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1St Assistant Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

ConocoPhillips

Utility - Marine

Houston, TX · On-site

When assigned to the engine department, under direction of the First Assistant Engineer, responsibilities may include: * Cleans decks and ladder ways * Replenishes materials and rag bins, empties ...

ConocoPhillips

Oiler - Marine

Houston, TX · On-site

Description If you are selected as the Offshore Oiler, you will be working under the direction of the First Assistant Engineer and the Junior Engineer. The Oiler must have a good understanding of all ...

Trans western

Apprentice Engineer

Houston, TX

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: * Assist with troubleshooting and repairs of buildings and installed ... First Shift (United States of America) LOCATION: Houston, TX This is a dynamic, on-site role that ...

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Showing results 1-20

All Jobs1St Engineer Jobs1St Assistant Engineer Jobs1St Assistant Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

1St Assistant Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$31.5K

$84.7K

$128.4K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for 1st assistant engineer in Houston, TX is $84,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,300.00 and $99,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to 1St Assistant Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

For 1St Assistant Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 1St Assistant Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for 1St Assistant Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for 1St Assistant Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most 1St Assistant Engineer job openings:

1St Assistant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Assistant Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,718 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

3rd Assistant Engineer - Marine

ConocoPhillips

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

ConocoPhillips rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Welcome to ConocoPhillips, where innovation and excellence create a platform for opportunity and growth. Come realize your full potential here.
Who We Are
We are one of the world's largest independent exploration and production companies, based on proved reserves and production of liquids and natural gas. With operations and activities in 13 countries, we explore for, develop, and produce crude oil and natural gas globally. We are challenged with an important job to safely find and deliver energy to the world. Our employees are critical to our success, and with them we power civilization.
We're grounded by our SPIRIT Values - safety, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork. These values position us to deliver strong performance in a dynamic business - but not at all costs. We believe it's not just what we do - it's how we do it - that sets us apart.
Fostering an Inclusive Work Environment
To deliver superior performance, we create an environment that respects the contributions and differences of every individual. Wherever possible, we use these differences to drive competitive business advantage, personal growth and, ultimately, create business success.
Job Summary
Polar Tankers Overview
Polar Tankers, a wholly owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips, provides marine transportation for North Slope production, deliver oil from Valdez, Alaska, to refineries primarily on the West Coast of the United States. The company operates five Endeavour-class tankers: Polar Endeavour, Polar Resolution, Polar Discovery, Polar Adventure and Polar Enterprise.
Description
If you are selected as the 3rd Assistant Engineer, you will be working under the direction of the Chief Engineer and 1st Assistant Engineer. The 3rd Assistant Engineer is primarily responsible for the maintenance of diesel powered, electric generators, air compressors, purifiers, and electrical work aboard the ship. The 3rd Assistant Engineer is required to participate in all drills and emergencies and to assist with the enforcement of rules, procedures, regulations, and pollution prevention.
Position Overview
Your responsibilities may include:
  • Working under the supervision of the Chief Engineer
  • Safely and efficiently operating the entire engineering plant
  • Maintaining generators routinely
  • Maintaining electric motors routinely
  • Maintaining air compressors routinely
  • Maintaining L.O. purifiers routinely
  • Maintaining main engine lube oil systems/stern tube lube oil systems routinely
  • Performing all electrical work aboard the ship
  • Working independently
  • Testing and recording of insulation resistance (megger testing)
  • Collecting monthly samples of lube oil from all machinery
  • Working aloft
  • Checking all pumps and machinery during rounds
  • Monitoring activities from the engine control room
  • Working 12 hours per day. You may not work more than 15 hours per day
  • Being on call 24 hours/day for all emergencies

This is a Safety Sensitive position.
Relocation is not provided for this position.
Basic/Required:
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for anyone other than current employer
  • Currently hold, or have the ability (with or without reasonable accommodation) to obtain, a U.S. Passport
  • Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC)
  • Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
  • Currently hold the following endorsements on Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC):
  • Officer In Charge Of An Engineering Watch (OICEW)
  • Able Seafarer - Engine
  • Rating Forming Part Of An Engineering Watch (RFPEW)
  • Proficiency In Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSC)
  • Medical First-Aid Provider
  • Advanced Fire Fighting
  • Basic Training
  • Vessel Personnel With Designated Security Duties (VPDSD)
  • Security Awareness
  • Third Assistant Engineer - Motor
  • QMED (Any Rating)
  • Lifeboatman
  • Willing and able (with or without reasonable accommodation) to perform the following:
  • Be away from home for periods in excess of two months
  • Push/pull up to 200 pounds
  • Lift/carry up to 100 pounds floor to shoulder
  • Lift from floor to overhead and transport articles weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Climb various ladders and stairs ranging from 5 to 200 feet in height
  • Perform maintenance on equipment
  • Stand for long periods of time
  • Physically attend to vessels including confined space entry and environmental extremes
  • Walk, stand, stoop, sit, climb, and carry material on a daily basis on even and uneven terrain
  • Work outside in harsh weather condition
  • Work alone a high percentage of the time

Preferred:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Marine Engineering or foreign equivalent
  • Currently hold the following endorsements on Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC):
  • Tankerman Engineer
  • Advanced Oil Tanker Cargo Operations
  • 1+ years of experience in generator maintenance
  • 1+ years of experience in working on air compressors
  • 1+ years of direct experience sailing as a cadet on a tanker/ship
  • 1+ years of direct experience sailing as an officer
  • Possess good written, verbal and communication skills
  • Willing and able (with or without reasonable accommodation) to learn material needed to be successful in the role
  • Satisfactorily passing certification exams
  • Having the ability to collaborate and work well with peers
  • Ability to clearly follow instructions, both written and verbal
  • Ability to apply common sense to achieve the desired outcomes according to the company's operating procedures and safety protocols
  • Organized, efficient and a methodical problem solver
  • Takes ownership of actions and follows through on commitments by holding others accountable and standing up for what's right
  • Delivers positive results through realistic planning to accomplish goals
  • Builds effective solutions based on available information and makes timely decisions that are safe and ethical

All licensed officers earn paid leave on the basis of one day worked onboard and one day earned of paid leave. Normal tours are sixty (60) days onboard and sixty (60) days of paid leave.
This position requires you to have a TWIC card (Transportation Workers Identification Card) to gain access to secure areas of Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) regulated facilities and vessels. Any candidate selected for this position will not be allowed to begin work without proof of application for this card. Visit the TSA website: TWIC® | Transportation Security Administration (tsa.gov) for more information.
Successful applicants are all ConocoPhillips employees represented by the in-house associations, the Atlantic Maritime Officers Association (AMOA) for Officers.
Apply By:
Sponsorship:
ConocoPhillips' sponsorship for employment authorization in the U.S. is NOT available for this position.
Benefits Overview
ConocoPhillips offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and career growth:
  • Taking Care of Your Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, mental health support, and wellness programs.
  • Supporting and Building Financial Security: Competitive base pay, annual performance bonuses, and retirement savings plans.
  • Promoting Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, paid parental leave, and family support resources.
  • Offering Career Development: Access to training, mentoring, and internal career mobility tools.
  • Guiding Recognition & Inclusion: Peer-nominated awards, inclusive culture, and employee resource groups.

Why ConocoPhillips
At ConocoPhillips, we believe our people power the future of energy. We're committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow-professionally and personally.
We don't just offer jobs-we offer meaningful careers in a company that values how we work as much as what we achieve.
EEO:
In the US, ConocoPhillips is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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