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Chief Marine Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Marine Engineer

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Provide senior counsel for vessel Master and Chief Engineer to ensure that missions and voyages are ... Bachelor's Degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical ...

Marine/Maritime Assistant Engineer Location: Surry, VA Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is ... Limited Chief Engineer or Chief Unlimited Engineer credential required. * Ability to obtain and ...

$43K - $75K/yr

Multiple Ferry Chief Engineer positions will be filled from this posting. We will be filling ... Checks, operates, and maintains marine equipment such as engines, generators, steering gears, pumps ...

... and energy systems, marine robotics, navigation and sensing, acoustic communications ... The Chief Engineer will guide technical strategy, lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, drive ...

S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations, VDOT policies, and accepted marine engineering practices ... Limited Chief Engineer or Chief Unlimited Engineer credential required. * Ability to obtain and ...

S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations, VDOT policies, and accepted marine engineering practices ... Limited Chief Engineer or Chief Unlimited Engineer credential required. Ability to obtain and ...

Marine Assistant Engineer

Surry, VA ยท On-site

$45 - $52.88/hr

... serve as a Marine/Maritime Assistant Engineer at the Jamestown Scotland Ferry operating and ... Limited Chief or Chief Unlimited Experience/Skills Sets: * Knowledge and ability to operate and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chief Marine Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$92.1K

$179.4K

How much do chief marine engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief marine engineer in Virginia is $92,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief marine engineer do?

A Chief Marine Engineer is responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and repair of a ship's engine room and mechanical systems. They ensure the vessel's propulsion, power generation, and safety systems function efficiently. Their duties include supervising engineering crew, conducting inspections, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. They also manage fuel consumption and engine performance to optimize efficiency. This role requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and extensive maritime experience.

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

To thrive as a Chief Marine Engineer, you need comprehensive knowledge of marine engineering principles, vessel systems, and extensive experience supported by a relevant engineering degree and appropriate maritime certifications (such as a Chief Engineer license). Familiarity with shipboard machinery, maintenance management systems, and maritime regulatory requirements is essential. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with multi-disciplinary teams are highly valued in this role. These skills ensure vessel safety, regulatory compliance, and smooth operations in often challenging marine environments.

What are the common challenges faced by chief marine engineers aboard vessels?

Chief Marine Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing the maintenance and repair of complex machinery while at sea, ensuring compliance with stringent international maritime regulations, and leading an engineering team in high-pressure situations. They frequently work long shifts in physically demanding conditions and must troubleshoot issues quickly to minimize downtime. Effective communication with other departments, such as deck officers and shore-based management, is essential to coordinate repairs and logistical needs efficiently. These challenges require strong technical expertise, adaptability, and leadership skills to ensure both vessel safety and operational reliability.

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

The most popular types of Chief Marine Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Chief Marine Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,148 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Senior Marine Engineer - Water Chemistry

Chesapeake, VA โ€ข On-site

Emprise Corporation
Water Transportationย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$101K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Emprise Corporation is a fast-growing company that has been serving government and commercial clients for over 39 years. Emprise Corporation is the industry leader in Predictive Maintenance and Condition Monitoring by offering a wide set of capabilities that allow us to provide premier products and services that help our clients operate more effectively and efficiently. We’re looking for a talented Senior Marine Engineer who will be responsible for managing and overseeing water chemistry chemical treatment programs for our marine clients.

Responsibilities:
  • Oversee comprehensive technical, engineering, and administrative management services in support of water chemistry and chemical treatment programs for marine clients. Serve as a subject matter expert and steward, supporting the lifecycle management, technical oversight, and strategic optimization of chemical treatment programs.
  • Provide engineering analysis of chemically treated systems by ensuring prescribed chemical treatment programs are technically aligned with OEM requirements and industry standards to mitigate specific corrosion and material degradation concerns through the vessels’ life cycle.
  • Oversee various water chemistry programs to include Diesel Engine Jacket Water, Potable Water, Saltwater System Growth Abatement and Boiler Water Chemistry.
  • Provide an engineering holistic review of treated systems to include laboratory results and analysis, service calls, mariner logs, commodity usage, equipment run hours and equipment inspection reports.
  • Collaborate with all stakeholders to include shoreside management, afloat mariners and laboratories to ensure programs are optimized and provide effective equipment protection.
  • Conduct training and/or troubleshooting issues and seek feedback for continuous process improvement.
  • Other related duties as assigned
  • Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
  • 8 years of engineering experience serving aboard commercial or public oceangoing ships of not less than 4,000 HP. Experience gained while serving in the military may be applicable towards meeting this requirement.
  • Experience demonstrating expertise and management of water chemistry programs ashore and/or afloat
  • Experience with a classification or flag state authority with direct exposure to vessel regulatory compliance
  • Highly organized and detailoriented with strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong research, problem solving, and analytical skills
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
  • 10 percent travel both domestically and internationally
  • Ability to perform work onboard ships while underway
  • Ability to climb ladders, lift up to 50 lbs., sit and/or stand for long periods of time
  • Desired Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard license or equivalent international standard certification as an engineer
  • Experience as a Chief Engineer or a First Assistant Engineer
  • Licensed Professional Engineer
  • Experience developing and/or overseeing preventive maintenance schedules, industrial repair specifications and vessel alteration packages.