Assistant Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

The Assistant Engineer is responsible for supporting the maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and safe operation of all machinery, electrical systems, and equipment aboard marine vessels. This role is critical to ensuring vessel seaworthiness, regulatory compliance, and the efficient performance of the engine department.

Because vessels may operate without a dedicated Electro-Technical Officer (ETO), the Assistant Engineer must have strong electrical knowledge and hands-on experience with shipboard electrical systems. The Assistant Engineer must also be familiar with, and capable of assisting with the troubleshooting and maintenance of, Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems and their supporting components.

The Assistant Engineer will assist in maintaining engineering systems, monitoring safety and environmental protection measures, and contributing to the vessel’s overall operational readiness.

• Assist with the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of main engines, generators, pumps, auxiliary systems, and associated electrical equipment.

• Support the proper operation, maintenance, and preservation of all engine department machinery and equipment.

• Perform routine inspections to ensure mechanical and electrical equipment is operating correctly and identify potential issues before they affect vessel operations.

• Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical and electrical problems using schematics, technical manuals, diagnostic equipment, and sound engineering practices.

• Assist with the maintenance and troubleshooting of vessel Dynamic Positioning systems, including power generation, power distribution, switchboards, control systems, sensors, alarms, and other supporting equipment.

• Support DP-system reliability and operational readiness, particularly when a dedicated ETO is not assigned to the vessel.

• Participate in engine room watchstanding, monitor equipment performance, and respond appropriately to alarms and abnormal operating conditions.

• Maintain accurate maintenance, inspection, testing, troubleshooting, and repair records.

• Ensure the cleanliness and proper condition of all engine department spaces.

• Promote safety and pollution-prevention practices in compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.

• Assist in the efficient use and inventory management of consumables, stores, tools, and spare parts.

• Participate in and perform assigned emergency duties, including fire, flooding, collision, and loss-of-power drills.

• Demonstrate sound judgment and take appropriate initiative during emergencies without requiring direct instruction.

• Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot shipboard electrical generation and distribution systems.

• Work safely around generators, switchboards, motor controllers, transformers, circuit breakers, electrical panels, batteries, and emergency power systems.

• Read and interpret electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, and equipment specifications.

• Assist in diagnosing faults involving DP controls, power management systems, thrusters, sensors, alarms, communications, and supporting machinery.

• Perform electrical testing using appropriate diagnostic and condition-monitoring equipment.

• Coordinate with the Chief Engineer, vessel leadership, manufacturers, and shoreside technical support when resolving complex electrical or DP-system issues.

• Maintain thorough documentation of electrical and DP-system inspections, maintenance, deficiencies, and repairs.

• Utilize and support OAG’s Preventive Maintenance System (PMS) and machine-history programs.

• Assist in implementing and maintaining compliance with company safety and environmental programs, including:

  • Lube oil analysis

  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

  • Water-treatment systems

  • Electrical safety protocols

  • Heat-stress management

  • Sewage-handling procedures

  • Refrigerant handling

  • Gas-free engineering practices

• Demonstrate competency in using condition-monitoring and electrical-testing equipment, including the basic interpretation and analysis of results.

The Master, Chief Engineer, and other Department Heads may assign additional responsibilities to support vessel operations, DP requirements, and mission-specific needs.

• Strong understanding of marine mechanical and electrical engineering systems.

• Demonstrated electrical troubleshooting and repair experience.

• Working knowledge of shipboard power generation, electrical distribution, control systems, and automation.

• Familiarity with Dynamic Positioning systems and their supporting electrical, mechanical, and control-system components.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical schematics, diagrams, and technical manuals.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on maintenance skills.

• Knowledge of shipboard safety procedures and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities.

• High level of attention to detail.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and respond appropriately to equipment failures and operational emergencies.

• Valid maritime credentials appropriate for the Assistant Engineer position.

• Relevant marine engineering experience aboard vessels with complex electrical and automated systems.

• Electrical-heavy marine engineering experience is strongly preferred.

• Previous experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting DP-equipped vessels is strongly preferred.

• Experience serving aboard a vessel without a dedicated ETO is preferred.

• Demonstrated commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship.

• Willingness to continue developing electrical, automation, and DP-system knowledge.

Per contract approval, eligible employees may receive:

• Competitive compensation

• Benefits package, with details provided upon hire