<![CDATA[This study aims to empirically examine the effect of work motivation on employee performance, with job satisfaction serving as a moderating variable at PT X. Employee performance is a crucial factor in achieving organizational effectiveness and maintaining service quality. This research employed a quantitative approach using a correlational survey design. The study population consisted of 165 permanent employees directly involved in the ship classification certificate issuance process. A total sampling (census) technique was applied, resulting in 165 valid respondents. Data on work motivation and job satisfaction were collected using Likert-scale psychological instruments, while employee performance data were obtained from the company's Key Performance Indicator (KPI) records. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS 4.0 software. The findings indicate that work motivation has a positive and significant effect on employee performance (β = 0.382; t = 4.861; p < 0.001). Furthermore, job satisfaction significantly moderates and strengthens the relationship between work motivation and employee performance (β = 0.181; t = 2.514; p = 0.012). These findings demonstrate that motivated employees tend to achieve better performance, particularly when they experience high job satisfaction. Therefore, management should prioritize strategies that simultaneously enhance work motivation and foster sustainable job satisfaction to optimize employee performance and organizational effectiveness.]]>
