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1St Assistant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The 1st Assistant Engineer shall be responsible to the Chief Engineer for the duties as allocated accordingly. The 1st Assistant Engineer may be employed in watchkeeping, UMS duties, or day work ...

Assistant Engineer

Juneau, AK · On-site

$141 - $165/day

CPR / First Aid / AED * Valid TWIC (1) * STCW Basic Training (1) * STCW Crowd Management (1) * STCW ... The Assistant Engineer will interact with our passengers daily and must be professional and ...

Assistant Engineer

Juneau, AK · On-site

$141 - $165/day

CPR / First Aid / AED * Valid TWIC (1) * STCW Basic Training (1) * STCW Crowd Management (1) * STCW ... The Assistant Engineer will interact with our passengers daily and must be professional and ...

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1St Assistant Engineer information

See salary details

$33K

$88.8K

$134.5K

How much do 1st assistant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for 1st assistant engineer in the United States is $88,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st Assistant Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 1st Assistant Engineer, you need a solid background in marine engineering, mechanical systems, and a valid STCW certification or equivalent maritime license. Familiarity with engine room management systems, auxiliary machinery, and preventive maintenance software is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are critical soft skills for managing engine room teams and responding to emergencies. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient operation of the ship’s machinery and compliance with international maritime regulations.

What are the typical responsibilities of a 1st Assistant Engineer during a voyage, and how do they interact with other crew members?

As a 1st Assistant Engineer, your primary responsibilities during a voyage include supervising engine room operations, maintaining mechanical and electrical systems, and overseeing routine inspections and repairs. You will collaborate closely with the Chief Engineer to ensure the vessel's machinery runs smoothly and safely, and you’ll also direct and mentor junior engineering staff. Effective communication with deck officers and other departments is essential for coordinating maintenance schedules and responding to any technical issues that arise. This role is hands-on and requires adaptability, especially when addressing unexpected problems at sea.

What are 1st Assistant Engineers?

A 1st Assistant Engineer, also known as the First Assistant Engineer or First Assistant, is a licensed officer in the engine department on ships. They are responsible for overseeing the daily operation and maintenance of the ship’s engine room, machinery, and technical equipment. The 1st Assistant Engineer assists the Chief Engineer and supervises junior engineers and crew to ensure efficient and safe operations. Their tasks include monitoring engine performance, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

What is the difference between 1St Assistant Engineer vs 2nd Assistant Engineer?

Aspect1St Assistant Engineer2nd Assistant Engineer
Required CertificationsEngineering degree, relevant licensesEngineering degree, relevant licenses
Work EnvironmentSupervises technical staff, oversees operationsSupports senior engineers, handles routine tasks
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime, manufacturing, power plantsMaritime, manufacturing, power plants
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for responsibilities and career progression

The 1St Assistant Engineer typically holds more responsibilities, supervises technical staff, and oversees operations, whereas the 2nd Assistant Engineer supports senior engineers with routine tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and are common in maritime and industrial industries. The main difference lies in the level of responsibility and leadership within the engineering team.

More about 1St Assistant Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for 1St Assistant Engineer jobs? Cities with the most 1St Assistant Engineer job openings:
What states have the most 1St Assistant Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for 1St Assistant Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various 1St Assistant Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 73% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,754 per year, or $42.7 per hour.
1st Assistant Engineer 1st Assistant Engineer

1st Assistant Engineer 1st Assistant Engineer

Delaware River and Bay Authority

Cape May, NJ • On-site

$107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

1ST ASSISTANT ENGINEER - Location: Cape May-Lewes Ferry, North Cape May, NJ


COMPENSATION: $51.66 per hour ($107,459 annualized)


BENEFITS OVERVIEW: https://drba.myben.site/


Why work at the Cape May - Lewes Ferry?: https://youtu.be/E7rc2xYkWdA


IMPORTANT: To be considered as an applicant for the position, you must apply online via the DRBA employment application for this position. You can accomplish this by copying and pasting the following Uniform Resource Locator (URL) into your web browser (Google Chrome or MS Edge preferred) that provides a direct link to the DRBA employment application for this position. If you are a New User, you can scroll down once you enter the location and create a personal username/password to complete the on-line application:

https://selfservice.drba.net/esslive/EmploymentOpportunities/ApplicationEntry.aspx?form=2&req=702&sreq=7&desc=1ST%20ASSISTANT%20ENGINEER%20-%20CAPE%20MAY%20LEWES%20FERRY,%20CAPE%20MAY,%20NJ


I. POSITION SUMMARY

The First Assistant Engineer has the responsibility of overseeing vessel equipment operation, making log entries, and reporting problems to the Chief Engineer. The First Assistant Engineer assists with the primary level maintenance and repair of the vessels while underway. The First Assistant Engineer is responsible to the Chief Engineer for engine room duties, to the Captain for emergency duties underway and to the delegated yard supervisor when working ashore. This is a safety sensitive position both underway and ashore. The First Assistant Engineer is responsible for following established safety practices while performing assigned duties to protect self, co-workers and the public from personal injury and to prevent damage to Authority property. The First Assistant Engineer will be required to abide by all rules and regulations for operating passenger vessels. This position is a bargaining unit position that is represented by the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA).


II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

  • Standing engine room watch and recording temperatures and pressures in the engine room logbook
  • Notifying Chief Engineer of any abnormalities in the operation of the machinery on the vessel
  • Accepting charge of lifeboat or life raft in an abandon ship situation
  • Pumping bilges and sewage, filling water, fuel and lubricant tanks, running main engines and/or generators and keeping vessel's machinery from freezing during lay up
  • Assisting with engine and electrical repairs as necessary
  • Keeping engine room neat and clean
  • Night engineer’s duties
  • May be required to attend shipyard with Port Engineer and act as his/her representative as needed at remote locations and may be for extended periods of time
  • Provides the highest level of customer service and professionalism to all internal and external customers
  • Completes projects as assigned by the Port Engineer


III. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Leadership ability
  • Ability to diagnose machinery malfunctions and recommend a course of corrective action
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints and machinery systems’ technical manuals
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
  • Assorted power and hand tools and various instruments both mechanical and electrical
  • Ability to provide superior customer service to everyone by responding in a courteous and efficient manner


IV. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must have proof of U.S. Citizenship
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • High School Diploma or equivalent or equivalent related experience


V. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

  • Valid U.S.C.G. 1st Assistant Engineer’s license for vessels 4,000 HP, Motor (Limited), OR Valid U.S.C.G. 2nd Assistant Engineer’s license for vessels 4,000 HP, Motor (Limited) and at least 300 days of sea service OR, Valid U.S.C.G. 3rd Assistant Engineer's license for vessels 4,000 HP, Motor (Limited) and at least 660 days of sea service
  • Must be able to obtain a Chief Engineer’s license within 120 days for vessels 4,000 HP, Motor (Limited)
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Valid driver's license
  • Preferred Requirement: Valid U.S.C.G. Chief Engineer’s license for vessels 4,000 HP, Motor (Limited).


VI. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Subject to drug test, background investigation, and pre-employment physical
  • Delaware River and Bay Authority requires all employees to have direct deposit with a financial institution or enroll in the payroll card program to receive their bi-weekly pay
  • Willing and available for duty at such hours, day or night, as may be required in order to maintain continuous operation of this facility
  • Will be subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable Federal Regulations ******************************************************************************

If you are interested in applying for this position please follow the instructions above at the start of this position description under "IMPORTANT". In addition, please attach a resume to the completed employment application.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Company Description

The Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state government agency created by Compact in 1962 operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge—the world’s second longest twin span suspension bridge, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry System, and the Delaware City - Salem Ferry Crossing on the Delaware River, as well as five regional aviation facilities, including the Wilmington-Philadelphia Regional Airport located in New Castle, DE. Since its inception, the DRBA has successfully carried out its primary mission of providing vital transportation links between the states of Delaware and New Jersey.