By Mark Edward Nero
The Port of Coos Bay has hired Chuck Steffensmeier as its new chief engineer, the port announced May 5.
In his new role, Steffensmeier will have primary responsibility for agricultural operations and marine terminals in the Coos Bay harbor, as well as engineering oversight for rehabilitation and upgrade of the port’s Coos Bay rail line, which serves southwest Oregon.
According to the port, railroad design and construction with a focus on rail-related structures such as bridges are Steffensmeier’s specialties, and he is said to have an extensive background in maintenance, permitting and project management.
In addition to working on rail projects, the port says he’s expected to be involved in a number of marine structure projects the port is pursuing in its Charleston facilities and elsewhere.
Steffensmeier has over 25 years’ experience in rail engineering, having previously worked for various engineering firms and railroads during his career, including Union Pacific Railroad, the Alaska Railroad, Metrolink-Southern California Regional Rail Authority and most recently with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) in San Diego.
He also previously worked as a professional engineer for HNTB Corp., Hanson Wilson, Inc. and HDR Engineering, Inc.
Steffensmeier holds a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, a Masters in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado-Denver, and in 2001 received an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
He holds professional registrations in California, Colorado and Nebraska, is applying for his Oregon certification, according to the port.
