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Chief Marine Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

The Chief Engineer is the head of the Engineering Department. They will supervise and coordinate the work activities of the engineering department and crew engaged in operating and maintaining ...

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Chief Marine Engineer information

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$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do chief marine engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief marine 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.

How much does a Chief Engineer make on a boat?

A Chief Marine Engineer typically earns between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the vessel size, experience, and certification level. They are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship's propulsion and auxiliary systems and often work long shifts at sea. Salaries can vary based on the maritime industry and the country of employment.

What engineers make $500,000?

Chief Marine Engineers in the maritime industry can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working on large vessels or in senior management roles. High compensation often includes offshore or international assignments, certifications, and long hours at sea.

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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Chief Marine Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 does a chief Marine Engineer do?

A chief Marine Engineer is responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and repair of a ship's propulsion and auxiliary systems, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. They manage engineering staff, develop maintenance schedules, and troubleshoot technical issues using tools like diagnostic equipment, often holding certifications such as a Marine Engineering License.

What is the salary of a marine Chief Engineer?

The salary of a Chief Marine Engineer typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel type, and geographic location. They are responsible for overseeing the engine department and ensuring the proper maintenance and operation of ship machinery.
More about Chief Marine Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief Marine Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Chief Marine Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Marine Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Chief Marine Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Chief Marine Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Marine Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chief Marine 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.
Marine Operations - Chief Engineer

Marine Operations - Chief Engineer

Hornblower Group

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$140K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines


Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group's premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systemsHornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.
Position Summary:
Executes routine and maintenance and engineering of both the vessels and facilities. Follows up on jobs and consults with Port Captains, Chief Engineer and Directors for support. Manages daily job assignments and duties and reports back status of work assignments. Schedules preventive maintenance and records jobs status in appropriate programs and maintains records with accuracy. The right person will be adaptable, dynamic, and follow Hornblower's RESPECT Service System.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Perform repairs, overhauls, and upgrades to engineering machinery and equipment in accordance with Coast Guard regulatory requirements.
• Specify and purchase equipment and materials to repair and upgrade dining yachts while meeting or exceeding Coast Guard regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose main engine, generator, shaft line, ancillary equipment, and minor electrical problems.
• Maintain a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all equipment.
• Maintain an accurate record of all engineering repairs and overhauls.
• Assist with the renovation and rebuilding of existing Hornblower fleet facilities located within the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Manages Engineering and Maintenance teams to successfully accomplish assigned duties.
• Assists the Director of Operations with the preparation of detailed plans of significant R&M and capital projects for all vessels in Northern California. Plans should include timelines, man-hours, and contingencies. Plans must be revised frequently during the execution period.
• Ensures all Preventative Maintenance tasks are completed.
• Identifies maintenance issues and ensures they are documented within the Maintenance Management Systems and promptly addressed.
• Ensures adherence to Coast Guard rules and regulations, and other federal and local rules and regulations.
• Establishes department priorities and executes against them based on long-term vision.
• Monitors and controls all costs associated with the operation of the Maintenance and Engineering Department in accordance with budget.
• Work with Director of Operations to develop Drydock packages for all vessels.
• Finds and recommends cost savings that are consistent with company objectives.
• Additional job duties assigned.
Requirements & Qualifications:
• United States Coast Guard Licensed Chief Engineer on vessels of at least 4,000 hp, and/or 1,600
gross tons, will accept Limited Chief Engineer license.
• Lifeboat, advanced firefighting, and STCW ratings.
• Must possess valid TWIC.
• First Aid/CPR Certified.
• Minimum of 10 years of marine experience. Must include 5 years as a licensed Chief Engineer or
First Assistant Chief Engineer and 5 years' experience managing crew.
• High school diploma or equivalent, college degree preferred.
• Detailed working knowledge of all ship's systems and their proper maintenance: gangways, diesel,
hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, water (potable, raw, black, and gray), fire suppression.
• Mathematical skills necessary to interpret reports and budgets.
• Maintain immaculate record.
• Successfully manage crew.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Train and develop staff.
• Analyze and solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities/tasks.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by job responsibility.
• Provide advice/opinion and exercise discretion concerning confidential and sensitive matters.
• Persuade and influence people.
• Listen effectively, assesses the situation, determine relevant issues, identify solutions, and gain
consensus.
• Set aside emotional factors and/or validate them to discover key/relevant issues.
• Work with Microsoft applications.
• Must submit to pre-employment and ongoing random drug and alcohol testing.
• As per USCG regulation, must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Pre-employment background and drug testing required.
#HB1 #CityCruises
The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

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