Position Summary
The Chief Engineer is the senior-most engineering authority on-site, responsible for all engineering, maintenance, utilities, and capital projects across shore facilities. This role reports to on-site leadership and a centralized engineering director and ensures that facilities operate safely, efficiently, and in full regulatory compliance.
You will directly lead 20–25 engineers and technicians, oversee capital expenditures ranging from $10,000 to $500,000, and remain hands-on with critical systems, particularly electrical controls, PLCs, and industrial refrigeration.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Operations Leadership
- Direct and oversee daily engineering, maintenance, and repair operations for shore-based facilities
- Ensure facility integrity, safety, and regulatory compliance across mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, utilities, and life-safety systems
- Maintain high operational uptime in demanding, remote environments
Capital Projects & Asset Management
- Lead CAPEX projects ranging from $10K to $500K, including construction, equipment upgrades, installations, and major repairs
- Prepare, justify, and manage capital expenditure requests, budgets, and timelines
- Assess facility assets and develop condition reports, cost estimates, and long-term engineering plans
Technical Oversight (Hands-On Required)
- Maintain strong hands-on involvement with:
- Electrical controls & troubleshooting
- Allen-Bradley PLC systems (OLC experience required)
- Industrial ammonia refrigeration systems
- Diesel power generation and electrical distribution
People Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and manage 20–25 engineers and technicians
- Set performance standards, monitor KPIs, and address performance or conduct issues in collaboration with site leadership
- Ensure training, certifications, and compliance requirements are met across the engineering team
Compliance, Safety & Documentation
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
- Oversee documentation for preventive maintenance, energy management, and process safety programs
- Actively identify and escalate safety or environmental risks
Required Qualifications (Must-Haves)
- 8–9+ years of hands-on engineering experience in food manufacturing, maritime, or heavy industrial environments
- Comprehensive experience with industrial ammonia refrigeration
- Strong electrical controls background, including Allen-Bradley PLCs (OLC required)
- Proven experience managing engineering teams in remote or high-pressure operations
- Demonstrated ownership of capital projects ($10K–$500K)
- High work integrity, accountability, and ability to lead by example
- Willingness and ability to work extended schedules during peak seasons
Preferred / Bonus Qualifications
- Engineering degree (Mechanical, Electrical, or Marine) – preferred but not required
- Certifications such as CIRO, CARO, EPA 608, or related refrigeration credentials
- Experience with diesel power generation and utilities infrastructure
- Incident Command System 100/200 training
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Exposure to extreme cold, wet/humid conditions, loud environments, moving machinery, chemicals, and electrical systems
- Ability to climb, lift up to 50 lbs occasionally, and work in demanding industrial settings
- Must be comfortable operating in remote Alaskan locations (Naknek and St. Paul)
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $150,000 – $165,000
- Company-provided housing (as outlined above)
- Travel sponsored by employer
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, insurance, and additional coverage options)
- Long-term stability with a large-scale, mission-critical operation
About Raizan Solutions LLC
Raizan Solutions LLC is a U.S.-based direct placement and executive recruitment firm specializing in engineering, manufacturing, and healthcare leadership roles. We act as a trusted hiring partner for our clients and never charge candidates.