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Boat Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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 ...

Mechanical Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

We're rethinking every detail on the boat -- from propulsion and powertrain to software and ownership model -- applying first-principles engineering from aerospace and EVs to deliver a better boating ...

Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

Owning a subset of development and qualification testing of an electric boat (subsets include ... Engineer test stands to be used for development/qualification tests and in production e.g., shock ...

Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

Owning a subset of development and qualification testing of an electric boat (subsets include ... Engineer test stands to be used for development/qualification tests and in production e.g., shock ...

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 ...

Whether tourists want to rent a boat at the best price or boat owners make money with their own ... If you have excellent programming skills and a passion for developing applications or improving ...

Collaborating with engineering and production teams to implement improvements on boat designs, production methods, or service processes. Basic qualifications * 5+ years of experience in embedded ...

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 Sep 7, 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.

Composite Fabricator (Boat Builder)

Seasats

San Diego, CA • On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Role: Composite Fabricator (Boat Builder)
Location: San Diego, CA (in-office)
Salary: $71,000 - $80,000 / yr + stock options, 401k matching, and other benefits
Role Overview:
Seasats is rapidly scaling production of unmanned surface vessels that operate for months at sea in some of the world's harshest environments. We're looking for a skilled Composite Fabricator to help build the structural assemblies that make those missions possible.
This role is focused on assembling composite structures and building the boats that will cross oceans unmanned. You'll bond hulls, decks, bulkheads, mounting hardware, and structural components using structural adhesives while ensuring the process meets our quality standards. Your work will directly impact the strength, durability, and reliability of vehicles deployed around the world while maintaining Seasats' name for building reliable boats!
Role Details:
Some specific responsibilities may include:
  • Bonding composite hulls, decks, bulkheads, and structural components using epoxy and structural adhesives
  • Preparing bonding surfaces through sanding, cleaning, abrasion, and other surface preparation techniques
  • Installing bonded inserts, brackets, mounting plates, threaded inserts, and other hardware into composite structures
  • Reading engineering drawings, assembly instructions, and work orders to accurately build assemblies
  • Using fixtures and jigs to ensure proper alignment and repeatability throughout assembly.
  • Trimming, drilling, fitting, and finishing composite parts as needed to meet design requirements
  • Inspecting bonded assemblies for quality, fit, alignment, and workmanship before final handoff
  • Collaborating with engineering and production teams to identify manufacturability improvements and refine assembly processes
  • Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment while following material handling and safety procedures

About You:
You enjoy being hands on and have a keen eye for detail. Experience with hand and power tools is a must but composite experience can be trained. Whether you are a cabinet maker, carpenter, tiler, a stone mason or simply like building things in your spare time this role could be a good fit for you. Some key attributes:
  • A team player
  • Take pride in the work you do with strong workmanship standards
  • Always learning and open to learning/creating new techniques
  • Diligent in time keeping and communication
  • Always wanting to improve and add to the manufacturing process
  • Don't mind getting dusty with the appropriate PPE
  • Proficient in the use of pneumatic tools, drills, grinders, and measuring equipment
  • Looking for a supportive and growth focused work environment

Due to export control requirements applicable to this position, we are only able to consider U.S. persons, as defined by U.S. export control laws. This includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals granted asylee or refugee status.
In addition, it's nice (though not essential) for you to have:
  • Composite manufacturing experience
  • Boat knowledge
  • Composite repair experience
  • Formal composite training

About Seasats:
At Seasats, we're passionate about delivering maritime robotics solutions to redefine the maritime industry. Our primary products are unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), designed to carry sensors at sea for months at a time. Our USVs provide persistent monitoring and data acquisition to defense, scientific, and commercial customers, and have autonomously crossed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. After thousands of years in which the only way to gather information from the ocean was to put people on a boat, these uncrewed vessels are transforming how humanity monitors and interacts with the ocean. Here, you'll find the space and opportunity to do your life's best work.
Along with your salary, you'll receive perks including:
  • Competitive insurance (including a 99% employer-covered Gold HMO plan or other options)
  • 401k matching up to 4% of salary
  • Four free lunches per week
  • An employee activity fund
  • A pet-friendly office
  • Unlimited/Flex PTO

Hiring Notes:
When applying, you'll be asked to provide a resume and answer a few screening questions.
Please note that we are currently unable to sponsor employment visas, so candidates must be independently authorized to work in the United States.
We appreciate diverse perspectives and life experiences, and we're committed to building a team that reflects a wide range of backgrounds. Seasats provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.
We look forward to reviewing your application!