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1St Assistant Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineer - Assistant

Auburn, CA · On-site

$49.94 - $62.38/hr

Engineer - Assistant (Auburn) 2026-14202-01 Department of Public Works - Engineering Division: This ... first. The eligible list established from this continuous recruitment will expire by the end of the ...

Engineer Assistant

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$3.6K - $4.4K/wk

... first application review Based on the information provided in the application documents, the ... Engineer Assistant ) and the recruitment number ( 26-474010-01 ) in your email or fax. VETERAN ...

Engineer Assistant SELECTION PROCESS 06/08/2026 - 5:00pm Deadline to submit application and required documents for first application review Based on the information provided in the application ...

Engineer - Junior

Auburn, CA · On-site

$43.15 - $53.88/hr

Engineer - Assistant (Auburn) 2026-14202-01 Department of Public Works - Engineering Division: This ... first. The eligible list established from this continuous recruitment will expire by the end of the ...

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Showing results 1-20

1St Assistant Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$87.6K

$132.7K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for 1st assistant engineer in California is $87,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 is a 1st assistant engineer?

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.
Infographic showing various 1St Assistant Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,592 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

First Assistant Engineer - Training Ship Golden Bear

California State University

Vallejo, CA • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

256th of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

First Assistant Engineer - Training Ship Golden Bear
Job no: 560109
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Cal Poly - Solano Campus (Vallejo)
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Job Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Chief Engineer, the First Assistant Engineer is responsible for maintenance, repair and upkeep of the training ship engineering equipment and spaces, and assisting in supervision of the training ship staff, students, and student workers.
Department Summary
The Office of Marine Programs primary mission is to support the academic departments in the education and application of knowledge in the processes associated with all aspects of the Maritime and related industry by manning and maintaining the vessel training assets. Activities associated with Marine Programs include hands-on professional development of prospective Merchant Marine Officers, Facility, and Mechanical Engineers and support of course work in those areas.
Key Qualifications
  • USCG First Asst. Engineer or Chief Engineer's license
  • Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in Marine or Mechanical Engineering or Technology, or a related field; or equivalent on the job education.

Licenses, Certificates, Credentials:
  • USCG 1st Assistant Engineer or Chief Engineer's License - Motor unlimited
  • STCW - 95 Endorsement
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • USCG Medical Certificate
  • US Passport

Salary and Benefits
The anticipated hiring range for this role is $115,000 - $140,000 annually. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.
Cal Poly
Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly's hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.
Cal Poly Maritime Academy at the Solano Campus
Located on a compact but scenic waterfront campus in Vallejo, California (30 miles northeast of San Francisco), Cal Poly Maritime Academy is a unique and specialized campus of the 23-campus system. Serving a population of approximately 1000 undergraduate and 50 graduate students, we are one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States - and the only one on the West Coast. Cal Poly Maritime Academy offers seven baccalaureate degrees in Business Administration, International Strategy and Security, Facilities Engineering Technology, Marine Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Transportation, and Oceanography. The undergraduate curriculum includes licensing programs for future merchant marine, Coast Guard, and Naval Reserve officers. Cal Poly Maritime Academy also offers a Master of Science in Transportation and Engineering Management degree. Please visit our website for more information about Cal Poly Maritime Academy.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Supplemental Information
Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Advertised: Jul 14 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US