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1St Assistant Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Engineer-Aviation

Washington, DC · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

We put our clients' successes and best interests first, because their success is our success. We ... Supervises coordinates and reviews of the work of Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers and ...

DEVOPS ENGINEER

Washington, DC · On-site

$59.75 - $81.75/hr

Support and maintain AWS cloud infrastructure * Assist in building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines ... Cloud-first healthcare projects * Certification and training support * Flexible work environment

The Chief Engineer will assist to ensure that all systems are functioning efficiently and safely ... Engineer license 1st class for chief, 3rd class for lead 10+ years in large government facilities ...

Lead Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$42.18 - $54.66/hr

... of first class work. Follow inspection and service procedures outlined in the preventative ... Region/Building Specific Functions: * Assist in the technical training and upgrading of skills of ...

Lead Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

... of first class work. Follow inspection and service procedures outlined in the preventative ... Region/Building Specific Functions: * Assist in the technical training and upgrading of skills of ...

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

We are looking for experienced Software Engineers who will assist in driving, developing, and ... Integrate model/software/hardware-in-the-loop components using first and third-party technologies

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

We are looking for experienced Software Engineers who will assist in driving, developing, and ... Integrate model/software/hardware-in-the-loop components using first and third-party technologies

Chief Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$68.41/hr

The Chief Engineer will assist to ensure that all systems are functioning efficiently and safely ... Engineer license 1st class for chief, 3rd class for lead. * 10+ years in large government ...

Chief Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$68.41/hr

The Chief Engineer will assist to ensure that all systems are functioning efficiently and safely ... Engineer license 1st class for chief, 3rd class for lead. * 10+ years in large government ...

Showing results 21-40

1St Assistant Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$37.4K

$100.5K

$152.3K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for 1st assistant engineer in Washington is $100,523.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $118,400.00 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.

What cities in Washington are hiring for 1St Assistant Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most 1St Assistant Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various 1St Assistant Engineer job openings in Washington 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 $100,523 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Senior Electrical Engineer-Aviation

Burns

Washington, DC • On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

About Burns:
Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for transportation, facilities, and infrastructure projects. We help our clients attain their strategic goals and initiatives through successful large-scale infrastructure projects. Burns' full-service capabilities include mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, transportation, and energy consulting engineering.
Recently voted a Top Workplace by Philly.com, we credit our strength as an organization to our talented, driven, vibrant team. Burns is an ENR Top 500 Firm, and has been named an MEP Giant by Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine, as well as a Hot Firm by Zweig. We are industry experts, proven leaders, innovative thinkers, and team players. We put our clients' successes and best interests first, because their success is our success. We have fun at work because we love making a difference in the world. We are looking for high-energy, bright, collaborative individuals who want the opportunity to "write their own story" with us.
Aviation Team
For more than 50 years, we have built our reputation on outstanding client service. Ranked a Top Workplace and ENR Top 500 Design Firm, we are personally invested in helping our clients achieve their goals, sharing in their passions, and successfully guiding them through the challenges of complex projects using our no surprises Burns Unique Client Experience.
Burns is currently seeking a licensed Senior Electrical Engineer to join our Aviation team in Washington, D.C, New York City, or Philadelphia.
SUMMARY
The Sr. Engineer makes independent decisions on engineering problems and methods. Requires the use of advanced techniques and the modification and extension of theories and practices of the field. Provides supervision and guidance related largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts and policy matters. Develops solutions for larger and highly complex engineering projects. Supervises coordinates and reviews of the work of Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers and Engineers. Continues to develop technical expertise in discipline and may begin to specialize in niche technical areas. The Senior Engineer will spend the majority of their time developing technical expertise and supporting others. Must dispense knowledge to staff through mentoring or internal presentations. Provides the production of projects on-time, in budget with high technical quality and client satisfaction.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ensures that company technical policies and procedures are practiced during the execution of projects for clients.
  • Takes lead in developing design approaches and concepts on assigned projects and requests assistance from the senior technical staff when needed.
  • Performs specific engineering studies and design analyzes and assists the project manager in establishing budgets, cost estimates and project schedules.
  • Reviews shop drawings, record changes and communicate directly with suppliers, contractors and client representatives as required.
  • Performs on-site inspections during construction and coordinates design requirements with contractors and equipment suppliers.
  • Develops innovative technical solutions and engineering methods to enhance efficiency, quality and production
  • Make and/or supervise the scoping, implementation and design of plans.
  • Plan other consultation services. Maintain highest quality of design and review.
  • Assists Project Managers in the coordination of project designs with other disciplines including attendance at project meetings.
  • Assists in proposal writing and client presentations for future work.
  • Provides feedback to Project Managers in regards to technical staff performance for mid and end-of-year review periods.
  • Develop a specialized niche of company's target markets.
  • Maintain overall group schedule of project deliverable milestones, billing objectives and activity codes.
  • Is recognized by clients as an expert technical resource.
  • Actively participates in professional organizations and/or client groups where the technical reputation and image of the firm may be enhanced.
  • When directed by the President, Project Manager or Chief Engineer assumes other duties.
  • Sets technical direction for specific discipline on projects, determine discipline work tasks and flow, delegates design elements to Engineers. Designers and primarily retains most complex, high value tasks for self.
  • Mentors junior staff

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Informal task supervision of CAD Operators, Designers, Junior Associates, Associates, Engineers and Engineer IIs at the direction of the Project Manager.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Professionally Licensed Engineer with a Bachelor's (B.S.) Engineering degree and at least 10 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Professional Engineering License is required at this level.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.