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Chief Engineer Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Bristol Wave Seafoods

Chief Engineer

Unalaska, AK · On-site

The Chief Engineer is responsible for maintaining all onboard machinery, ensuring safe and effective operation of all equipment and systems, as well fueling and fuel transfer operations and the ...

Bristol Wave Seafoods

Chief Engineer

Unalaska, AK · On-site

The Chief Engineer is responsible for maintaining all onboard machinery, ensuring safe and effective operation of all equipment and systems, as well fueling and fuel transfer operations and the ...

Pacific Seafood

Chief Engineer

Wrangell, AK · On-site

$90K - $111K/yr

Chief Engineer Department: Wrangell Maintenance Employment Type: Full Time Location: Wrangell Reporting To: Jed Skidmore Compensation: $90,879 - $111,781 / year Description At Pacific Seafood, we do ...

Pacific Seafood

Chief Engineer

Wrangell, AK · On-site

$90K - $111K/yr

Ability to manage and execute minor engineering projects and installations such as refrigeration systems, pumps, conveyor systems, boilers, etc. * 5+ years of industrial maintenance in manufacturing ...

Pacific Seafood

Chief Engineer

Wrangell, AK · On-site

Ability to manage and execute minor engineering projects and installations such as refrigeration systems, pumps, conveyor systems, boilers, etc. * 5+ years of industrial maintenance in manufacturing ...

Bristol Wave Seafoods

Assistant Engineer

Unalaska, AK · On-site

Assistant Engineers work with the Chief Engineer to maintain all onboard machinery, ensuring safe and effective operation of all equipment and systems. Essential Duties: · Assist in maintenance of ...

Bristol Wave Seafoods

Assistant Engineer

Unalaska, AK · On-site

Assistant Engineers work with the Chief Engineer to maintain all onboard machinery, ensuring safe and effective operation of all equipment and systems. Essential Duties: • Assist in maintenance of ...

Jobs for Humanity

Third Assistant Engineers

Juneau, AK · On-site

Under the direction of the Chief Engineer, the Third Engineer - Postgraduate is training to become a future Engineer Officer. The designated Training Officer will ensure exposure to all areas of the ...

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All JobsChief Engineer JobsChief Engineer Jobs in Alaska

Chief Engineer information

See Alaska salary details

$35K

$100.1K

$194.9K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Alaska is $100,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $129,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the engineering operations of an organization or project. They lead engineering teams, manage technical projects, and ensure that systems and infrastructure are maintained and improved according to industry standards. Chief Engineers also develop policies, coordinate with other departments, and solve complex technical problems to support the organization's goals. Their role often involves budgeting, staff management, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in engineering. Familiarity with project management tools, CAD software, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive innovation and ensure smooth coordination across engineering teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for overseeing complex projects, maintaining high technical standards, and achieving organizational goals.

What are some common challenges chief engineers face when managing multidisciplinary engineering teams?

Chief Engineers often oversee teams that include specialists from various engineering disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning different technical perspectives and ensuring effective communication. Balancing project deadlines, resource allocation, and maintaining quality standards while navigating these differences is a frequent part of the role. Successful Chief Engineers foster strong collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and implement standardized processes to address these challenges. They also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and promoting professional development within the team.

What is the difference between Chief Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, leadership experienceEngineering degree, possibly licensure, technical skills
Work EnvironmentProject management, overseeing teams, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development of mechanical systems
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, HVAC, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Chief Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Chief Engineer typically oversees projects, manages teams, and ensures technical standards at a strategic level, often requiring leadership experience and licensure. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems, working on technical tasks without the managerial responsibilities of a Chief Engineer. Both roles are vital in engineering industries, but the Chief Engineer holds a higher-level, supervisory position.

How much does a chief engineer earn?

A chief engineer's salary varies depending on industry, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often hold advanced technical skills and certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licenses, which can influence compensation.
More about Chief Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Alaska are:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in Alaska?

For Chief Engineer jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chief Engineer jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Engineer jobs in Alaska are:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in AK?

For Chief Engineer jobs in AK, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,097 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Chief Engineer, Unlicensed

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Juneau, AK

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about working at UnCruise - register here.
 
PERKS
  • Heath care benefits (medical, dental, vision)
  • 401k with employer match (qualifications required)
  • Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)
  • Travel provided to and from the vessel
  • Rotation schedule
JOB SUMMARY
The Chief Engineer position begins in shipyard (Seattle, WA) over the winter months prior to the summer 2026 Alaska Sailing Season. The Chief Engineer will work a rotational schedule during the season.
 
The Chief Engineer is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and repair of all vessel systems. On our larger vessels the Chief Engineer manages Assistant Engineer. The Chief Engineer reports to the Master of the vessel and will assist the Master in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Maritime Engineering School Graduate in good standing and/or a Designated Duty Engineer License, or equivalent, preferred.
  • Two years experience as Engineer onboard similar sized passenger vessels preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of diesel propulsion and electrical generating systems, fuel centrifuges, air compressors, pumps, hydraulics, water makers, hotel systems, plumbing, refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning.
  • Maintain professional demeanor at all times.
  • Strong time management skills: able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Crisis management: work well under pressure, act quickly and decisively using sound judgment.
  • Computer experience: Microsoft programs Excel, Word, and SharePoint are required.
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Government ID (REAL ID Compliant) or Passport 
  • CPR / First Aid / AED  
  • TWIC
  • Drug/Alcohol Test Specimen Collector (Company Provided)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Repair and Maintenance:
  • Maintain the ship in a state of readiness at all times.
  • Maintain potable water and auto chlorination system.
  • Maintain black water/gray water/waste tanks, treatment, and testing program.
  • Monitor and ensures completion of all deficiencies noted in Cabin Maintenance Notebook.
  • Oversee all fuel, oil and Potable water bunkering operations and ensures safety and environmental compliance.
  • Oversee and maintain vessel systems including engineering, deck and hotel department preventative maintenance programs on a daily, weekly and monthly basis with the support of the Assistant Engineer.
  • Proactively participates in drydocking, shipyard repair and maintenance periods.
Supervisory:
  • Directly supervises the Assistant Engineer (where applicable).  
  • Monitors and counsels work performance throughout the year and conducts written performance evaluations.  
  • Trains all new and relief Chief Engineers and Assistant Engineers.
 Administrative:
  • Keep vessel maintenance records, inventories, and voyage status reports. Make proposals for maintenance and repair projects. 
  • Assist in building the annual shipyard budget and manage projects to the established budget.
  • Maintain log sheets for all equipment.
  • Oversee all accounting reports, inventory and requisitions regarding equipment maintenance.
  •  Track all vessel Non-Conformity Reports and Equipment Deficiencies in the company PMP (HELM) program for vessels 
 Safety and Security:
  • Follow company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures and will request supervisory assistance/guidance when necessary.
  • Conduct periodic inspections to ensure that crew observes regulations pertaining to safe vessel operation.
  • Prepare the vessel for all U.S. Coast Guard annual drydocks and other inspections.
  • Participate in shore side and on-board training as required by the company.  
  • Maintain familiarity with all duties under the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities.
Communication Skills:
The Chief Engineer will interact with our passengers daily and must be professional and engaging at all times. Must be able to interpret maritime technical literature and governmental regulations. Must be able to verbalize and write technical information clearly and precisely.
 

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE

  • Living Conditions - Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
  • Length of Work Shift - Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Mobility - Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
  • Handling & Strength - Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
  • Environmental Conditions - Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
  • DOT Drug Testing - In compliance with USCG regulations, must pass a pre-employment drug test and additional in-season testing per federal guidelines.
  • Allergens - This position requires working with and/or being around raw and cooked shellfish, cleaning chemicals and other known allergens.
  • Medical Review - A medical review is required. Must be medically fit to work onboard for safety and compliance.
BASE PAY
$415 - $487/day - Wage is based on Vessel Placement

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