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Boat Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Modeling Class A surfaces and boat interiors * Owning hardware from start to finish, including ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering field * 2+ years of industry ...

Modeling Class A surfaces and boat interiors * Owning hardware from start to finish, including ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering field * 2+ years of industry ...

UX UI Designer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$160K/yr

You will work closely with engineers, product managers, and the marketing team to translate complex systems such as boat controls, tugboat subsystems, and fleet management, into elegant, intuitive ...

Dredge Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$450 - $875/day

Engineer "signed off" on multiple vessels in the fleet. * "Figuring it out." With some guidance, Engineer II's should be able to get on a new boat and figure out the basic engineering systems on ...

Showing results 21-40

Boat Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do boat engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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.

Do boat engineers make a lot of money?

Boat engineers typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, certifications, and the type of vessels they work on. According to industry data, salaries can range from moderate to high, especially for those with specialized skills or working on large commercial ships. Many boat engineers also receive benefits such as overtime pay and opportunities for advancement.

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.

What does a boat engineer do on a boat?

A boat engineer is responsible for maintaining and repairing the vessel's engines, mechanical systems, and electrical equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation. They perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and may operate tools and diagnostic devices, often working in challenging environments and requiring relevant certifications. Their work is essential for the vessel's safety, performance, and compliance with maritime regulations.

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 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% 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 Electric Powertrain Engineer

Navier

Alameda, CA

$121K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Description:

Navier is seeking a senior powertrain electrical engineer to join our team and lead the development of a custom electric powertrain for hydrofoil boats.

Responsibilities:

  • Architect and deliver a safe and reliable electric powertrain, including all components from batteries to motors, for Navier's production electric hydrofoil boats.
  • Work with vendors and contractors to design and build custom powertrain components.
  • 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 experience in electric powertrain design
  • Extensive knowledge of Li-ion batteries, BMSs, PDUs, charging standards, inverters and electric motors.
  • Knowledge of applicable standards for testing and certification of high-voltage electric powertrain components.
  • Strong skills in C/C++ and embedded software development.
  • Experience designing schematics, PCB, and CAD
  • Experience working with different communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, RS232, J1939).
  • Team leadership experience, but also the desire to be a strong individual contributor.
  • Strong work ethic and the ability to work in a fast pace environment.

Highly Desired:

  • Experience with the maritime environment (e.g., IP ratings, ABYC standard, corrosion issues, galvanic isolation)
  • Experienced and passionate boater