Vessel Manager Jobs
Vessel Manager jobs are open across commercial shipping, maritime logistics, and offshore energy, covering specializations in fleet operations, port coordination, and charter management, from entry-level fleet coordinators to senior vessel operations directors. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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See related jobsDate: Nov 6, 2026
Location: McLean, VA, Remote, United States
Company: HII's Mission Technologies division
Requisition Number: 31065
Required Travel: 11 - 25%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $126,363.00 - $180,000.00
Security Clearance: Secret
Level of Experience: Management HI
This opportunity resides with All-Domain Operations (ADO), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. All-Domain Operations comprises multi-domain operations, platforms and logistics, and intelligence operations.
HII designs, develops, integrates and manages the sensors, systems and other assets necessary to support integrated ISR operations and accelerated decision-making. With data fusion and mission management capabilities for the Department of Defense, the combatant commands and the intelligence community, HII advances the mission around the globe.
Leadership at HII – Mission Technologies
HII’s Leadership Capability Framework defines the standard of excellence expected of all leaders across Mission Technologies. Leaders are accountable for modeling these capabilities and building them within their teams:
- Know & Grow Your People – Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
- Build Relationships – Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
- Take Ownership – Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
- Customer First – Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
- Shape the Future – Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
- Act with Urgency – Make informed decisions and move with purpose.
These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission Technologies.
Summary
The Senior Program Manager, Vessel Acquisition & Modernization is responsible for leading the acquisition, new construction, conversion, modernization, and delivery of Military Sealift Command (MSC) and special mission vessels. This role provides program leadership across complex maritime projects, ensuring compliance with operational, technical, contractual, regulatory, cost, and schedule requirements. The position serves as the primary interface among government stakeholders, shipyards, contractors, and mission partners throughout the vessel lifecycle.
What You Will Do
- Lead vessel acquisition, shipbuilding, conversion, and modernization programs from planning through delivery and acceptance.
- Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk across multiple stakeholders and contractors.
- Oversee shipyard contracts and program execution in accordance with FAR and DFARS requirements.
- Direct configuration management, Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) integration, change management, and acceptance processes.
- Coordinate vessel testing, sea trials, certifications, and delivery milestones.
- Ensure compliance with ABS classification requirements, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, Navy standards, and MSC operational requirements.
- Support integration of mission systems, including small boat operations, aviation support systems, dive and salvage equipment, sensors, and C4I capabilities.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among MSC, NAVSEA, Fleet Commands, Combatant Commands, shipyards, prime contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Provide executive-level program reporting, status updates, and strategic recommendations.
What We Are Looking For
- 6 years relevant progressive experience with Bachelors in related field; 4 years relevant progressive experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years relevant progressive experience.
- 8-15+ years of experience leading vessel acquisition, new construction, major conversion, ship modernization, or shipbuilding programs.
- Demonstrated experience supporting Military Sealift Command (MSC), Navy auxiliary vessels, Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs), special mission vessels, or comparable maritime platforms.
- Experience managing complex programs involving multiple government, industry, and operational stakeholders.
- Strong knowledge of MSC operations, Navy vessel acquisition processes, and maritime mission requirements.
- Knowledge of ABS classification standards and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
- Experience with mission system integration, including small boat operations, aviation support, dive and salvage systems, sensors, and C4I systems.
- Thorough understanding of FAR/DFARS regulations and government contracting processes.
- Experience with shipyard operations, contract management, configuration control, GFE management, sea trials, acceptance testing, and risk management.
- Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
- Clearance: Must possess and maintain an active Secret clearance.
Preferred: Bonus Points For...
- DAWIA Level II or Level III Certification in Program Management (or equivalent).
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
- Experience with Chouest-class or similar commercial vessel platforms.
- Experience managing cost-reimbursement, fixed-price, and performance-based logistics contracts.
- Prior experience supporting Military Sealift Command (MSC), NAVSEA, Fleet Commands, Combatant Commands, or other Department of Defense organizations.
- Former MSC executive, project officer, program manager, or acquisition professional.
- NAVSEA shipbuilding, acquisition, modernization, or lifecycle management professional.
- Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) with shipbuilding, maintenance, modernization, or shipyard experience.
- Civilian shipyard program manager with successful delivery of Navy or MSC vessel programs.
- Program manager supporting government-funded vessel modifications, modernization efforts, or mission system integration on Chouest-type or similar vessels.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex stakeholder environments involving MSC, Fleet Commands, Combatant Commands, shipyards, prime contractors, and government customers.
#LI-NM1
Physical Requirements
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII’s Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.
Date: Nov 6, 2026
Location: McLean, VA, Remote, United States
Company: HII's Mission Technologies division
Requisition Number: 31065
Required Travel: 11 - 25%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $126,363.00 - $180,000.00
Security Clearance: Secret
Level of Experience: Management HI
This opportunity resides with All-Domain Operations (ADO), a business group within HII’s Mission Technologies division. All-Domain Operations comprises multi-domain operations, platforms and logistics, and intelligence operations.
HII designs, develops, integrates and manages the sensors, systems and other assets necessary to support integrated ISR operations and accelerated decision-making. With data fusion and mission management capabilities for the Department of Defense, the combatant commands and the intelligence community, HII advances the mission around the globe.
Leadership at HII – Mission Technologies
HII’s Leadership Capability Framework defines the standard of excellence expected of all leaders across Mission Technologies. Leaders are accountable for modeling these capabilities and building them within their teams:
- Know & Grow Your People – Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
- Build Relationships – Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
- Take Ownership – Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
- Customer First – Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
- Shape the Future – Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
- Act with Urgency – Make informed decisions and move with purpose.
These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission Technologies.
Summary
The Senior Program Manager, Vessel Acquisition & Modernization is responsible for leading the acquisition, new construction, conversion, modernization, and delivery of Military Sealift Command (MSC) and special mission vessels. This role provides program leadership across complex maritime projects, ensuring compliance with operational, technical, contractual, regulatory, cost, and schedule requirements. The position serves as the primary interface among government stakeholders, shipyards, contractors, and mission partners throughout the vessel lifecycle.
What You Will Do
- Lead vessel acquisition, shipbuilding, conversion, and modernization programs from planning through delivery and acceptance.
- Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, and risk across multiple stakeholders and contractors.
- Oversee shipyard contracts and program execution in accordance with FAR and DFARS requirements.
- Direct configuration management, Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) integration, change management, and acceptance processes.
- Coordinate vessel testing, sea trials, certifications, and delivery milestones.
- Ensure compliance with ABS classification requirements, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, Navy standards, and MSC operational requirements.
- Support integration of mission systems, including small boat operations, aviation support systems, dive and salvage equipment, sensors, and C4I capabilities.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among MSC, NAVSEA, Fleet Commands, Combatant Commands, shipyards, prime contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Provide executive-level program reporting, status updates, and strategic recommendations.
What We Are Looking For
- 6 years relevant progressive experience with Bachelors in related field; 4 years relevant progressive experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years relevant progressive experience.
- 8-15+ years of experience leading vessel acquisition, new construction, major conversion, ship modernization, or shipbuilding programs.
- Demonstrated experience supporting Military Sealift Command (MSC), Navy auxiliary vessels, Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs), special mission vessels, or comparable maritime platforms.
- Experience managing complex programs involving multiple government, industry, and operational stakeholders.
- Strong knowledge of MSC operations, Navy vessel acquisition processes, and maritime mission requirements.
- Knowledge of ABS classification standards and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
- Experience with mission system integration, including small boat operations, aviation support, dive and salvage systems, sensors, and C4I systems.
- Thorough understanding of FAR/DFARS regulations and government contracting processes.
- Experience with shipyard operations, contract management, configuration control, GFE management, sea trials, acceptance testing, and risk management.
- Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
- Clearance: Must possess and maintain an active Secret clearance.
Preferred: Bonus Points For...
- DAWIA Level II or Level III Certification in Program Management (or equivalent).
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
- Experience with Chouest-class or similar commercial vessel platforms.
- Experience managing cost-reimbursement, fixed-price, and performance-based logistics contracts.
- Prior experience supporting Military Sealift Command (MSC), NAVSEA, Fleet Commands, Combatant Commands, or other Department of Defense organizations.
- Former MSC executive, project officer, program manager, or acquisition professional.
- NAVSEA shipbuilding, acquisition, modernization, or lifecycle management professional.
- Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) with shipbuilding, maintenance, modernization, or shipyard experience.
- Civilian shipyard program manager with successful delivery of Navy or MSC vessel programs.
- Program manager supporting government-funded vessel modifications, modernization efforts, or mission system integration on Chouest-type or similar vessels.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex stakeholder environments involving MSC, Fleet Commands, Combatant Commands, shipyards, prime contractors, and government customers.
#LI-NM1
Physical Requirements
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII’s Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.
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Find Vessel Manager JobsVessel Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Transportation & Logistics
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in vessel manager jobs.
- Minimum five years of experience in vessel operations or fleet management
- Demonstrated knowledge of SOLAS, MARPOL, and ISM Code requirements
- Experience managing planned maintenance systems such as AMOS or ShipManager
- Coast Guard license or equivalent maritime credential preferred
- Strong vendor and shipyard contract negotiation experience
- Bachelor's degree in marine transportation, nautical science, or a related field
Tips for Your Vessel Manager Job Search
Tailor your resume to vessel type
Hiring managers distinguish between dry bulk, tanker, container, and offshore support vessel experience. Call out the specific vessel types you've managed in your resume summary and work history so your background matches the fleet the employer actually operates.
List your flag state and class society exposure
Vessel manager roles often require familiarity with flag state regulations and class society requirements like DNV, Lloyd's, or Bureau Veritas. Name the specific registries and societies you've worked with so employers don't have to guess whether your compliance background fits their fleet.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists vessel manager openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare scenario answers about off-hire situations
Interviewers frequently ask how you've handled unplanned off-hire events, drydock overruns, or emergency crew changes. Prepare two or three concrete examples with timelines and outcomes, because vague answers about 'coordinating with stakeholders' won't differentiate you from other candidates.
Highlight planned maintenance system experience
Many vessel manager postings require hands-on experience with planned maintenance systems like AMOS, ShipManager, or similar platforms. Name the specific systems you've used and describe the scope of the fleets you managed within them to show you can hit the ground running.
Negotiate your on-call expectations upfront
Vessel manager roles frequently involve 24-hour availability during port calls or casualty events. Ask during the offer stage how on-call rotations work, whether a duty officer system is in place, and how travel requirements are handled so there are no surprises after you accept.
Vessel Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most vessel managers?
The companies hiring the most vessel managers right now include Yusen Logistics, HII, and Bay, with the largest share of openings in New Jersey, Virginia, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is concentrated in employers operating large commercial or offshore fleets requiring dedicated operations oversight.
How many vessel manager jobs are remote?
About 100% of vessel manager openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of fleet oversight and port coordination. Shore-based administrative functions like contract management, procurement coordination, and budget reporting are the sub-areas most likely to allow remote or hybrid schedules.
How do you become a vessel manager?
Most vessel managers start as deck officers or maritime engineers and accumulate seagoing experience before transitioning ashore into fleet coordination or technical superintendent roles. From there, taking on direct responsibility for vessel budgets, drydock planning, and crew coordination is how candidates build the credentials employers look for. Certifications in safety management and familiarity with planned maintenance systems accelerate the transition into a full vessel manager title.
Can you get a vessel manager job with little experience?
Entry points exist for candidates with limited direct vessel management experience, particularly in fleet coordinator or junior technical superintendent roles at smaller operators. Demonstrating deep familiarity with one vessel type, holding a relevant maritime credential, and showing you've handled any aspect of maintenance scheduling or port logistics gives hiring managers a reason to invest in developing you further.
What does the vessel manager interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a phone screen focused on fleet type experience and certifications, followed by a technical interview covering ISM compliance, drydock management, and budget oversight. Final rounds often include a scenario-based conversation where you walk through how you've handled an off-hire event, a Class survey, or a crewing emergency, so concrete examples from your own history are essential to have ready.
Where can I find and apply to vessel manager jobs?
You can find and apply to vessel manager jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Find the roles that match your vessel type experience and background, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
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