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Apprentice Marine Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

B Class Structural Fitter

Mobile, AL

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

Performs basic layout of plates, materials and weldments using basic engineering sketches, drawings ... Interprets job specifications and performs work on marine vessels. * Monitors working environment ...

Lippert is a leading, global manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered products and customized ... RV, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle and building products industries. We combine our ...

Lippert is a leading, global manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered products and customized ... RV, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle and building products industries. We combine our ...

Lippert is a leading, global manufacturer and supplier of highly engineered products and customized ... RV, marine, automotive, commercial vehicle and building products industries. We combine our ...

Apprentice Marine Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$11

$19

$33

How much do apprentice marine engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice marine engineer in Alabama is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice marine engineer?

Apprentice Marine Engineers are individuals who are training to become qualified marine engineers, usually through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience at sea or in shipyards. They learn the fundamentals of maintaining, operating, and repairing the mechanical and electrical systems on ships or marine vessels. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced engineers and follow a structured training program. The apprenticeship typically leads to recognized qualifications needed to work as a certified marine engineer. This role is essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice marine engineers during their training period?

Apprentice Marine Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the demanding work environment at sea, learning to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical systems, and balancing hands-on tasks with theoretical coursework. Working on a vessel requires adjusting to shift work, confined spaces, and sometimes unpredictable weather conditions. Effective communication and teamwork with senior engineers and other crew members are essential, as apprentices regularly assist with maintenance, repairs, and safety drills. Overcoming these challenges helps build resilience and technical competence, which are crucial for long-term success in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice marine engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Marine Engineer, you need a solid grounding in mathematics, physics, and mechanical engineering principles, usually supported by a relevant diploma or academic qualification. Familiarity with CAD software, engine diagnostics, and maritime safety regulations is often required, along with hands-on training through apprenticeship programs. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are vital for ensuring vessel safety, maintaining operational efficiency, and contributing successfully to engineering teams on board and ashore.

What is the difference between Apprentice Marine Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectApprentice Marine EngineerMarine Engineer
QualificationsBasic maritime certifications, training programsAdvanced certifications, engineering degrees
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships during training, supervisedOnboard ships or in shipyards, independent
Experience LevelEntry-level, in trainingExperienced, licensed professional
Job RoleAssisting senior engineers, learning operationsMaintaining engines, troubleshooting, repairs

The main difference between an Apprentice Marine Engineer and a Marine Engineer is experience and certification level. Apprentices are in training, assisting senior staff, and gaining practical skills, while Marine Engineers are fully qualified professionals responsible for engine maintenance and operations.

How to become an apprentice marine engineer?

To become an apprentice marine engineer, candidates typically need to complete a maritime training program or technical college related to marine engineering, obtain relevant certifications such as STCW, and gain practical experience through on-the-job training onboard ships. Strong mechanical skills, safety awareness, and the ability to work in a team environment are essential for success in this role.

Is there a demand for apprentice marine engineers?

There is steady demand for apprentice marine engineers as the maritime industry requires skilled personnel to maintain and operate ships' propulsion and auxiliary systems. Employers often seek candidates with technical training, certifications, and a strong understanding of marine machinery, making apprenticeship programs valuable for career entry in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Marine Engineer jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Marine Engineer jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Marine Engineer jobs in Alabama?

For Apprentice Marine Engineer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Marine Engineer jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Marine Engineer jobs in Alabama are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Marine Engineer job openings in Alabama as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,518 per year, or $20 per hour.

B Class Structural Fitter

Mobile, AL


Austal
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers


$20.75 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

REPORTS TO: Fabrication Supervisor

SUPERVISES: N/A

AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Understands directions and follows instructions.
  • Maintains cleanliness and organization on assigned job sites.
  • Accountable for completion of daily work assignments including the completion and signatures for work completion and quality.
  • Performs basic layout of plates, materials and weldments using basic engineering sketches, drawings, and diagrams with minimal supervision.
  • Performs shipfitting functions such as but not limited to fit up of structure, cutting, sniping, sanding, grinding, prepping, tacking and arc gouging the fit up of plates along with arc gouging and back gouging of steel welds through mechanical flame, and ARC gouging procedures with minimum supervision.
  • Performs fitting operations with limited supervision using standard shipfitting equipment to accomplish fabrication and ship repair duties.
  • Obtain GMAW ABS 'B' Class Weld Certification for aluminum applications and/or FCAW 'B' Class Weld Certification for steel applications.
  • Perform safe and effective use of craft related tools and equipment, including but not limited to: milling discs, sanders, grinders, burr motors, band saws, skill saws, saws all, cutting torches, arc gougers, plate magnets, general fitting aids, come along and chain falls etc.
  • Interprets job specifications and performs work on marine vessels.
  • Monitors working environment for compliance with quality, safety, environmental and health regulations.
  • May be assigned to work any shift.
  • May be assigned tasks outside craft as required.
  • Must comply with the Company's "Equal Opportunity and Anti-Harassment Policy" which expects that all relationships among persons in the workplace will be professional and free of bias, prejudice, and harassment.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum 6 months' experience as a Trade Assistant at Austal or 1 year related experience in similar industry required
  • Pass approved B Class Fitter test for Aluminum and/or Steel
  • Must demonstrate an acceptable proficiency and competency to Austal Supervision for a B-Class Fitter position
  • Must be willing to work with and train lower-skilled workers.
  • Must demonstrate ability to interpret job specifications and perform work on marine vessels
  • Knowledge of equipment, work processes and techniques used in measuring, and fitting of aluminum and/or steel components, modules and vessels.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and measure using the metric system.
  • Knowledge of shipyard terminology such as general ship structure and vessel layout
  • Ability to work any shift or overtime as required by management, schedule must be flexible.

TOOLS: As directed by supervisor

DIRECTION EXERCISED: N/A

DISCRETION EXERCISED: N/A

LIASES WITH: Production Department Supervisors, Foremen and Managers, Health, Safety and Environmental

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

  • Candidates must have HS Diploma/GED or comparable trade experience.
  • Comparable trade experience is defined as five (5) or more years of experience working in the applicable trade, two (2) years of experience in shipbuilding, or education in the trade comparable to apprenticeship.
  • Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:
  • 18 years of age or older at time of application
  • Able to provide proof of US Person Status
  • No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
  • No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date
  • Willing to submit to a drug screen
  • Willing to submit to a background check

PHISICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to tour all vessels and work sites.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit.

Specific physical requirements include the following:

Must have the ability to bend, squat, stoop, crawl, and kneel. Perform prolonged standing. Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the waist from side to side and about the vertical axis. Lift/push/pull 50lbs to 75lbs on an occasional basis. Lift/push/pull up to 20lbs on a frequent basis. Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs, scaffolding, ladders, and ramps). Ability to work at heights above 12' while working from ladders, scaffolding and/or man lifts. Able to work at a variety of levels (ex. waist, eye, overhead). Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use required tools and equipment. Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles. Possess sufficient handgrip and coordination to carry and operate tools and equipment. Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toes shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards. Ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures. Ability to enter 18" x 36" openings and work in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time. Able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands. Able to utilize adequate visual skills. Ability to fully extend the arm while reaching overhead, reaching out, reaching to the side and reaching down. Ability to perceive attributes of an object/material such as size, shape, temperature and texture by means of receptors in the hands and fingers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters whole performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

SAFETY

Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks.

Equal Employment Commitment

Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.

Austal's commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.



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