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Cargo Ship Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conversion - WMS Engineer

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$129K/yr

Our facilities are capable of receiving, storing, processing and dispatching cargo, so we can build flexibility and resilience into the supply chain process.Our integrated solutions allow us to be ...

Conversion - WMS Engineer

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site +1

$129K/yr

Our facilities are capable of receiving, storing, processing and dispatching cargo, so we can build flexibility and resilience into the supply chain process. Our integrated solutions allow us to be ...

... engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • Leadership and ... They find, evaluate, record all cargo, and support other needs of the operation. If they find ...

Electrical Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Electrical Engineer to join our team. This ... Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessels (T-EPF), Hospital Ships (T-AH), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T ...

Electrical Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Electrical Engineer to join our team. This ... Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessels (T-EPF), Hospital Ships (T-AH), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T ...

... shipboard engineering systems and equipment and is responsible for representing, enforcing, and ... bulk and liquid cargo transfer systems, fuel management systems, bilge and ballast systems ...

Transport Engineer

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$69K - $91K/yr

Develop CAD drawings for all phases of the transport life of cargo accompanied with correspondent ... Review of infrastructure/capabilities at port, road, ship, rail, and project site * Coordinate ...

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Cargo Ship Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do cargo ship engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for cargo ship engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do engineers make on cargo ships?

Cargo ship engineers, also known as marine engineers, typically earn between $4,000 and $8,000 per month depending on experience, rank, and the shipping company. Salaries can vary based on the vessel's size, the engineer's certifications, and the voyage duration, with many working on rotational schedules that include several months at sea.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes certifications or security clearances.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a Cargo Ship Engineer?

Cargo Ship Engineers typically work in a shift-based rotation system, such as four hours on and eight hours off, to ensure round-the-clock operation of the ship’s machinery while at sea. Depending on the voyage duration and the company, engineers may spend several weeks or months on board, followed by a period of shore leave. Daily responsibilities include monitoring and maintaining propulsion systems, diesel engines, generators, and auxiliary equipment, as well as completing regular inspections and repairs. The role involves close collaboration with other engineers, crew, and officers to keep the vessel running smoothly and safely. This schedule provides both significant time at sea and extended periods for rest or travel between assignments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cargo Ship Engineer position, and why are they important?

A Cargo Ship Engineer should possess strong mechanical, electrical, and marine engineering knowledge, generally supported by a marine engineering degree and required maritime certifications such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW). Familiarity with engine room management systems, diagnostic tools, and safety protocols is crucial for effective operation and troubleshooting. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability are vital soft skills for responding to emergencies and working in diverse crews. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring the safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of cargo vessels at sea.

What is the highest paying job on a cargo ship?

The highest paying job on a cargo ship is typically the Chief Engineer, who is responsible for the vessel's machinery and systems. This role requires extensive technical skills, certifications, and experience, and often offers the highest salary among shipboard positions due to its level of responsibility.

What does an engineer do on a cargo ship?

A cargo ship engineer, often called a marine or engine room engineer, is responsible for maintaining and operating the ship's propulsion systems, engines, and auxiliary machinery. They perform routine inspections, repairs, and troubleshooting to ensure the vessel's safe and efficient operation, often working in the engine room for extended shifts and holding certifications such as STCW. Their work is essential for the ship's navigation, safety, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What does a Cargo Ship Engineer do?

A Cargo Ship Engineer is responsible for maintaining, operating, and repairing the mechanical and electrical systems on a cargo ship. They ensure the engine, generators, pumps, and other machinery function properly for safe and efficient voyages. Regular inspections, troubleshooting, and emergency repairs are key parts of the job. Engineers also manage fuel efficiency and compliance with maritime regulations. This role requires technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and often long periods at sea.

More about Cargo Ship Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Cargo Ship Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Cargo Ship Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Ship Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Cargo Ship Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Cargo Ship Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Cargo Ship Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cargo Ship Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Marine Cargo Operator

$15 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

As a privately held, U.S.-owned and operated company, Crowley provides services to 36 nations and island territories. Our purpose is to bravely advance what's possible to elevate people and planet, with our core values of Integrity, Sustainability and Drive guiding everything we do.  

By expanding and innovating our services, we have expanded our footprint in services within the Logistics, Land Transportation, Shipping, Wind and Fuel industries. Crowley and its affiliated companies have generated more than $3.5 billion in annual revenue through our people's focus on excellence and a culture that values everyone's voices and collaboration.  

To continue laying the groundwork and challengewhat'spossible for our business, we seek to partner with individuals ready to elevate their careers with us. 

Crowley's Marine Management Services Inc. (MMS) is a dedicated, MLC certified, marine and offshore crewing company whose focus is to add value to the ship or asset owner through successful and cost-effective management of marine resources. MMS’s main focuses are offshore crewing, personnel recruitment, and project support. 

To continue laying the groundwork and challenge what's possible for our business, we seek to partner with individuals ready to elevate their careers with us. 


Responsibilities

FPSO Turritella – Marine Cargo Operator / AB (Non-Union) 

Summary: Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of liquid cargo and ballast systems, including cargo loading, offloading, and routine maintenance. This role involves monitoring process parameters, conducting sampling and analysis, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental procedures. Operators maintain equipment, perform chemical tracking, and support inspections and emergency drills. 

Essential Functions: 

  • Monitoring, maintaining, and optimizing process parameters (level, flow, temperature, pressure, etc.) within operating requirements. 
  • Ensuring sampling & gauging is carried out and sample results are acted upon. 
  • Handling and maintaining portable gauging equipment. 
  • Exhibiting a high standard of safety behavior. 
  • Ensuring that all aspects of Cargo, Cargo Utility, and Process operations and maintenance are carried out safely and effectively. 
  • Carrying out cargo loading and offloading and maintenance of cargo systems and utilities.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Performing all work necessary for the safe and proper operation of the liquid cargo and ballast transfer systems, including but not limited to liquid cargo transfer pumps, liquid cargo stripping pumps, liquid cargo coalesces and separators, ballast pumps, hydraulic systems, strainers, filters, associated piping, valves, fittings, and deck machinery directly related to the transfer of liquid cargo and ballast. 
  • Performing routine required maintenance, repairs, and condition-based monitoring actions, including but not limited to correcting leaks, packing valves, and greasing fittings, glands, bearings, and reach rods. 
  • Performing shipboard engineering casualty drills, fire drills, collision drills, and all other duties as assigned. 
  • Maintaining the cargo and ballast lines and connection manifolds. 
  • Preparing to start, starting up, monitoring, maintaining, and shutting down operations. 
  • Contributing to tank entry, inspection, and maintenance activities. 
  • Testing isolations for integrity to company procedures. 
  • Depressurizing, draining and venting, and de-gassing the plant or system as required according to procedures or operating guides. 
  • Confirming that the working area is free of hazards as per permit or procedure using appropriate tests, (gas/H2S Inert etc) 
  • Performing de-isolation, including confirming that testing and re-instatement of the plant are carried out according to procedure. 
  • Ensuring that controlled process discharges from the area of responsibility to the environment are within prescribed limits. 
  • Ensuring that unplanned discharges are identified, halted where possible, and reported according to policy, procedure, and regulation. 
  • Analyzing crude oil offloads for API (3rd party Donovan), MeOH content, and water content (shake outs). 
  • Analyzing cargo tanks for H2S content using Draeger tubes (daily), and bacterial content with AccuCount testing (as needed). 
  • Recording of the AccuCount Bacteria Testing Data generated from field analysis. 
  • Analyzing process train oil for water content using shake outs and process train gas for oil content using white rag tests and H2S content using Draeger tubes. 
  • Monitoring and tracking (daily) rates of treatment chemicals in topsides equipment and subsea.   
  • Tracking chemical inventory onboard the FPSO and at the dock. 
  • Carrying out any lawful command and delegated duty as issued by the Master, Chief Officer, delegated Officer of the Watch and Chief Engineer or delegate. 

Qualifications

Minimum Skills: 

  • Able to deal with a multi-discipline team. 
  • Good interpersonal communication skills. 
  • Good written and spoken English. 
  • Problem-solving skills 
  • Highly motivated and eager to contribute to the safe and effective operation of the pumping system and transfer of liquids. 
  • Willing to report any unsafe or environmentally unsound acts and conditions to the immediate supervisor. 
  • Knowledge of and ability to operate ballast and liquid cargo systems and associated equipment. 

Certification: 

  • Required: 
  • Must hold a valid USCG MMC  
  • National: 
  • Able Seaman – Unlimited 
  • Lifeboatman 
  • STCW: 
  • Able Seafarer Deck (II/5) 
  • Rating Forming Part of Navigational Watch (II/4) 
  • Tankerman Assist / STCW – Basic Oil & Chemical Tanker Operations (V/1) 
  • Basic Safety Training (VI/1) 
  • Personal Survival Craft (VI/2) – No Restrictions  
  • Vessel Personnel w/ Designated Security Duties & Security Awareness (VI/6) 
  • Valid USCG 719k Med Cert (STCW) 
  • Valid TWIC Card 
  • Valid Driver License 
  • Preferred: 
  • Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (VI/2) 
  • Passport  
  • IADC Rig Pass / SafeGulf equivalent  
  • T-HUET (or better)  

*All qualified candidates must submit the above required documents with their application in order to be reviewedfor the position* 

Education:  

  • High School Diploma or equivalent [G.E.D.] or higher 

Experience: 

  • At least 1 year of experience on oil tankers. 
  • Experience handling flammable/dangerous liquids and following confined space entry procedures, as well as the Lockout/Tag-out program. 

Reports To: Operation Supervisor   

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A 

Compensation: 

  • Competitive Day Rate 
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package 
  • Medical 
  • Dental 
  • Vision 
  • LTD 
  • STD 
  • AD&D 
  • Life Insurance 
  • 401k 
  • 14/14 or 28/28 Rotation 
  • Paid Travel 

Duration/Travel/Timeline Details: 10% Travel – To and from the vessel along with shoreside training 

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions/Work EnvironmentWorks both inside and outside in conditions of both high and low temperatures. May be exposed to odors, dust, dirt, mechanical hazards, high noise levels and potentially dangerous equipment. Must be able to crouch and stoop to get into areas with restricted headroom and be able to climb ladders. Meet the USCG 719K physical standard. 

Other: Must be able to work in a drug free workplace; never under the influence of mind-altering prescriptions or non-prescription drugs, including alcohol, and other drugs of abuse. 

Qualifications:

Minimum Skills: 

  • Able to deal with a multi-discipline team. 
  • Good interpersonal communication skills. 
  • Good written and spoken English. 
  • Problem-solving skills 
  • Highly motivated and eager to contribute to the safe and effective operation of the pumping system and transfer of liquids. 
  • Willing to report any unsafe or environmentally unsound acts and conditions to the immediate supervisor. 
  • Knowledge of and ability to operate ballast and liquid cargo systems and associated equipment. 

Certification: 

  • Required: 
  • Must hold a valid USCG MMC  
  • National: 
  • Able Seaman – Unlimited 
  • Lifeboatman 
  • STCW: 
  • Able Seafarer Deck (II/5) 
  • Rating Forming Part of Navigational Watch (II/4) 
  • Tankerman Assist / STCW – Basic Oil & Chemical Tanker Operations (V/1) 
  • Basic Safety Training (VI/1) 
  • Personal Survival Craft (VI/2) – No Restrictions  
  • Vessel Personnel w/ Designated Security Duties & Security Awareness (VI/6) 
  • Valid USCG 719k Med Cert (STCW) 
  • Valid TWIC Card 
  • Valid Driver License 
  • Preferred: 
  • Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (VI/2) 
  • Passport  
  • IADC Rig Pass / SafeGulf equivalent  
  • T-HUET (or better)  

*All qualified candidates must submit the above required documents with their application in order to be reviewedfor the position* 

Education:  

  • High School Diploma or equivalent [G.E.D.] or higher 

Experience: 

  • At least 1 year of experience on oil tankers. 
  • Experience handling flammable/dangerous liquids and following confined space entry procedures, as well as the Lockout/Tag-out program. 

Reports To: Operation Supervisor   

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A 

Compensation: 

  • Competitive Day Rate 
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package 
  • Medical 
  • Dental 
  • Vision 
  • LTD 
  • STD 
  • AD&D 
  • Life Insurance 
  • 401k 
  • 14/14 or 28/28 Rotation 
  • Paid Travel 

Duration/Travel/Timeline Details: 10% Travel – To and from the vessel along with shoreside training 

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions/Work EnvironmentWorks both inside and outside in conditions of both high and low temperatures. May be exposed to odors, dust, dirt, mechanical hazards, high noise levels and potentially dangerous equipment. Must be able to crouch and stoop to get into areas with restricted headroom and be able to climb ladders. Meet the USCG 719K physical standard. 

Other: Must be able to work in a drug free workplace; never under the influence of mind-altering prescriptions or non-prescription drugs, including alcohol, and other drugs of abuse. 

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME