1

Boat Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electric Powertrain Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$121K - $158K/yr

Lead Navier's EE team and grow it into the premier electric boat engineering team. Required Experience & Skills: * Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (or equivalent) and at least 4 years of ...

Senior Electric Powertrain Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Lead Navier's EE team and grow it into the premier electric boat engineering team. Required ... Experience & Skills: * Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (or equivalent) and at least 4 ...

Reading engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and work orders to accurately build assemblies ... Boat knowledge * Composite repair experience * Formal composite training About Seasats: At Seasats ...

Reading engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and work orders to accurately build assemblies ... Boat knowledge * Composite repair experience * Formal composite training About Seasats: At Seasats ...

Reading engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and work orders to accurately build assemblies ... Boat knowledge * Composite repair experience * Formal composite training About Seasats: At Seasats ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Boat Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do boat engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat engineer in California is $100,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a boat engineer do?

A Boat Engineer is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and overseeing the mechanical and electrical systems of a vessel. They ensure that engines, propulsion systems, generators, and other critical components function properly. Their duties may also include performing routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with maritime safety regulations. Boat Engineers work on various types of vessels, including fishing boats, yachts, and commercial ships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a boat engineer?

Boat Engineers require strong mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge, typically with a marine engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with marine propulsion systems, diagnostic software, safety regulations, and relevant certifications such as STCW are highly valued. Effective problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills are essential for addressing on-board issues and working with crew. Mastery of these skills ensures the safety, efficiency, and compliance of the vessel’s operation.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for a boat engineer?

Boat Engineers can advance to senior engineering positions such as Chief Engineer, or transition into shore-based roles like technical superintendent, project manager, or fleet maintenance manager. Gaining additional certifications and experience with larger or more complex vessels can lead to higher-level responsibilities and increased compensation. There are opportunities to specialize in specific systems or vessel types, and many employers support ongoing training and professional development. Collaboration with other engineers, captains, and shipyard professionals is common, providing a strong foundation for future leadership roles.

Are marine engineers in demand?

Marine engineers, including boat engineers, are in demand due to ongoing needs for maintenance, repair, and design of ships and marine vessels. The industry values technical skills, certifications, and experience, with employment opportunities often available in shipping companies, shipbuilding, and offshore industries.

Do boat engineers make a lot of money?

Boat engineers typically earn a moderate to high salary depending on experience, certifications, and the type of vessels they work on. Salaries can range from around $50,000 to over $100,000 annually, with specialized skills and certifications often leading to higher pay. The job may also include overtime, travel, and working in challenging environments, which can impact overall earnings.

What job categories do people searching Boat Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Boat Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Boat Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Boat Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Senior Program Representative - Propulsion Systems Engineering

General Dynamics Electric Boat

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


General Dynamics Electric Boat rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 165 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Overview

OverviewAt General Dynamics Electric Boat, our employees have exceptional opportunities to contribute to revolutionary systems that safeguard our sailors, our families, and our freedom. Integrated Power Systems (IPS) Engineering is seeking a self-driven and highly motivated Program Representative to join our diverse team of professionals.

The selected candidate will provide programmatic and technical oversight of Northrop Grumman, with focus on the COLUMBIA Class Turbine Generator sets, VIRGINIA Class Ship Service Turbine Generator sets, and Main Propulsion Units throughout various stages of manufacturing, testing, and delivery. This role offers dynamic growth potential for individuals pursuing increased leadership responsibilities.

Programmatic Responsibilities

  • Coordinate a multidiscipline team of resources engaged in oversight activities
  • Maintain oversight of on-site support staff and act as the management point of contact for concerns or issues
  • Communicate daily work plans to all Electric Boat personnel stationed on-site
  • Identify oversight coverage gaps due to resource shortages or specific expertise needs
  • Review detailed schedules to identify conflicts and acceleration opportunities
  • Work closely with the Supplier to ensure schedule adherence and any required recovery efforts
  • Assist in development of independent problem-resolution or test-issue schedules
  • Strengthen and maintain communication between Electric Boat and its Supplier
  • Collaborate with Supplier manufacturing, program, quality, and engineering leadership to improve site efficiencies and capture lessons learned
  • Perform weekly and quarterly assessments of Supplier performance
  • Report directly to the Electric Boat Program Supervisor stationed in Sunnyvale

Technical Oversight Responsibilities

  • Support Electric Boat Engineering teams in resolving technical issues
  • Work collaboratively with the Supplier on root cause and corrective action efforts
  • Provide production test oversight to ensure procedural compliance and successful completion of test campaigns
  • Review new or revised Supplier manufacturing instructions prior to first use
  • Participate in First Time Process Reviews (FTPRs) and Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs)
  • Participate in pre-job briefs and support execution of critical evolutions
  • Participate in job debriefs and lessons-learned reviews

This position will work closely with the Supplier, sub-tier suppliers, and Naval Reactors.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related technical field
  • Minimum of 5 years of post-graduate experience demonstrating candidate has:
    • Worked with and managed supplier production of components, ensuring quality and on-time delivery.
    • Tracked and reported work status, identifying risks and driving corrective actions.
    • Led performance and delivery goals by coordinating cross-functional teams and resolving issues quickly.
    • Built and maintained strong customer relationships to support program objectives.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Military experience or 1+ years of experience in construction trades, engineering, design, planning, testing, or design-build-sustain roles, or a demonstrated leadership position
  • Component development and vendor management experience
  • Electric Boat shipyard experience (construction, test, certification, etc.)
  • Program management experience
  • Experience working with NAVSEA
Skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Proven ability to exercise independent judgment, creativity, and sound decision-making
  • Strong team-building skills, with the ability to foster and maintain positive cross-entity relationships
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office
  • Experience applying effective problem-solving techniques
  • Strong organizational and planning skills
  • Understanding of sub-tier supplier contracts and management practices
  • Ability to interpret technical requirements and engineering drawings
#J-18808-Ljbffr

What General Dynamics Electric Boat employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom