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Cargo Ship Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Transport Engineer

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$69K - $91K/yr

Focused on transport engineering, supervision, execution, and surveying for heavy lift cargo ... Review of infrastructure/capabilities at port, road, ship, rail, and project site * Coordinate ...

Structural Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

The Structural Engineer will leverage their strong technical background and knowledge to support ... Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessels (T-EPF), Hospital Ships (T-AH), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T ...

Structural Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

The Structural Engineer will leverage their strong technical background and knowledge to support ... Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessels (T-EPF), Hospital Ships (T-AH), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T ...

Mechanical Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessels (T-EPF), Hospital Ships (T-AH), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T ... Professional Engineer (PE) license or advanced certification in maritime mechanical systems. * Self ...

Electronics Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

The Electronics Engineer will leverage their strong technical background and knowledge to support ... Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessels (T-EPF), Hospital Ships (T-AH), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T ...

Electronics Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

The Electronics Engineer will leverage their strong technical background and knowledge to support ... Expeditionary Fast Transport Vessels (T-EPF), Hospital Ships (T-AH), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T ...

Overall person in charge of ship operations in port and in dry-dock. Primarily responsible for ... Coordinates with Captain and First Officer to ensure proper cargo logistics. Makes final judgment ...

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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 17, 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.

$108K - $143K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Requisition Number: 26459 Required Travel: 51 - 75% Employment Type: Full Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt Anticipated Salary Range: $75,015.00 - $85,732.00 Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain Level of Experience: Mid Meet HII’s Mission Technologies Division Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense – the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class.

Find the role that’s right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.

To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072 Summary Join HII as we keep the world's most powerful Navy afloat! Join our Elevator Support Unit (ESU) as a Team Lead! This position will support contracted skilled trades work on Weapon Elevators and Aircraft Elevators and their systems on U.S.

Navy ships. Travel within and outside of the continental United States may be required. This is a full-time position, located in San Diego, CA What You Will Do Leads technical teams for installations and repairs, within or across technical trades specialty.

Ability to manage, oversee, schedule and assign tasks to one or more multiple jobs. Repair, modernize, and test various shipboard elevators and weapons handling systems, including those on T-AKE, LPD, LHD, LSD, CVN, CG, and DDG class ships. Installs, operates, maintains, repairs and modifies equipment.

Performs a variety of maintenance and technical support on products such as equipment, integrated systems and subsystems, and software at customer and/or field locations. Analyzes and evaluates products and related performance. Troubleshoots and diagnoses malfunctions to eliminate problem in minimum time.

Installs, upgrades and removes products ensuring coordinative engineering field change. Maintains effective customer communications and relations. May provide onsite training of customer support personnel.

What You Must Have High School education, or Trade School or equivalent, and 6 years of related experience to include at least 2 years of team/deck lead experience. Must have experience with repair and testing of T-AKE Class Ship Cargo/Weapons Elevators. Must have experience with repair and testing of T-AKE Class Ship Personnel Elevators.

Must have experience with repair, modernization and testing of LPD Class Ships Cargo/Weapons Elevators, Dumbwaiters and Ammunition Lift Platforms. Must have experience with repair and testing of LHD Class Ships Cargo/Weapons Elevators and Aircraft Elevators. Must have experience with repair and testing of LSD Class Ship Cargo/Weapons Elevators.

Must have experience with repair, modernization and testing of CVN Class Ships Weapons Elevators and Aircraft Elevators. Must have experience with repair and testing of CG and DDG Class Weapons Handling Systems. Must provide own hand tools as designated per trades specialty.

Must be proficient in reading drawings and schematics. Must be able to obtain and maintain base access credentials. Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Preferred: Bonus Points For Candidates who hold a current or active DoD secret clearance or higher preferred. Candidate with related technical training, degrees and/or certifications preferred. Physical Requirements Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes.

The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 30 lbs. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces. Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.

May ride ships at sea for extended periods. May require wearing a respirator. Travel may be required within and outside of the continental United States.

HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.

Why HII We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first.

Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career. Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Do You Need Assistance? If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.