Regional Government Lead, Surveyor

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

. Provide guidance and oversight of classification, certification, and statutory survey work within Regional Offices related to U.S.

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeHouston • Texas • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in survey operations, compliance with ABS and statutory regulations, and effective communication with clients and internal teams. Possesses strong leadership and management skills to guide survey staff and ensure quality assurance in government vessel activities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Principal Surveyor ExperienceABS Rules KnowledgeITAR ClearanceGovernment Vessel Industry ExpertiseSurvey Operations Mastery

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Survey OperationsEngineering Plan ReadingStatutory Regulations ComplianceSurvey Report VerificationProblem Analysis and ResolutionMarine Engineering Systems KnowledgeShipbuilding Practices UnderstandingSurvey PlanningCyber Security Requirements KnowledgeABS Employee Safety Policy Knowledge

Soft Skills

LeadershipClient CommunicationTeam CollaborationCustomer ResponsivenessMentoring

Tools & Technologies

Survey Software PackagesTechnical Interfaces for Group ProjectsABS Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental Management System

Certifications & Qualifications

Qualifications from Tertiary Institution in Engineering or Physical ScienceMarine or Nautical Institution CertificationU.S. Citizenship (if required)

Industry Keywords

U.S. Government ActivitiesABS NavyNAVSEAMSCMARADNOAAUSCGArmy Corps of EngineersPort State ControlFlag State Inspections

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecurityPMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide guidance and oversight of classification, certification, and statutory survey work within Regional Offices related to U.S. Government activities
Maintain the quality and consistency of survey work within Regional Offices and verify compliance with ABS, ABS Navy, and statutory requirements
Act as a professional specialist within the U.S. Government framework, including U.S. Navy, NAVSEA, MSC, MARAD, NOAA, USCG, Army Corps of Engineers, GOCO, and shipyards
Stay current with ABS Rules, Guides, statutory requirements, and forthcoming changes; assist with dissemination of requirements
Approve documents and survey extensions where permitted or advise Assistant Chief Surveyor or Chief Surveyor offices
Provide guidance and direction to internal staff and external clients, including client meetings
Review and approve attendance requests or remote surveys
Attend novel surveys and confirm local survey staff properly apply new regulations and rule requirements
Maintain and disseminate Cyber Security and CBP requirements
Visit survey offices within the assigned Region to conduct port assessments
Attend Port State Control or Flag State inspections
Provide guidance and training through Surveyor meetings, on-the-job mentoring, presentations, and other media
Assist with the Surveyor Monitoring Program and Secondary Report Review
Liaise with National and Coastal State Administrations and coordinate requirements for classification and certification work
Monitor survey activities at marine or offshore facilities, occasionally serving as Lead Surveyor on select surveys or situations
Review survey planning meetings and verify surveys, repairs, thickness measurements, and survey reports comply with Rules and Process Instructions
Update Rules, Guides, and internal processes; contribute to regional technical committees and working groups
Participate in workforce training and present Surveyor training courses at the ABS Academy or other locations
Participate in internal or external fleet review activities, including PMP, CBP, and CS-G
Carry out internal investigations or record reviews as determined by the Chief Surveyor’s Office
Participate in Joint Industry Projects supporting U.S. Government activities
Report to the Hemisphere Assistant Chief Surveyor; direct reports may include Principal Surveyors, Senior Surveyors, Surveyors, and/or an Administrative Assistant
Travel to survey sites and manufacturing plants, board marine vessels, offshore platforms, or structures, and work in office, confined-space, ladder, and construction-staging environments as required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be able to obtain ITAR clearance
Qualifications from a tertiary institution within a relevant field of engineering or physical science (minimum two (2) years program); or qualifications from a marine or nautical institution and relevant seagoing experience as a certificated ship officer
Proficiency in the English language commensurate with the scope of statutory certification and services and future work
Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of experience working in an operational aspect of the government vessel industry or as a Senior or Principal Surveyor with past government vessel survey and operational experience
Comprehensive understanding of ABS strategic technical positioning in the respective marine industry sector
International assignment or significant exposure to international processes, requirements, business issues, and problem resolution
Minimum three (3) years’ experience working as Principal Surveyor
Mastery of the comprehensive body of knowledge in Survey operations
This position may require U.S. citizenship due to government contract requirements
Working knowledge of ABS Rules, ABS Navy Rules, Guides, statutory regulations, related instructions, and ABS Employee Safety Policy
Ability to read engineering plans and basic understanding of shipbuilding practices and vessel operations
Ability to perform surveys in the prescribed format
Knowledge of computer programs or software packages related to job responsibilities
Knowledge of related technical interfaces required for group project work
Detailed knowledge of government vessel engineering systems, statutory elements, and machinery
Ability to communicate pertinent technical information orally and in writing
Ability to analyze problems and propose solutions
Responsiveness to customers
Ability to work well with others
Management skills to organize, plan, and direct professional employees
Human relations skills to maintain positive client contacts and provide leadership and motivation
Working knowledge of the ABS Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental Management System

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance (PPO and HD)
Dental and vision insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
Life insurance
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Disability leave programs
Parental leave program
Paid holidays
Paid vacation time
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with personal wellness and work-life services
401K plan with a generous company match, subject to plan requirements