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Chief Engineer Vessel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA

$65/hr

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA

$65/hr

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Edison Chouest Offshore

Assistant Engineer (Vessel)

LA · On-site

Is any position aboard a vessel, that requires the person filling that position to perform one or ... Chief Engineers are to ensure full handover is completed with the oncoming Chief Engineer and ...

AET

Chief Engineer

Galveston, TX · On-site

... the vessel. The Chief Engineer shall ensure that all engineers read, understand the orders. The Standing orders are to include an instruction for checking of the Night Order Book daily by duty ...

William and Mary

$75K/yr

The Research Vessel (R/V) Chief Engineer serves as Chief Engineer on the R/V Virginia. This position may provide shoreside or seagoing support for other vessels in the VIMS fleet if needed. The Chief ...

AET

Chief Engineer

Galveston, TX · On-site

... the vessel. The Chief Engineer shall ensure that all engineers read, understand the orders. The Standing orders are to include an instruction for checking of the Night Order Book daily by duty ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsChief Engineer Vessel Jobs

Chief Engineer Vessel information

See salary details

$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do chief engineer vessel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer vessel in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chief Engineer Vessel vs Marine Engineer?

AspectChief Engineer VesselMarine Engineer
CredentialsMarine Engineering License, STCW certificationMarine Engineering License, STCW certification
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, overseeing engine room operationsOnboard ships or in shipyards, focusing on engine systems and maintenance
Industry UsageCommercial shipping, cruise ships, offshore vesselsShipbuilding, repair, and maintenance sectors

The Chief Engineer Vessel and Marine Engineer roles both require marine engineering licenses and work primarily onboard ships. The Chief Engineer Vessel is responsible for the entire engine department's operations and safety, while the Marine Engineer may focus more on technical maintenance and repair tasks. Both positions are vital in the maritime industry, with overlapping credentials and work environments, but differ in scope of responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief engineer vessel?

To thrive as a Chief Engineer Vessel, you need advanced knowledge of marine engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and typically a Chief Engineer license (STCW III/2) with relevant sea time experience. Familiarity with shipboard systems, maintenance software, and compliance with international maritime regulations is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and crisis management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance of the vessel’s engineering operations.

What is the salary of a chief engineer vessel?

The salary of a chief engineer vessel typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on the vessel type, experience, and certification level. They are responsible for the technical operation and maintenance of the ship's machinery and often work on a rotational schedule onboard.

What is a chief engineer vessel?

A Chief Engineer Vessel is the senior-most engineering officer on a ship, responsible for the operation and maintenance of all engineering equipment and machinery onboard. They oversee the engine department, ensure safety standards are met, and manage the technical crew. Chief Engineers are crucial for the smooth functioning of the vessel's propulsion, power generation, and other mechanical systems. They also play a key role in compliance with maritime regulations and reporting to the ship's captain regarding all technical matters.

How much does a chief engineer vessel make on ships?

A chief engineer on a vessel typically earns between $6,000 and $12,000 per month, depending on the vessel type, experience, and certification level. They are responsible for the engine department and require relevant maritime certifications and technical skills. Salaries can vary based on the shipping company and voyage duration.

What are some common challenges faced by a chief engineer vessel and how can they be managed?

A Chief Engineer on a vessel often faces challenges such as maintaining the reliability of complex machinery, ensuring compliance with international safety and environmental regulations, and managing a diverse engineering team in high-pressure situations. Proactive maintenance planning, effective delegation, and ongoing crew training are essential strategies to overcome these obstacles. Additionally, strong communication with both deck officers and shore-based management helps to ensure smooth operations and timely resolution of technical issues.
More about Chief Engineer Vessel jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer Vessel jobs? The most popular types of Chief Engineer Vessel jobs are:
What states have the most Chief Engineer Vessel jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Engineer Vessel jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chief Engineer Vessel jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Engineer Vessel jobs are:
Chief Engineer Vessel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer Vessel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Chief Engineer

Astrion

San Diego, CA • On-site

$65/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Overview
Chief Engineer (Permanent Party)
LOCATION: San Diego, CA
JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to Kwajalein (permanent change of station)
CLEARANCE: background check/CAC card
CERTIFICATION: USCG
TRAVEL: 100%
COMPENSATION: Max $65/hr
Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Chief Engineer to work full time aboard USAV Worthy.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
Education:
  • Must have a High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine Engineer, or U.S. Naval schools or equivalent in Propulsion; Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc.
    • A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be substituted for the formal education requirement.

Experience:
  • A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels

Certifications:
  • US Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer of inspected motor vessels operating on oceans, on vessels powered by not less than 2500 HP. USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying endorsements.
  • Ability to pass a federal background check to obtain and hold a DoD Common Access Card (CAC). Current U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Ability to pass a post offer drug screen and physical/medical clearance.
  • Current and Valid U.S. Passport*.

*(Passport, MMC/MMD, and med cert must have minimum of 6 months of validity prior to placement, or proof of renewal in progress.)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • Experience or background in government/public vessel operations.
  • Experience with vessels in a reduced operating status (ROS).
  • Background in supporting US Army requirements as it pertains to ocean going vessels.
  • Experience with diesel electric propulsion systems.
  • Knowledge of common safety practices and protective equipment used on an ocean-going vessel.
  • Self-starter, team player and conscientious worker.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief Engineer on the vessel and must work closely with the vessel Master, Chief Mate, and other personnel involved with vessel operations including RGNEXT range safety personnel and embarked personnel. The USAV Worthy is a 200 ft long, 1,483 ton, special purpose vessel with a diesel electric propulsion system and a bow thruster. She typically carries a crew of 13 and up to 20 embarked mission personnel. Operates and maintains the assigned vessel's propulsion and auxiliary engineering systems.
  • Work with the vessel Master and the Chief Mate in executing the USAV Worthy maintenance program. Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the vessel's systems in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
  • Determine, source, and order parts, supplies, and material requirements for job accomplishment.
  • Accurately inputs O&M data, as well as projects long range maintenance issues.
  • Ensures the vessel maintains ABS Load-line and U.S. Army standards.
  • Remains on standby/recall status to the vessel during dockside periods, as needed.
  • Participates in the vessels off site OCCM (On-Condition Cyclic Maintenance) Dry-docking on a three-year basis
  • Supervises engineering team including permanent crew and surge crew. Aids in training and development of crew members.
  • Reports to the Master and the RGNEXT Technical lead for Range and Mission Safety.
  • Coordinates with mission staff (supernumeraries) and other personnel on Kwajalein for logistics, provisioning, re-stocking, and requesting maintenance activities for the vessel.
  • Ensures the vessel maintains ABS Load-line and U.S. Army standards.
  • Ensure logbooks and records are maintained and accurately completed.
  • Complies with and enforces safety regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures both within the Astrion polices and the relevant and applicable RGNEXT OSHE policies: including but not limited to RGNEXT OSHE hearing conservation and respiratory protection programs.
  • Ensures the vessel is operated and navigated in accordance with applicable US laws/regulations and host nation laws/regulations.
  • Perform Fire and Emergency duties associated with the Chief Engineer's billet on Ship's Station Bill.

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