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Assistant Tugboat Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant or sole Engineer on tugs * Basic knowledge and troubleshooting abilities on electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems * Tow winch operation * Cleaning and maintaining an ...

Assistant or sole Engineer on tugs * Basic knowledge and troubleshooting abilities on electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems * Tow winch operation * Cleaning and maintaining an ...

Tugboat Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$450 - $875/day

Assistant or sole Engineer on tugs * Basic knowledge and troubleshooting abilities on electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems * Tow winch operation * Cleaning and maintaining an ...

Job Type Full-time Description The Tugboat Engineer is responsible for the safe, reliable, and ... Shipyard & Repair Periods * Assist with executing, and overseeing shipyard repairs, drydockings ...

Assistant Engineer

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$53.88 - $55.33/hr

... an Assistant Engineer , for Moran Transportation . This is a full-time position reporting to the ... Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider ...

Cement Barge Engineer (CT1801/1802)

$81K - $110K/yr

Towing & Marine Operations • Sail aboard the tugboat and operate barge machinery during: o ... Shipyard & Repair Support • Conduct onboard repairs within skill level. • Assist outside ...

This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside ... WHAT YOULL DO: Assist Engineering Manager with Vessel Engineers & Engineering Support Staff ...

This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside ... WHAT YOU'LL DO: Assist Engineering Manager with Vessel Engineers & Engineering Support Staff ...

Port Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$103K - $114K/yr

Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider ... Ensures Assistant Port Engineer has identified goals to satisfactorily meet job requirements.

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Assistant Tugboat Engineer information

See salary details

$33K

$88.8K

$134.5K

How much do assistant tugboat engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant tugboat 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 are some common challenges faced by Assistant Tugboat Engineers during daily operations?

Assistant Tugboat Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining engine performance in varying weather conditions, troubleshooting mechanical issues under time pressure, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They must quickly adapt to unexpected repairs while at sea and work closely with the Chief Engineer and deck crew to coordinate maintenance tasks. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as the ability to work in confined spaces and manage fatigue during long shifts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Tugboat Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Tugboat Engineer, you need a solid understanding of marine engineering principles, engine maintenance, and repair, often supported by a relevant maritime engineering qualification or Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with marine propulsion systems, auxiliary equipment, and diagnostic tools is essential, as is compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and attention to detail help you excel in the dynamic and sometimes hazardous environment of tugboat operations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring vessel reliability, operational safety, and the efficient support of maritime activities.

What are Assistant Tugboat Engineers?

Assistant Tugboat Engineers are maritime professionals who support the chief engineer in maintaining and operating the mechanical and electrical systems aboard tugboats. Their responsibilities include assisting with engine maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical issues, monitoring fuel and lubricant levels, and ensuring all systems function safely and efficiently. They often work in challenging conditions and must comply with strict safety and environmental regulations. This role is crucial for the smooth operation of tugboats, which help maneuver larger vessels in ports and harbors.

What is the difference between Assistant Tugboat Engineer vs Deckhand?

AspectAssistant Tugboat EngineerDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Engine Room CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Basic Seamanship
Work EnvironmentEngine room, technical maintenanceDeck, exterior of vessel, cargo handling
ResponsibilitiesAssist engine maintenance, monitor machineryDeck operations, mooring, cargo

The Assistant Tugboat Engineer primarily focuses on engine room tasks and machinery maintenance, requiring technical certifications. In contrast, a Deckhand handles deck operations and cargo tasks. Both roles are essential in tugboat operations but differ in technical scope and daily duties.

What cities are hiring for Assistant Tugboat Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Tugboat Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tugboat Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Tugboat Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Tugboat Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Tugboat Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Tugboat Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Tugboat Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Tugboat Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,754 per year, or $42.7 per hour.
Tugboat Engineer

Tugboat Engineer

Curtin Maritime

Long Beach, CA • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Salary: $450-$875 per day DOE/DOQ

Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.


THIS ROLE:

Engineers will work directly with the Port Engineer, and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard.


Schedule: This is a full-time position. Days and hours are project specific and will require significant time/travel away from home. This position frequently requires long hours, weekend work, and offshore travel.


WHO YOU ARE:


Mental Aptitudes

  • Attention to detail / excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to handle stressful situations with focus, including safe and effective decision-making under potentially dangerous conditions.
  • Continuously demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and ownership by being proactive in all situations/tasks
  • Understanding the importance of being a mentor, the ability to invest in the development and success of others
  • Superior communication skills, ability to speak to your audience whether it be the office or instructing/training multi-levels of crew, etc.
  • Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning skills, ability to not only plan and execute voyage, but also have a complete understanding of the vessel (mechanical and movement)

Physical Aptitudes

  • Agility to traverse uneven ground and walk, gangways at various heights
  • Agility to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps/ladders several times a day
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds safely; moving equipment that is heavy, large, or awkward
  • Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; makeup tows with wire rigging; operate deck machinery; work on equipment that is poorly accessible
  • Ability to work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces
  • Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or during an emergency
  • Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard the vessel
  • Demonstrate good personal hygiene, always maintain cleanliness
  • Must be able to swim

Engineer I - $450 - $550/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • TWIC Card
  • MMC OS/Wiper
  • CG Med Cert
  • Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • MMC QMED/Oiler
  • Able Seaman Endorsement
  • STCW Basic Training


VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Assistant or sole Engineer on tugs
  • Basic knowledge and troubleshooting abilities on electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems
  • Tow winch operation
  • Cleaning and maintaining an engine room to the Curtin Standard

COMPLIANCE:

  • Basic proficiency in operation of Vessel Management System (VMS)
  • Understanding and compliance with the Curtin Standard
  • Thorough recordkeeping and reporting to Port Engineer


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Take ownership of assigned vessels. Maintain inventories, work plans, and be proactive in creating requisitions and leaving the vessel cleaner than you found it.
  • Manage Deckhands (when applicable) on projects and during downtime.
  • Partner with the Port Engineer and Captain to plan work while underway.

Engineer II - $550 - $650/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I
  • MMC QMED/Oiler
  • STCW Basic Training

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled in all Deckhand I III position duties
  • Engineer signed off on multiple vessels in the fleet.
  • Figuring it out. With some guidance, Engineer IIs should be able to get on a new boat and figure out the basic engineering systems on board.
  • Growing understanding and troubleshooting/repair abilities in all vessel systems

COMPLIANCE:

  • Proficient utilization and operation of VMS
  • Beginning understanding of Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Manage teams on vessel projects and hold all accountable for completing tasks and assignments.
  • Assist Captain in making sure everyone always has something to do!
  • Lead by example, dont just say how it should be done. Do it!

Engineer III - $650 - $750/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I & II
  • DDE 1000

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • STCW - RFPEW

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Engineer on all vessels in the fleet, including ocean tugs.
  • Figuring it out. Engineer IIs should be able to get on any boat, without prior knowledge or instruction and figuring out how to engineer it.
  • Thorough understanding and troubleshooting/repair abilities in all vessel systems
  • Critical path and proactive planning to maximize efficiency in operations of the engineering of the vessel including maintaining a constant state of readiness.

COMPLIANCE:

  • Full utilization and operation of VMS
  • Thorough understanding of Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements
  • Experience participating in external and internal audits.
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Strong management skills as it relates to fellow crew, vendors, and shipyards.
  • Maintain a constant training ground onboard the vessel for Engineers I & II and Deckhands.
  • Provide critical and constructive feedback to other crew and on equipment, jobs, etc.


Engineer IV - $750-800/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I - III
  • DDE 4000

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • STCW RFPEW, AS-Engine

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled at a high level in engineering, troubleshooting, and repair of all equipment in the fleet including: tugs, cranes, winches, electrical systems, pumps, auxiliary equipment, gasoline engines, vehicles, etc.
  • Heavy repair experience including engine overhauls, power pack replacement, etc.
  • Experience in system installation on new and retrofit applications including repowers, hydraulic, and other plumbing systems.
  • Commissioning new vessels to the fleet, including creating critical spares lists and standard operating procedures. Take a dark dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work!
  • Basic welding skills

COMPLIANCE:

  • Well versed in completing external and internal audits, as well as participating in building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function.


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Experience managing dry-dockings and repairs.
  • Ability to act as your own project manager. Interacting with and managing vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, Curtin Shoreside Team, etc.
  • Participate in the creation of SOPs and other training content.


Engineer V - $800 - $875/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I - IV
  • DDE Any HP 500 Ton

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • STCW RFPEW, AS-Engine
  • STCW - OICEW

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled at a high level in engineering, troubleshooting, and repair of all equipment in the fleet including: tugs, cranes, winches, electrical systems, pumps, auxiliary equipment, gasoline engines, vehicles, etc.
  • Heavy repair experience including engine overhauls, power pack replacement, etc.
  • Experience in system installation on new and retrofit applications including repowers, hydraulic, and other plumbing systems.
  • Commissioning new vessels to the fleet, including creating critical spares lists and standard operating procedures. Take a dark dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work!
  • Basic welding skills

COMPLIANCE:

  • Well versed in completing external and internal audits, as well as participating in building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Experience managing drydockings and repairs.
  • Ability to act as your own project manager. Interacting with and managing vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, Curtin Shoreside Team, etc.
  • Participate in the creation of SOPs and other training content.


WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous benefits package including:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Short-term Disability
    • AD&D/Life Insurance
    • 401k (with company match)
    • Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.


Curtin Maritimeis an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.