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Cargo Ship Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... storage of cargo including conveying equipment, gearboxes, ship loader, and various support ... Mechanical aptitude and experience related to small engines, electric motors, pumps, and hydraulics ...

Mechanic

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

... storage of cargo including conveying equipment, gearboxes, ship loader, and various support ... Mechanical aptitude and experience related to small engines, electric motors, pumps, and hydraulics ...

Mid-level Marine Mechanical Engineer (Auxiliary) to support the United States Coast Guard (USCG ... systems, ship machinery integration, cargo handling systems, and/or weight handling systems ...

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Experience with ship-to-ship transfers, vessel or barge operations, marine terminals, loss control ... Mechanical aptitude and experience troubleshooting cargo transfer equipment within the employee ...

New

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Experience with ship-to-ship transfers, vessel or barge operations, marine terminals, loss control ... Mechanical aptitude and experience troubleshooting cargo transfer equipment within the employee ...

New

$39/hr

Cargo elevators [DB1] * Shipboard mechanical and control systems [DB2] * Other mission-critical electromechanical applications aboard naval vessels This is hands-on, precision technical work in a ...

Showing results 41-60

Cargo Ship Mechanic information

What is a cargo ship mechanic?

A Cargo Ship Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting the mechanical and engineering systems on cargo ships. They work on engines, propulsion systems, hydraulics, and other critical components to ensure the vessel operates safely and efficiently. Their duties may also include routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and responding to mechanical emergencies while at sea. This role requires technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of maritime safety regulations. Cargo Ship Mechanics often work in challenging environments and must be prepared to handle mechanical issues under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cargo ship mechanic?

To thrive as a Cargo Ship Mechanic, you need solid mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills, experience with marine engines and systems, and often a vocational qualification or marine engineering certification. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, engine monitoring systems, and adherence to safety regulations and international maritime standards is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the ship’s operational reliability, safety at sea, and timely repairs in demanding maritime environments.

What are the main challenges cargo ship mechanics face while working at sea?

Cargo Ship Mechanics often work in physically demanding environments, dealing with noisy engine rooms, tight spaces, and exposure to varying temperatures and sea conditions. A key challenge is the need to troubleshoot and repair mechanical or electrical issues quickly, sometimes while the ship is underway and resources are limited. Mechanics must collaborate closely with engineers, deck officers, and other crew members to maintain operational efficiency and safety. Adaptability and strong teamwork are crucial, as schedules can be unpredictable and urgent repairs may arise at any time during a voyage.

How much do cargo ship mechanics make?

Cargo ship mechanics typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. They work in maritime environments, often requiring knowledge of marine engines, electrical systems, and safety protocols.

How to become a cargo ship mechanic?

To become a cargo ship mechanic, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and technical training in marine or diesel engine repair. Many employers prefer candidates with certifications such as the Marine Engineering or Marine Technician licenses, and experience working with shipboard machinery is valuable. Onboard work often requires safety training and adherence to maritime regulations.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Ship Mechanic jobs?

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States with the most job openings for Cargo Ship Mechanic jobs include:

Infographic showing various Cargo Ship Mechanic job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Shipboard Elevator Mechanic - 30038-San Diego,California

HII

National City, CA • On-site

$58K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform skilled trades, maintenance, and technical tasks on aircraft carrier elevators, weapons elevators, cargo handling systems, and associated equipment.

  • Develop and use technical documents such as work packages, procedures, test reports, and trip reports, and communicate with customers and management.

  • Interface with customers, manage subcontractors, and provide work direction to others, including leading and managing multiple jobs.


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,770 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition Number: 30038
Required Travel: 26 - 50%
Employment Type: Full Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $58,058.00 - $66,560.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Mid
This opportunity resides with Global Security (GS). Mission Technologies' Global Security (GS) group comprises live, virtual, constructive (LVC) solutions; fleet sustainment; nuclear and environmental; and Australia business.
As a trusted partner to our military customers, HII designs, develops and operates the largest LVC enterprise that prepares warfighters for cross-domain battle. With advanced technologies to enable mission readiness, HII understands that preparation requires full coordination-not readiness in piece-parts.
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has entrusted HII to maintain and modernize the vast majority of its fleet. With a holistic approach to life-cycle maritime defense systems-from small watercraft to submarines, surface combatants and aircraft carriers-HII ensures a high state of readiness.
HII supports the Department of Energy's national security mission through the management and operation of its sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. HII meets clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges.
Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies
Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every employee grows, leads, and contributes-regardless of role. It sets the standard for how you can develop yourself and what you can expect from leaders across our organization. We look for candidates who want to grow in alignment with these capabilities:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
  • Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
  • Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
  • Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
  • Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
  • Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.
Job Description
Join our Elevator Support Unit (ESU)! The position will support contracted skilled trades work on Weapon Elevators and Aircraft Elevators and their systems on U.S. Navy ships. The selected candidate will support ESU by performing a variety of skilled trades, maintenance and technical tasks on aircraft carrier elevators, cargo handling systems and associated equipment, including aircraft elevators, weapons elevators and vertical stores conveyors. Travel within and outside of the continental United States may be required. This positions is located in San Diego, CA.
Essential Job Responsibilities
  • Responsible for interfacing with customers, managing subcontractors and ability to provide work direction to others. May provide direction and lead others. May manage one or more multiple jobs.
  • Develops and uses technical documents including controlled work packages, formal work processes and procedures, test documents, reports and task or trip reports.
  • Schedules, reports and briefs customers and senior management. Performs duties outside of specialty in order to complete installation or work assignment.
  • Perform a variety of skilled trades, maintenance and technical tasks on aircraft carrier elevators, cargo handling systems and associated equipment, including aircraft elevators, weapons elevators and vertical stores conveyors.
  • Work includes daily activities of physical labor in an industrial and shipboard environment.

What You Must Have
  • High School education, or Trade School or equivalent, and 6 years of related experience.
  • Must provide own hand tools as designated per trades specialty.
  • Must have experience performing troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and testing of mechanical systems.
  • Must be proficient in reading mechanical/hydraulic drawings and schematics.
  • Must have experience conducting on-site installation of equipment while following established safety, qualify control & testing procedures.
  • Must be able to calibrate and make minor repairs on tools/equipment.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain base access credentials.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Bonus Points For
  • Experience related to maintenance and repair of shipboard aircraft elevator and/or ordnance handling equipment and vertical package conveyors preferred.
  • Experience in the operation, repair and maintenance of marine electro-mechanical and hydraulic systems highly desired.
  • Prior Shipboard experience preferred.
  • 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.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
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
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.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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