1

Boat Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

... boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today's battery tech (and up to 400 miles with next-gen ... Role Overview As a Vehicle Test Engineer at REGENT, you'll help plan and execute the sea and air ...

New

... boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today's battery tech (and up to 400 miles with next-gen ... Role Overview As a Test Engineer at REGENT, you'll help plan and execute the sea and air test ...

New

Waterfront/Coastal Engineer

Newport, RI · Hybrid

$100K - $140K/yr

GEI's Waterfront and Coastal Engineering group is seeking a Senior Civil / Structural Engineer with ... Small boat operation experience. * SCUBA or commercial diving qualifications with willingness to ...

Principal Software Engineer

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

... boat. Capable of 180 miles at 180 mph on today's battery tech (and up to 400 miles with next-gen ... In this role as Principal Software Engineer , you will set software technical direction across ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 5, 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.

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 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 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,647 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Shipyard Installation and Test Engineer

General Dynamics Mission Systems

North Kingstown, RI • On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus 6 months of relevant experience.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:: Department of Defense Secret security clearance is obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:
As a Shipyard Installation and Test Engineer for GDMS Field Engineering, you'll be a member of a cross functional team responsible for supporting the construction and integration of the COLUMBIA Class ballistic missile submarines. This position is based at the Electric Boat shipyard and plays a critical role in ensuring the successful installation, integration, and testing of mission-critical, strategic Fire Control Systems aboard the Navy's next generation submarines.
As a Shipyard Installation and Test Engineer, you will work closely with cross-functional teams, including shipyard personnel, design engineers, and Navy representatives to ensure all systems meet stringent performance, safety, and quality standards. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to one of the most important defense programs in the nation.
This role will initially be located at the Quonset Point RI Electric Boat facility with frequent travel required to the Groton CT Electric Boat facility. Permanent transition to the Groton facility will be required as the program matures.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Oversee and coordinate the installation and integration of mechanical, electrical, and fiber optic components of the GDMS Fire Control Systems aboard the COLUMBIA class submarines.
  • Develop and execute test plans and procedures to validate system functionality and performance, ensuring compliance with Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), GDMS, and Navy standards.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during installation and testing, working collaboratively with GDMS support teams, Electric Boat shipyard teams, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Conduct equipment field modifications, inspections, and quality checks to ensure proper system installation, alignment, and compliance with design specifications utilizing strong procedural compliance skills.
  • Maintain detailed documentation of installation and testing activities, including problem reports, test results, configuration changes, and relevant meeting minutes.
  • Develop documentation and/or take part in peer reviews of relevant engineering documentation required to support shipyard work.
  • Communicate regularly with GDMS engineering support and management, Electric Boat personnel, government/military contacts, and various other external program stakeholders.

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills or experiences:
  • Experience in system installation, integration, or testing in a shipyard environment. Submarine or naval vessel experience highly preferred.
  • Familiarity with SPALTs, ODs (Ordnance Documents), Navy specifications, standards, and documentation processes is a plus.
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and documentation.

What sets you apart:
  • Clear understanding of systems engineering concepts, principles, theories, and technical standards.
  • Clear understanding of installation best practices and testing methodologies.
  • Proficient in the use of basic hand tools.
  • Familiarity with operating electrical test equipment. Multimeters, insulation resistance testers, breakout boxes, etc.
  • Certified or ability to get certified in critical skills operations (crimp, solder, wire wrap, fiber optic).
  • Willingness to work in a shipyard environment and travel to other locations as needed. Travel between Quonset Point, RI and Groton, CT is required.
  • Creative thinker with ability to grasp and apply new information quickly and handle increasing responsibilities with growing complexity
  • Team player who thrives in collaborative environments and revels in team success
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development for yourself and others

Our Commitment to You:
  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:
This position is Fully On-Site
While on-site, you will be a part of the GDMS Groton Shipyard Team.
Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $100,153.00 - USD $111,108.00 /Yr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What General Dynamics Mission Systems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom