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1St Assistant Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

GovFirst

Marine/Maritime Assistant Engineer

Surry, VA · On-site

$45 - $53/hr

Marine/Maritime Assistant Engineer Location: Surry, VA Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is ... Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certifications. Required Work Authorization:

GovFirst

Marine/Maritime Assistant Engineer

Surry, VA · On-site

Marine/Maritime Assistant Engineer Location: Surry, VA Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is ... Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certifications. Required Work Authorization:

GovFirst

Marine/Maritime Assistant Engineer

Surry, VA

Marine/Maritime Assistant Engineer Location: Surry, VA Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is ... Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certifications. Required Work Authorization: Must ...

PRWT Services, Inc.

Marine Assistant Engineer

Surry, VA · On-site

$45 - $52.88/hr

... Assistant Engineer at the Jamestown Scotland Ferry operating and monitoring main engine and ... Obtain and Maintain 1st Aid and CPR Certifications * Limited Chief or Chief Unlimited Experience ...

Emprise Corporation

Senior Marine Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

... First Assistant Engineer * Experience gained while serving in the military may be applicable towards meeting this requirement * Experience must demonstrate effective management of maintenance and ...

Kiewit

Field Engineer - Southeast District

Damascus, VA · On-site

Responsibilities Field Engineering: * Assist in interpretation of drawings and specifications for ... Strong work ethic, willing to do what it takes to get the job done right the first time including ...

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Showing results 1-20

All Jobs1St Engineer Jobs1St Assistant Engineer Jobs1St Assistant Engineer Jobs in Virginia

1St Assistant Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.7K

$88K

$133.3K

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

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for 1st assistant engineer in Virginia is $87,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $103,600.00 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 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 are popular job titles related to 1St Assistant Engineer jobs in Virginia? For 1St Assistant Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 1St Assistant Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for 1St Assistant Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
1St Assistant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Assistant Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,993 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Marine Engineer - SMART Inspector

THE MCHENRY MANAGEMENT GROUP, LLC

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 per year 


Background check, US Citizenship, confidential clearance, and a CAC are requirements of this position. Travel is 40%.


We are seeking a Marine Engineer with licensed sailing experience to support Military Sealift Command (MSC) through execution of Ship Material Assessment and Readiness Testing (SMART) inspections. 

Requirements

Conduct SMART inspections and other ship checks, inspections, or surveys onboard MSC vessels to assess HM&E system readiness and mission capability

Evaluate marine engineering systems, including: 

o Propulsion shafting, reduction gears, and bearings

o Generators

o Auxiliary systems such as HVAC, compressed air, fuel, lube oil, cooling water, distilling plants, refrigeration, hydraulics

o Diesel, gas turbine, and steam propulsion systems

Assess compliance with regulations and standards (ABS, USCG, Naval, MSC, SOLAS)

Develop, modify and deliver SMART Inspection Test Memos for MSC GOGO/GOCO fleet to assess equipment for proper operation within recommended parameters and regulations

Ability to work in a team oriented environment while interfacing with stakeholders to ensure necessary commitments and deliverables are met

Must be willing to travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations

Preferred Qualifications

4-6 years of licensed sailing experience as an engineering officer

Prior experience supporting MSC, NAVSEA, or DoD maritime programs

Experience supporting regulatory inspections and audits, including ABS class surveys, USCG inspections and COI, and ISM internal/external audits

Familiar with development of work items, drawings, cost estimates, and technical reports for ship modernization and life cycle management

Prior SMART inspection or similar readiness assessment experience

Strong technical writing and reporting background


Physical Job Requirements 

Climb tall ladders

Maneuver in tight/confined spaces, steel decks, uneven surfaces

Work in adverse environments for long periods.

Exposure to high noise environments (with hearing protection)

Periodically lift up to 50 pounds

Ability to observe details at close range

Able to walk to/from and navigate job sites.


Education/Certification Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Marine Engineering or related discipline

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), with the following rating and endorsements: minimum of 2nd Assistant Engineer (steam, motor or gas turbine) of unlimited horsepower (1st Assistant Engineer highly desirable).


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