screening requirements.

• STCW Certification: A current Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) certificate is not required.