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Boat Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

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Boat Engineer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$38.2K

$99.6K

$134.7K

How much do boat engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat engineer in Rhode Island is $99,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $114,100.00 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 are popular job titles related to Boat Engineer jobs in Rhode Island? For Boat Engineer jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Boat Engineer jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Boat Engineer jobs in Rhode Island are:
Infographic showing various Boat Engineer job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,647 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Robotics Engineer (Experienced)

General Dynamics Electric Boat

North Kingstown, RI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


General Dynamics Electric Boat rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 164 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Overview
Robotics Engineer
About Electric Boat
There has never been a more exciting time to join the shipbuilding industry. As demand for cutting-edge naval technology accelerates, General Dynamics Electric Boat continues to lead the way-designing, building, and maintaining the world's most advanced submarines. Our work directly supports the U.S. Navy and plays a vital role in strengthening national security.
Electric Boat is experiencing unprecedented growth. Existing facilities are being upgraded, new buildings are under construction, and major investments are underway. This is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to help shape the future of shipbuilding through advanced robotics and automation technology.
About the Robotics Engineering Team
The Robotics Engineering organization operates across the enterprise, responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing robotics and automation technologies throughout the shipyard. These state-of-the-art solutions improve product quality, enhance personnel safety, and reduce critical construction costs and schedule durations-making Electric Boat the most valued provider of nuclear submarines.
We are seeking an Experienced Robotics Engineer to join our dynamic team.
About This Role
The Robotics Engineering Group provides ongoing support to existing automation systems while driving innovation to meet emerging construction and business needs. This team develops robotic systems, selects hardware and software, leads implementation, and supports production activities. Members serve as subject matter experts for robotics and automation technologies across Electric Boat.
You will help lead technology insertion projects, ensure requirements are met, perform capability testing, develop procedures, procure equipment, and support installation and operation of robotic systems.
Key Responsibilities
• Identify automation and robotics opportunities across Quonset Point, Groton, and off‑site facilities
• Perform technical feasibility studies, develop business cases, secure funding, and create project implementation strategies
• Lead project management activities, including specifications, vendor scopes of work, vendor selection, purchase requisitions, and facilities integration while maintaining schedules and budgets
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams and mentor entry-level robotics engineers
• Partner with vendors virtually, on-site, and at Electric Boat to develop, test, and accept custom robotic and automation solutions
• Conduct hands-on onsite robotic development and capability testing
• Develop system hardware, create software, program robotics systems, and write technical documentation
• Implement systems and provide deck‑plate support for robotics and automation operations
• Collaborate regularly with internal stakeholders-including Operations Management, Engineering, Program Offices, Facilities, Safety, Training, Maintenance and Planning
• Serve as a lead subject matter expert interfacing directly with Navy customers
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Engineering or a related technical field such as Robotics, Automation, Industrial/Manufacturing, Welding, Facilities, Systems, Mechatronics, Controls, Mechanical, Maritime, Electrical, or Software Engineering
• Minimum of 5 years of post‑graduate engineering experience
• Knowledge in at least one of the following areas: Robotics/Automation, Mechatronics, Programming, Simulation, Systems, Controls, PLC/HMI, Software, Industrial/Facilities, Manufacturing, Cutting, Welding, Coatings/Preservation
• Demonstrated project management or task‑lead experience
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience developing business cases, cost/benefit analyses, project budgets, and schedules
• Experience leading teams and managing process, machine, or facility integration
• Vendor engagement experience, including machine evaluation, development, and testing
• Knowledge of robotics and industrial manufacturing processes
• Experience with industrial fabrication, cutting, welding, coatings, automation, or robotics
• Programming, simulation, or modeling experience
• Experience with multi‑axis robotic arms (ABB, FANUC, Universal Robots)
• Familiarity with 3D measurement systems
• Knowledge of Groton or Quonset Point operations
• Experience in shipbuilding or defense manufacturing
• Understanding of PLC Ladder Logic or Visual Basic
Skills
• Ability to work independently while leading a team, vendors and internal organizations.
• Ability to prioritize, execute and work well in a collaborative team environment.
The position will require someone that is highly flexible, ready to lead, take initiative. The candidate will transition from hands on robotic construction support to lab development and from strategic thinking to technical work. Opportunities to flex work-sites and WFH can be provided based on shipyard needs, work assignments and management discretion. Regular training, specialized training, mentor-ship and travel opportunities will be available as part of this organization.
EB Robotics Engineering provides a very unique engineering experience at Electric Boat to be part of an organization that is truly revolutionizing submarine manufacturing during a period of rapid growth. This organization is highly innovative, technical and has a proven track record as the technology insertion team for the shipyard. This position is highly visible and championed by senior management and our Navy customer.
Physical Qualifications
Climbing, Kneeling, Medium Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Stooping, Twisting
Environmental Attributes
Cold, Fumes, Hot, Inside, Noise

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