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1St Assistant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

1st AE w/ Tankerman PIC

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

1st Assistant Engineer w/ Tankerman PIC Job Summary Looking for a 1st Assistant Engineer for a hitch onboard a deepwater offshore drillship operating in the Gulf. This is a working engineering ...

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1st Assistant Engineer information

See salary details

$33K

$88.8K

$134.5K

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

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for 1st assistant engineer in the United States is $88,754.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $104,500.00 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.

More about 1st Assistant Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for 1St Assistant Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most 1St Assistant Engineer job openings:

What states have the most 1St Assistant Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for 1St Assistant Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to 1St Assistant Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various 1St Assistant Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,754 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

First Assistant Engineer

Seattle, WA • On-site

American Seafoods Group
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

$150K - $200K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

USCG Licensed Fishing Assistant Engineer

Job Category: Vessel

  • Full-Time
Locations

Showing 1 location

Washington Location Code
Seattle, WA 98121, USA

Description

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist the Chief Engineerin the operating,maintainingand repairing of all vessel engineering systems and processes:
  • Diesel propulsion and electric generating systems
  • Deck hydraulic and pneumatic systems
  • Fuel and lubrication systems
  • Sewage treatment
  • Heating and ventilation systems
  • Assist the Chief Engineer in ensuring compliance with all USCGmanning, watch standing, and operating regulations
  • Engage in the daily operations of the vessel at sea and in port
  • Assist the Chief Engineer inestablishing,monitoringandmaintainingpreventative maintenance programs on all main engineering systems
  • Assist the Chief Engineer inmaintainingship fuel and discharge logs
  • Assist the Chief Engineer inmaintainingspare parts inventory and making requisitions through AMOS D system following established guidelines and procedures
  • Strictly support all ASC policies and company philosophies
  • Attend andparticipatein all company sponsored training programs as well as outside training in managementor engineering related courses
  • Maintain the vessel asDetNorskeVeritasClass Society andregulatory society requirements
Skill and ExperienceRequired
  • Mustpossesscurrent US Coast Guard License to legallyoperateassigned vessel
  • Must be certified topurchaseand handle refrigerants
  • Must be highly qualified tooperateand troubleshoot all marine systems asindicatedabove
  • Knowledgeable in oil spill response and recovery per regulations
  • Knowledgeable in proper handling anddisposal ofhazardous materials
  • Thorough understanding and compliance toMarpolregulations
  • Competent team leader and participantin vessel’sabandon ship,fire-fightingand man overboard drills
  • Ability to weldand cutvarious typesof metals
  • Ability tointerface ina cooperative and businesslike manner with company vendor representatives, shipyardrepresentativesand outside contractors
  • Documented knowledge of factory trawlers’machinery and equipment
Physical Ability
  • Must meet US Coast Guard licensing standardsregardingphysical condition,hearingand eyesight minimums
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment and random drug tests
  • Must be capable of boarding and exiting a vessel without physicalassistanceby climbing up and down a gangplank or using a Jacob’s ladder
  • Must climb or descend one or more set of steep stairs, or vertical ladders inside and outside the vessel in all weather conditions as extreme as 30 degrees below zero
Work Schedule

12 hours or more per day for the duration of the trip,including loading and unloading

Ability to work at sea for extended periods of time

Perform tie-up, shipyard and in-port work for required maintenance as directed by ASC management on a 12-hour per day schedule

Compensation

Estimated annual earnings of $150,000 - $200,000 DOE

*Calculated based on hourly shipyard pay andcrew share

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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