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Boat Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

PMR

Bend, TX · On-site

The technician maintains detailed maintenance records, follows established safety and quality procedures, and collaborates closely with production and engineering teams to support continuous ...

PMR

Bend, TX · On-site

The technician maintains detailed maintenance records, follows established safety and quality procedures, and collaborates closely with production and engineering teams to support continuous ...

Supervises the cleaning and maintenance of boat and tow; the loading, transport, and discharging of ... Communicate with Dispatcher, crewmembers, other Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilots, Port Engineers ...

Supervises the cleaning and maintenance of boat and tow; the loading, transport, and discharging of ... Communicate with Dispatcher, crewmembers, other Master/ Relief Captain/ Pilots, Port Engineers ...

Showing results 41-60

Boat Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$36.3K

$94.8K

$128.1K

How much do boat engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat engineer in Texas is $94,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $108,500.00 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 cities in Texas are hiring for Boat Engineer jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Boat Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Boat Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,798 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

$61K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Texas Department Of Transportation rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

196th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Information
Tired of being away from home? TxDOT Galveston-Bolivar Ferry Operations is looking to hire safety orientated Ferryboat Engineers who value their personal time while still able to work as a merchant mariner. TxDOT Galveston-Bolivar Ferry is a 24/7, 365 days inland maritime operation based out of Galveston, Texas. We safely transport vehicles and passengers on a 3-mile route between Galveston and Port Bolivar, Texas. TxDOT provides a variety of resources to help our employees succeed. If you want to build an exciting career, let's talk!
Effective 9/1/25 the salary range for this position will be updated to reflect new salary limits. Texas State Auditor's Office - Salary Schedules
Benefits and Perks
At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:
  • Retirement Plans
  • Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
  • Paid Leave and Holidays
  • Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
  • Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
  • Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)
Position Description
Performs as watch engineer responsible for monitoring and maintaining the machinery, equipment and related shore facility systems necessary for ferryboat operations under normal and/or emergency conditions. Monitors and leads a group of employees performing preventive maintenance, major repair and overhaul of motor ferry vessels, landings, work docks and miscellaneous motorized equipment. Work requires frequent contact with private entities. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.
Essential Duties:
  • Analyzes reports of malfunctions or abnormal conditions which may affect the stability or operational capability of the vessel and determines corrective action.
  • Directs vessel refueling operations and discharging of raw sewage and bilge wastewater in accordance with safety regulations and in compliance with the Federal Waters Pollution Control Act.
  • Inspects and conducts operational tests of emergency generators, firefighting and dewatering pumps and other associated equipment, piping and systems; operates and secures equipment under emergency conditions.
  • Monitors, leads and trains personnel involved in the performance of the vessel and repair, cleaning and preventative maintenance duties, basic systems operation and casualty control.
  • Participates in periodic all-hands emergency drills and exercises.
  • Reads and interprets blueprints, sketches, electrical diagrams, piping and mechanical drawings.
  • Records daily log of watch activities, operating machinery and equipment statistics; maintains machinery history and repair records.
  • Responsible for the proper line-up, start, operation and securing of all main propulsion, steering, auxiliary, standby machinery and equipment and related systems for operation of the vessel under normal and/or emergency conditions.
  • Serves as liaison during American Bureau of Shipping and U.S. Coast Guard inspections and boat drills.
  • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.
Experience: 8 years in repair, maintenance and operation of marine equipment. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Graduation from a maritime academy will substitute for 5 years experience . Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
Licenses and Certifications:
    • Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
    • USCG MMC of Lic-Chf Eng-Mtr Fe-5000Hp
    • Transp Worker ID Cred - TWIC at time of application

Competencies:
  • Extensive knowledge of:
    • Pollution prevention and abatement programs
    • Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
  • Considerable knowledge of:
    • Emergency response procedures
  • Expert skill in:
    • Correcting abnormal operation of equipment, machinery and systems
    • First aid and lifesaving techniques
    • Fire fighting
  • Proficient skill in:
    • Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
    • Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others
    • Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
  • Ability to:
    • Work in cramped spaces (bend, stoop, crawl) and at varied heights

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
  • Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and/or above 100 degrees for more than one hour
  • Subject to noise
  • Subject to vibration
  • Subject to hazards - moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
  • Subject to atmospheric conditions - fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation
  • Subject to air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids
  • Required to wear protective gear - respirator, hard hat, or other devices
  • Works in narrow aisles or passageways
  • Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
  • Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc
  • Balancing - walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
  • Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee(s)
  • Crawling - moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet
  • Standing - prolonged periods of time
  • Walking - moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another
  • Pushing - using upper extremities to press against object with force to move in a direction
  • Pulling - using upper extremities to exert force moving objects in a sustained motion
  • Grasping - applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm
  • Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
  • Hearing - perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication
  • Close Visual Acuity - work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
  • Close Visual Acuity - work includes visual inspection of small defects/parts
  • Close Visual Acuity - using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts
  • Visual Acuity - operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment
  • Visual Acuity - determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structures

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)
  • This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
  • Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
    • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

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