Vice President of Vessel Operations
Oversees the day-to-day management and performance of the company’s offshore DP2 fleet. This role provides leadership to Vessel Managers, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations that align with company strategy and customer commitments. The position serves as the key link between vessel operations and executive leadership.
Functions:
· Oversee Vessel Managers to ensure effective vessel management, including crew, maintenance, compliance, and client satisfaction.

· Serve as the escalation point for complex operational or regulatory issues.

· Evaluate Vessel Manager performance through feedback, reports, and structured reviews.

· Foster collaboration among Vessel Managers and support departments (Technical, HR, HSE, Purchasing, etc.) for efficient operations.

· Promote strong working relationships between shore-based teams and vessel crews.

· Implement and monitor operational best practices to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency.

· Ensure all vessels meet regulatory, safety, and charter requirements, address compliance gaps proactively.

· Lead development of project risk assessments and safety protocols with HSE.

· Review operational and financial performance to identify improvements and cost-saving opportunities.

· Maintain client satisfaction through contract oversight, performance monitoring, and timely resolution of issues.

· Represent the company in client meetings and support Vessel Managers in key interactions.

· Align vessel operations with customer and contractual obligations.

· Partner with the VP of Operations on strategic goals, growth initiatives, and diversification efforts.

· Champion adoption of new technologies and systems to enhance operational effectiveness.

· Align daily operations with long-term company and regulatory objectives.

· Ensure compliance with flag state, SOLAS, IMO, USCG, and environmental regulations.

· Support HSE in maintaining safety programs suited to company size and risk profile.

· Participate in incident investigations and implement corrective actions.

· Oversee vessel operations, crew management, and logistics.

· Maintain strong relationships with Captains and Senior Officers.

· Provide timely and accurate reports on vessel condition, performance, and budgets.
· Lead by example in regulatory compliance, safety and client relations.
Preferred Qualifications:

· Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, including Vessel Managers, Port Engineers, and operational support staff.

· Strong knowledge of vessel operations, including technical, regulatory, and budget management.

· Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills to maintain cohesive team dynamics and client relationships.

· Financial acumen to analyze operating budgets, track vessel costs, and recommend optimizations.

· Familiarity with maritime software platforms.

· Collaborative yet decisive, with the ability to delegate effectively while maintaining oversight.

· Skilled at mentoring and developing high-performing teams to meet organizational objectives.

· Focused on proactive problem-solving and risk mitigation to ensure operational continuity.

Education & Experience:

· Experience: 10+ years in maritime operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing vessel operations or similar teams.

· Education: Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Operations, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.

· Certifications: Deep understanding of DP2 operations, ISM Code, HSE protocols, and regulatory requirements.

Chief Engineer / First Assistant Engineer
Integration Test Coordinator / Ship Repair Execution Lead
Location: Seattle, WA (On-Site)
Duration: Approximately 14 Months
Employment Type: Full-Time Contract

Position Overview
Flagship Management is seeking an experienced U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Chief Engineer or First Assistant Engineer to support a major U.S. Navy ship repair and modernization program in Seattle.

This is a senior waterfront leadership role responsible for coordinating the restoration, integration, and testing of complex shipboard engineering systems during a major maintenance availability. The successful candidate will work closely with production, engineering, planning, testing, subcontractors, and customer representatives to ensure engineering systems are restored, tested, and delivered safely and on schedule.

This opportunity is well suited for an experienced engineering officer looking to transition ashore or an experienced marine engineering professional with a background in naval ship repair, modernization, or fleet maintenance.

Key Responsibilities
Coordinate restoration and integration of shipboard engineering systems.

Ensure systems are available and properly sequenced for testing and commissioning.

Work with production, engineering, planning, scheduling, and test organizations to maintain schedule performance.

Identify system dependencies and resolve technical issues impacting testing.

Lead system readiness reviews and support waterfront coordination meetings.

Coordinate dock trials, machinery testing, integrated systems testing, and delivery readiness.

Develop recovery plans and remove barriers affecting production and testing.

Qualifications
We’re particularly interested in candidates with:

USCG Unlimited Chief Engineer License or First Assistant Engineer License

Significant experience aboard U.S.-flag vessels or U.S. Navy ships

Strong understanding of marine engineering systems, propulsion, electrical distribution, auxiliary machinery, HVAC, and shipboard operations

Experience supporting ship repair, modernization, fleet maintenance, or new construction programs

Ability to coordinate multiple technical disciplines in a fast-paced waterfront environment

Previous experience with NAVSEA, SUPSHIP, U.S. Navy surface combatants, or commercial shipyard operations is highly desirable.

Ideal Background
Candidates may currently be or have previously served as:

Chief Engineer

First Assistant Engineer

Port Engineer

Ship Superintendent

Waterfront Engineer

Senior Test Engineer

Ship Repair Project Manager

Availability Manager

Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to leverage your operational engineering experience in a highly visible leadership role supporting a major U.S. Navy program. You’ll play a key role in ensuring complex engineering systems are restored, integrated, tested, and delivered safely while working alongside experienced shipyard, engineering, and government personnel.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply or contact Flagship Management for a confidential discussion.