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Chief Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

William and Mary

$75K/yr

Chief Engineer Department: CC00491 VIMS1 | RADV | Field Operations Job Family: Staff - Lab & Research Support Worker Sub-Type: Regular (benefited) Job Requisition Primary Location: Virginia Institute ...

The Building People

Chief Engineer

Laredo, TX · On-site

The Chief Engineer is a working supervisor who leads operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of building systems across a multi-facility portfolio in Laredo, Texas. The Chief Engineer ...

Related

Chief Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the direction, coordination and control of activities as well as the personnel involved in building operations and the maintenance of a safe and comfortable ...

LB&B Associates, Inc.

Chief Engineer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Chief Engineer (Operations & Maintenance) Join LB&B Associates Inc. and Shape the Future of Facility Management! Are you ready to lead, inspire, and take on a pivotal role at the heart of operations?

The Building People

Chief Engineer

Laredo, TX · On-site

The Chief Engineer is a working supervisor who leads operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of building systems across a multi-facility portfolio in Laredo, Texas. The Chief Engineer ...

EVEN Hotels

Chief Engineer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Chief Engineer EVEN Hotel Omaha is seeking an experienced, hands-on Chief Engineer to lead all aspects of hotel maintenance, preventative maintenance, and engineering operations. The Chief Engineer ...

New

Echodyne Corp

Chief Engineer

Kirkland, WA · Hybrid

Echodyne is seeking a Chief Engineer to join our fast-growing team. At Echodyne, we believe radar makes the world safer and more secure in the age of autonomy. We are seeking a Chief Engineer to join ...

StudioRes Davenport

Chief Engineer

Davenport, FL · On-site

Description We are looking for a skilled and experienced Chief Engineer to oversee the day-to-day operations of our facility maintenance team. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ...

Woodspring Suites Sanford

Chief Engineer

Sanford, FL · On-site

Description We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer to lead our facility maintenance operations. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for the overall maintenance, repair, and ...

Home2 Suites by Hilton Tampa

Chief Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

Description We are looking for a skilled and experienced Chief Engineer to oversee the day-to-day operations of our facility maintenance team. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ...

White Lodging

Chief Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As the Chief Engineer at one of downtown Raleigh's most prominent Marriott properties, you'll lead a team of skilled maintenance professionals and own the full engineering and facilities function for ...

The Westin Westminster

Chief Engineer

Westminster, CO · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Chief Engineer Location: The Westin Westminster, Westminster, CO Schedule: Full-time | Flexible schedule including weekends and evenings as needed About the Role: The Westin Westminster is seeking an ...

JLL

Chief Engineer

Franklin, MA · On-site

Chief Engineer - Critical Operations Lead Serve as a technical engineering leader at JLL! The Chief Engineer oversees the efficient, safe and responsible operation of all building systems and ...

LB&B Associates Inc.

Chief Engineer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

Chief Engineer (Operations & Maintenance) Join LB&B Associates Inc. and Shape the Future of Facility Management! Are you ready to lead, inspire, and take on a pivotal role at the heart of operations?

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All JobsChief Engineer Jobs

Chief Engineer information

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$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer 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 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

What Is a Chief Engineer?

Chief engineer is a job title that has a range of meanings across different industries. A chief engineer is the head of the engineering department in an organization. The duties and responsibilities of this role vary in different industries. In general, a chief engineer must have engineering experience in the industry, strong leadership qualities and problem-solving skills. Depending on the industry, the education requirements for a chief engineer job range from an associate degree to advanced degrees in engineering.

What does the Chief Engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the technical operations and maintenance of a facility, ship, or industrial plant. They manage engineering staff, ensure safety and compliance standards are met, and often handle budgeting and project planning. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and relevant certifications are essential for this role.

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 certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) and oversee technical operations, maintenance, and safety protocols in engineering projects or facilities.

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.

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 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.
More about Chief Engineer jobs
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Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Chief Engineer

William and Mary

On-site, Remote

$75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Requisition:
JR101858 Chief Engineer (Open)
Job Posting Title:
Chief Engineer
Department:
CC00491 VIMS1 | RADV | Field Operations
Job Family:
Staff - Lab & Research Support
Worker Sub-Type:
Regular (benefited)
Job Requisition Primary Location:
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Primary Job Posting Location:
Posting Location - VIMS Gloucester
Job Description Summary:
The mission of William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.
The Marine Operations Department is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals whose primary function is to provide safe access to the marine environment for all students, staff, faculty and other users and to support the needs of these users as they relate to vessels, field support services, instrument fabrication, equipment repair and servicing.
Job Description:
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 Engineer is primarily responsible for ensuring that all federal and state maritime regulations, as they relate to engineering, are observed and complied with during the operation of R/V Virginia. The position also ensures that all VIMS rules and policies are followed.
Reporting to the Captain of the R/V Virginia, the Chief Engineer directs all shipboard engineering activities while on watch and accepts full responsibility for the proper operation of all shipboard systems.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Overseeing the maintenance and operation of all deck and safety equipment.
  • Effectively operating and maintaining all engineering related aspects of the R/V Virginia. Such as operating the A-Frame, J-Frame, crane, trawl winches and CTD winch as necessary to accomplish each specific scientific operation in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Actively participating in the repair or replacement of engineering related systems on the R/V Virginia and interfacing directly with the vessel's Master for repairs on equipment deemed critical to the safe navigation or operation of the vessel.
  • Assuming overall responsibility for the cleanliness and organization of the engine-room and other engineering related spaces on the vessel.
  • Providing shoreside or seagoing support for other vessels in the VIMS fleet, as needed.

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent;
  • Valid Driver's License;
  • Certified in First Aid/CPR;
  • Valid Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) credential;
  • Valid STCW credential appropriate for vessel tonnage;
  • Prior sea service as a qualified member of the engine department or equivalent position aboard vessels
  • Rating of DDE 4000HP License issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) or the ability to obtain DDE 4000 within six months of start date (eligible applicants must have attended a USCG approved training course to demonstrate their eligibility to obtain a DDE 4000).
  • Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations (including those contained in the Federal Code of Regulations - CFR's), governing the operation of vessels under 300 gross registered tons (GRT);
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications;
  • Ability to read and comprehend vessel as-built drawings including electrical one-line diagrams;
  • Substantive experience with marine engineering including the maintenance and repair of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, MSD systems, reverse osmosis systems, ship-board electrical systems and refrigeration.

Preferred Qualifications
  • NMES 2000 Certification, ABYC Electrical and ABYC Refrigeration Certifications
  • Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLC).
  • Knowledge of AC/DC circuits as well as various pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
  • Experience working on research vessels or in the commercial industry.
  • Experience working with Cummins QSK 19M diesel engines.
  • Experience with computerized maintenance management software programs.
  • Experience leading small groups.

Salary- Starting at $75,000.00 commensurate with experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Conditions of Employment
  • This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and university policy. This position may require over time hours, approved by supervisor.
  • This position is considered essential, and may require reporting to work when the University or VIMS in closed.
  • Position requires compliance with USCG mandated drug screening and random drug testing program as well as maintaining ability to pass USCG physical and lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Position may occasionally require a schedule of more than 12 hours, weekends, and holidays, as necessary.
  • Position requires ability to perform all responsibilities while being exposed to inclement weather at sea for extended periods of time.

Additional Job Description:
Job Profile:
JP0232 - Watercraft Operations Manager I - Nonexempt - Salary - S11
Qualifications:
Compensation Grade:
S11
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-06-24
Position Restrictions:
EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal
Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

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