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3Rd Assistant Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

Third Engineer Deck

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

As Third Engineer Deck, you are essential to the safe and efficient operation of our vessels' deck ... Read Caspar's story Image Marco Chiozzi, Assistant Project Manager Being in this team gave me the ...

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3Rd Assistant Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$87.6K

$132.7K

How much do 3rd assistant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3rd assistant engineer in California is $87,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3rd assistant engineer?

A 3rd Assistant Engineer, also known as a Third Engineer, is a licensed member of the engineering department on a merchant ship. They are responsible for maintaining and operating the ship’s machinery, including engines, pumps, and electrical systems under the supervision of senior engineers. Their duties often include performing scheduled maintenance, monitoring equipment performance, and responding to machinery emergencies. This role is typically an entry-level officer position for marine engineers who have completed relevant maritime training and certification.

What are the typical responsibilities of a 3rd assistant engineer during a voyage?

As a 3rd Assistant Engineer, your primary responsibilities include monitoring and maintaining the ship’s engine room machinery, assisting with routine inspections, and ensuring equipment is operating safely and efficiently. You’ll often be assigned to a specific watch, working closely with the engineering team to troubleshoot technical issues and carry out scheduled maintenance. This role also involves keeping detailed logs, supporting emergency drills, and collaborating with other departments to ensure smooth vessel operations. Adapting quickly to changing priorities and working in a team-oriented environment are essential for success in this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3rd assistant engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3rd Assistant Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in marine engineering or a related field, a valid U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) license, and a solid understanding of shipboard engineering systems. Familiarity with engine room operations, maintenance management systems, and safety protocols is crucial, along with any required STCW certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies ensure the reliable operation and safety of ship machinery, supporting efficient vessel performance and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between 3Rd Assistant Engineer vs 2Nd Assistant Engineer?

Aspect3Rd Assistant Engineer2Nd Assistant Engineer
Required CertificationsDiploma or equivalent in engineeringBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentAssisting in routine maintenance and operationsMore responsibilities in supervision and troubleshooting
Industry UsageCommonly used in shipping, manufacturing, and power plantsUsed in similar industries with increased responsibilities

The main difference between a 3Rd Assistant Engineer and a 2Nd Assistant Engineer lies in their level of responsibility and qualifications. The 3Rd Assistant Engineer typically holds a diploma and performs routine tasks, while the 2Nd Assistant Engineer usually has a bachelor's degree and handles more complex duties. Both roles are essential in engineering operations within industrial and shipping sectors, but the 2Nd Assistant Engineer has a higher level of responsibility and expertise.

How much do 3rd assistant engineers make?

The average salary for a 3rd Assistant Engineer typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with certifications can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and benefits.

What cities in California are hiring for 3Rd Assistant Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most 3Rd Assistant Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various 3Rd Assistant Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,592 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

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Job description

Overview
T-Solutions: Your Preferred Partner for Global Services and Innovative Solutions
At T-Solutions, we pride ourselves on being the company of choice for those seeking top-tier global services and innovative solutions. Our team comprises highly qualified and uniquely skilled professionals dedicated to delivering services with integrity. We are committed to excellence, enriching our clients, employees, and communities.
Who We Are
T-Solutions is a woman-owned, veteran-owned business based in Chesapeake, Virginia. We specialize in creating exceptional, responsive solutions to complex challenges for our global clients in government contracting. As an innovative and agile provider, we offer specialized technical solutions and a unique set of capabilities that support mission-critical operations and decision-making. Our expertise spans defense, security, maintenance engineering, logistics, and business transformation, ensuring our customers' success in today's dynamic environment. We align our core competencies with our customers' current and future needs, continually adapting emerging and proven technologies to enhance their capabilities.
Career Opportunity
We are looking for dedicated candidates to fill the role of Port Engineer. As T-Solutions' onboard representative, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of our ships. Your primary responsibility will be to routinely validate shipboard conditions through personal observation and evaluation.
As a Port Engineer, you will lead a maintenance team and act as the primary representative for the Type Commander (TYCOM) and the Commanding Officer in all off-ship maintenance and modernization efforts. Your in-depth knowledge of the operational and maintenance needs of your assigned ship(s) will be essential in maintaining mission readiness.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manages an online database for all jobs.
  • Validates work requests, assigns preliminary estimates and plans prioritized work packages within budget and time constraints for TYCOM approval.
  • Review work specifications, coordinate schedules with repair activities, oversee repairs, and provide input for all maintenance funding decisions.
  • Meets daily with the ships' crew, department heads, and commanding officers.
  • Reviews implementation, challenges, opportunities, and resources relating to the Consolidated Ship's Maintenance Plan.
  • Recommend suggestions and edits to the Ship's Force if the current content does not provide accurate or complete information to determine the location.
  • Provides risk assessment and prioritization to the vessel's commanding officer using the approved TYCOM format for all on- and off-ship maintenance requirements.
  • Attends weekly status meetings and provides requested information to support maintenance planning and correction maintenance recommendations.
  • Attends ship maintenance, repair, and assessment events to answer real-time questions surrounding logistics, maintenance scope, funding shortfalls, budgetary constraints and mission impacts.
  • Develop agendas and present details on the Planning Board for Maintenance and deconflict planned and unplanned operational, schedule, and work integration issues.
  • Performs a weekly review and ship check, to include applicable personal observations and discussions of all assessments and planned requirements.
  • Review the entire maintenance process.
  • Provide an annual prioritized list for all off-ship maintenance requirements for developing the Maintenance and Modernization Business Plan.
  • Develop recommendations for authorized work packages within TYCOM's established funding controls.
  • Provide a business case analysis in the prescribed TYCOM format when recommending changes to the business plan.
  • Provide funding shift recommendations for efficient execution of availabilities.
  • Possesses the necessary knowledge to adhere to contractual requirements for our government clients.
  • Performs all duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner in accordance with established company policies to achieve the overall objectives of this position.

Travel
  • This position includes a low level of travel of 5-15% to Fleet Concentration Support areas.
  • Frequent underway time for sea trials, testing, inspections, ship checks, and other events as needed.
  • Attend ship deployments, including port-to-port transfers, sea trials, mid-deployment ship checks, sister ship visits, and mid-deployment voyage repairs.

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills, and Abilities Required
It is recognized that there are numerous career experiences that can provide the knowledge and skills to be a successful Port Engineer. Candidates meeting one of the following requirements are eligible to apply.
  • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or inactive at time of hire.
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or an equivalent marine engineering degree
  • Knowledge of and recent experience in commercial maritime, U.S. Navy (USN), USCG, Military Sealift Command (MSC), or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship maintenance and repair.
  • Combined recent professional maritime experience greater than or equal to five years.

Or
  • USN or USCG Officer (03 or higher), Limited Duty Officer (LDO) or Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) with a minimum of two sea tours or combination of tours as Chief Engineer (CHENG), and/or Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA). CVN or LHA/LHD Auxiliaries Officer (AUXO) may be combined with CHENG or MPA sea tour.
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or an equivalent marine engineering degree.
  • Minimum of four years recent experience in commercial maritime, USN, USCG, MSC, or NOAA ship maintenance and repair. May include time on a Navy Regional Maintenance Center (RMC) or TYCOM engineering staff engaged in ship maintenance and repair.

Or
  • USCG Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher. License may be active or inactive at time of hire. In lieu of sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer, a minimum of five years recent experience in a project management position for commercial maritime, USN, USCG, MSC, or NOAA ship maintenance and repair.
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or an equivalent marine engineering degree.

Or
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or an equivalent marine engineering degree.
  • Minimum eight years in a project management position for commercial maritime, USN, USCG, MSC, or NOAA ship maintenance and repair.

Qualifications
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance is highly desired; however, candidates eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance will be considered. The selected candidate will receive a contingent offer if they do not hold an active clearance. A start date will be established once a fully adjudicated Secret clearance is granted.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must possess a valid Driver's License.
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from various work locations.
  • Must have a valid passport or the ability to obtain a passport.
  • Must maintain the capability to communicate with their supervisor or manager when not in the office. This includes using your equipment and services for business-related purposes. The compensation for this position includes incidental costs for work-related usage of your personal devices.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to traverse stairs, fixed ladders, and ladder wells frequently while walking ships daily.
  • Wherewithal to spend several consecutive days at sea while underway as needed.
  • Capable of sitting for long periods, standing, walking, crouching, and kneeling.
  • Reaching, handling, using equipment, keyboards, and mobile devices.
  • Lifting boxes (files and supplies) up to 20 lbs.

T-Solutions is proud to be an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.
T-Solutions is proud to be a Veteran-Friendly Employer. It does not discriminate against qualified applicants because of their status as a protected veteran or their relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members.
In compliance with California's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the minimum salary for this position is $120,000 per year and a maximum salary of $130,000 per year. The minimum salary excludes applicable benefits, bonuses, or performance spot awards. T-Solutions, Inc. considers several factors when extending an offer, including, but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.