Are you passionate about engineering, the structures that keep our ports and harbors moving? APTIM, a recognized leader in engineering and technical services for the maritime industry, is seeking a Port Services Project Engineer to join our team in either Mobile, Alabama or Charleston, South Carolina. As a key member of our Ports Services Group, you'll support projects involving the inspection, analysis, and design of structural systems for cranes, piers, wharves, and other critical port infrastructure.
At APTIM, you'll work alongside experienced structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers to assess and solve complex challenges across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. On the equipment side our work spans condition assessments, structural and mechanical repairs, retrofits, and new installations for container cranes and heavy maritime equipment. On the facilities side our work includes condition assessments, structural repairs, retrofits, and new design of critical port infrastructure. Using tools such as Mathcad, RISA, and AutoCAD, you'll contribute directly to analysis, design development, and the preparation of engineering deliverables that enhance reliability and performance in the port industry.
Job Overview:We're seeking an engineer with a solid foundation in structural and/or mechanical design who enjoys applying technical expertise to field investigations and detailed analysis. In this role, you'll participate in inspections, prepare technical reports, develop repair and design solutions, and collaborate with project managers to deliver practical, constructible outcomes for our clients.
This position offers outstanding opportunities for professional growth and hands-on engineering experience in a technically diverse and rapidly evolving field. If you're ready to help shape the future of port and harbor infrastructure while advancing your career with a dynamic, forward-thinking company, we'd love to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:- Report to the Port Services Project Director and serve as a core member of the engineering team supporting port and harbor projects across the Southeast.
- Support and perform structural and/or mechanical inspections of cranes, waterfront structures, and other port facility assets, equipment and systems to assess condition, identify deficiencies, and develop repair recommendations.
- Assist in the development of detailed repair, retrofit, and new design drawings and calculations for steel and concrete structures, including crane components, piers, wharves, foundations, and pile-supported systems.
- Perform structural analysis and design using engineering tools such as RISA, Mathcad, and AutoCAD; assist in design reviews for new equipment and facility improvements.
- Collaborate with project managers to ensure technical deliverables meet project scope, schedule, and quality objectives.
- Participate in field work and inspections--approximately typically ~10 -- 40% of workload--including work at height, over water, or within industrial environments.
- Engage directly with client project managers and technical staff to coordinate ongoing and upcoming work and ensure responsive communication.
- Contribute to proposal development and the preparation of technical scopes, cost estimates, and schedules.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including mechanical, electrical, civil, structural and geotechnical disciplines, to deliver integrated port and crane engineering solutions.
- Support the continued growth of APTIM's digital inspection and asset management initiatives by applying innovative technologies and data-driven methods.
- Maintain an adaptable balance between office-based design and field-based activities, with limited travel (approximately 10-20%) throughout the Southeast.
- As the office expands, provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and inspection staff.
Representative Projects:- Structural and/or Mechanical inspections and condition assessments of container cranes, mobile harbor cranes, and other heavy lifting or material-handling equipment.
- Design and repair of steel and concrete port structures, including piers, wharves, foundations, and pile-supported systems.
- Retrofit and upgrade design for waterfront structures and crane support systems to meet current load, safety, and operational requirements.
- Design, repair and retrofit of container and bulk handling equipment and system.
- Design review and technical support for new equipment procurement, including load path analysis and integration with existing port infrastructure.
- Port expansion projects, including new wharf construction, quay wall design, dredge integration, and associated infrastructure upgrades.
- Multi-disciplinary projects involving coordination with mechanical, electrical, civil, structural and geotechnical teams to deliver comprehensive port engineering solutions.
- Implementation of digital inspection methods and data-driven maintenance strategies for ongoing port facility management.
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Structural or Mechanical Engineering required.
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred, or the ability to obtain licensure within 12 months of hire.
- 10+ years of progressive structural or mechanical engineering experience with emphasis on steel/concrete design or mechanical system designs.
- Experience with cranes, waterfront structures, or other heavy industrial or marine infrastructure strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in structural analysis and design software such as RISA, Mathcad, and AutoCAD; familiarity with Bluebeam and Autodesk Construction Cloud a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to perform and interpret engineering analyses and translate findings into practical repair and design solutions.
- Strong technical writing skills with experience preparing inspection reports, calculations, and design documentation.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact directly with clients, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to balance office-based analysis and design work with occasional field assignments (approximately 10-25% travel).
- Commitment to safe work practices in industrial and marine environments, including work at height and over water.
- Interest in applying innovative tools and digital inspection methods to improve efficiency and data quality.
- Passion for working in a consulting firm environment on a diverse portfolio of port and harbor projects.
- Primary work location in Mobile, AL
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