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1St Assistant Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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1St Assistant Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$37.6K

$101.1K

$153.2K

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for 1st assistant engineer in Seattle, WA is $101,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,300.00 and $119,000.00 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 Seattle, WA?

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

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

The top searched job categories for 1St Assistant Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

1St Assistant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Assistant Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,062 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Chief Engineer/First Assitant Engineer

Seattle, WA • On-site

MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMYexternal

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Chief Engineer / First Assistant Engineer
Integration Test Coordinator / Ship Repair Execution Lead
Location: Seattle, WA (On-Site)
Duration: Approximately 14 Months
Employment Type: Full-Time Contract

Position Overview

Flagship Management is seeking an experienced U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Chief Engineer or First Assistant Engineer to support a major U.S. Navy ship repair and modernization program in Seattle.

This is a senior waterfront leadership role responsible for coordinating the restoration, integration, and testing of complex shipboard engineering systems during a major maintenance availability. The successful candidate will work closely with production, engineering, planning, testing, subcontractors, and customer representatives to ensure engineering systems are restored, tested, and delivered safely and on schedule.

This opportunity is well suited for an experienced engineering officer looking to transition ashore or an experienced marine engineering professional with a background in naval ship repair, modernization, or fleet maintenance.

Key Responsibilities
  • Coordinate restoration and integration of shipboard engineering systems.
  • Ensure systems are available and properly sequenced for testing and commissioning.
  • Work with production, engineering, planning, scheduling, and test organizations to maintain schedule performance.
  • Identify system dependencies and resolve technical issues impacting testing.
  • Lead system readiness reviews and support waterfront coordination meetings.
  • Coordinate dock trials, machinery testing, integrated systems testing, and delivery readiness.
  • Develop recovery plans and remove barriers affecting production and testing.
Qualifications
  • USCG Unlimited Chief Engineer License or First Assistant Engineer License.
  • Significant experience aboard U.S.-flag vessels or U.S. Navy ships.
  • Strong understanding of marine engineering systems, propulsion, electrical distribution, auxiliary machinery, HVAC, and shipboard operations.
  • Experience supporting ship repair, modernization, fleet maintenance, or new construction programs.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple technical disciplines in a fast-paced waterfront environment.
  • Previous experience with NAVSEA, SUPSHIP, U.S. Navy surface combatants, or commercial shipyard operations is highly desirable.
Ideal Background
  • Chief Engineer
  • First Assistant Engineer
  • Port Engineer
  • Ship Superintendent
  • Waterfront Engineer
  • Senior Test Engineer
  • Ship Repair Project Manager
  • Availability Manager
Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to leverage your operational engineering experience in a highly visible leadership role supporting a major U.S. Navy program. You’ll play a key role in ensuring complex engineering systems are restored, integrated, tested, and delivered safely while working alongside experienced shipyard, engineering, and government personnel.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply or contact Flagship Management for a confidential discussion.

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