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Dde Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

***DDE Preferred*** Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime ... The Assistant and Chief Engineer will work directly with the Port Engineer, and Vessel Captain ...

OSV Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$450 - $875/day

***DDE Preferred*** Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime ... The Assistant and Chief Engineer will work directly with the Port Engineer, and Vessel Captain ...

DDE Preferred*** Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime ... The Assistant and Chief Engineer will work directly with the Port Engineer, and Vessel Captain ...

Dredge Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$450 - $875/day

All those listed in Engineer I & II * DDE 1000 PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS: * STCW - RFPEW VESSEL PROFICIENCIES: * Engineer on all vessels in the fleet, including ocean tugs. * "Figuring it out ...

About the Role As a Chief Engineer , you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and ... Valid Merchant Mariner Credential with a minimum of a QMED endorsement, DDE 400 preferred. * Valid ...

All those listed in Engineer I & II * DDE 1000 PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS: * STCW - RFPEW VESSEL PROFICIENCIES: * Engineer on all vessels in the fleet, including ocean tugs. * "Figuring it out ...

Tugboat Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$450 - $875/day

All those listed in Engineer I & II * DDE 1000 PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS: * STCW - RFPEW VESSEL PROFICIENCIES: * Engineer on all vessels in the fleet, including ocean tugs. * "Figuring it out ...

All those listed in Engineer I & II * DDE 1000 PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS: * STCW - RFPEW VESSEL PROFICIENCIES: * Engineer on all vessels in the fleet, including ocean tugs. * "Figuring it out ...

Dde Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$88K

$140.1K

How much do dde engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for dde engineer in California is $88,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a DDE Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development lifecycle?

As a DDE (Design, Development, and Engineering) Engineer, you will regularly work alongside product managers, designers, and quality assurance teams to ensure that technical solutions align with project requirements and timelines. Collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, troubleshooting integration issues, and communicating technical constraints or opportunities. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate complex engineering concepts for non-technical team members, which helps drive successful project outcomes. Expect to attend regular meetings, provide feedback on prototypes, and contribute to both planning and execution phases across multiple departments.

What Does a DDE Engineer Do?

As a designated duty engineer (DDE engineer), your job is to manage the operations of an engine room on a marine vessel. This designation is a special license from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for marine workers that confirms you can perform necessary equipment maintenance and even act as the sole engineer on smaller vessels. DDE engineers can serve as the chief engineer on vessels no larger than 500grt, with additional 1000hp and 4000hp credentials allowing you to work near coastal and inland waters. Most DDE engineers use this job as a stepping stone to qualify for an assistant or chief engineer license.

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

To thrive as a DDE Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering principles, along with a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with design and development processes are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills ensure precise design execution, efficient project delivery, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
What are popular job titles related to Dde Engineer jobs in California? For Dde Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Infographic showing various Dde Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 91% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 77% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,015 per year, or $42.3 per hour.
OSV Engineer

$450 - $875/day

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

***DDE Preferred***


Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.



THIS ROLE:

The Assistant and Chief Engineer will work directly with the Port Engineer, and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard.

WHO YOU ARE:


Mental Aptitudes

  • Attention to detail / excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to handle stressful situations with focus, including safe and effective decision-making under potentially dangerous conditions.
  • Continuously demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and ownership by being proactive in all situations/tasks
  • Understanding the importance of being a mentor, the ability to invest in the development and success of others
  • Superior communication skills, ability to speak to your audience whether it be the office or instructing/training multi-levels of crew, etc.
  • Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning skills, ability to not only plan and execute voyage, but also have a complete understanding of the vessel (mechanical and movement)

Physical Aptitudes

  • Agility to traverse uneven ground and walk, gangways at various heights
  • Agility to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps/ladders several times a day
  • Ability to lift 100 pounds safely; moving equipment that is heavy, large, or awkward
  • Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; makeup tows with wire rigging; operate deck machinery; work on equipment that is poorly accessible
  • Ability to work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces
  • Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or during an emergency
  • Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard the vessel
  • Demonstrate good personal hygiene, always maintain cleanliness
  • Must be able to swim


QMED Oiler - $450/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • MMC QMED Oiler
  • STCW RFPEW
  • Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able Seaman Endorsement

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled in all Deckhand position duties
  • Assistant Engineer
  • Basic knowledge in engineering, troubleshooting, and repairs
  • Cleaning and maintaining an engine room to the Curtin Standard

COMPLIANCE:

  • Proficient in operation of VMS
  • Understanding of applicable regulations
  • Understanding and compliance with the Curtin Standard
  • Thorough recordkeeping and reporting to Chief Engineer



Assistant Engineer - $450 - $650/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • 3rd Assistant Engineer
  • STCW OICEW
  • Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able Seaman Endorsement

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled in all Deckhand position duties
  • Assistant or sole Engineer
  • Basic knowledge and troubleshooting abilities on electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems
  • Winch operation
  • Cleaning and maintaining an engine room to the Curtin Standard
  • "Figuring it out." Assistant Engineer's should be able to get on any boat, without prior knowledge or instruction and figuring out how to engineer it.
  • Thorough understanding and troubleshooting/repair abilities in all vessel systems
  • Critical path and proactive planning to maximize efficiency in operations of the engineering of the vessel including maintaining a constant state of readiness.
  • Z - Drive Experience

COMPLIANCE:

  • Full utilization and operation of VMS
  • Understanding and compliance with the Curtin Standard
  • Thorough recordkeeping and reporting to Port Engineer
  • Thorough understanding of Sub-L, Sub-I, ABS, and USCG requirements


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Lead by example, don't just say how it should be done. Do it!
  • Strong management skills as it relates to fellow crew, vendors, and shipyards
  • Provide critical and constructive feedback to other crew and on equipment, jobs, etc.



Engineer - $650-700 / day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • DDE 4000
  • STCW Chief Engineer Ltd 4000 HP (III/3)
  • STCW OICEW
  • Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • DDE Unlimited
  • Able Seaman Endorsement


VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled at a high level in engineering, troubleshooting, and repair of all equipment in the fleet including: cranes, winches, electrical systems, pumps, auxiliary equipment, gasoline engines, vehicles, etc.
  • Heavy repair experience including engine overhauls, power pack replacement, etc.
  • Experience in system installation on new and retrofit applications including repowers, hydraulic, and other plumbing systems
  • Commissioning new vessels to the fleet, including creating critical spares lists and standard operating procedures. "Take a dark dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work!"
  • Basic welding skills

COMPLIANCE:

  • Well versed in completing external and internal audits, as well as participating in building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Experience managing drydocking's and repairs
  • Ability to act as your own project manager. Interacting with and managing vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, Curtin Shoreside Team, etc.
  • Participate in the creation of SOP's and other training content
  • Maintain a constant training ground onboard the vessel for Assistant Engineers and Deckhands


Chief Engineer - $700 - $875/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • Chief OSV or Chief Limited Oceans
  • STCW Chief Engineer 4000 (III/2)
  • Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able Seaman Endorsement

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled at a high level in engineering, troubleshooting, and repair of all equipment in the fleet including: cranes, winches, electrical systems, pumps, auxiliary equipment, gasoline engines, vehicles, etc.
  • Heavy repair experience including engine overhauls, power pack replacement, etc.
  • Experience in system installation on new and retrofit applications including repowers, hydraulic, and other plumbing systems
  • Commissioning new vessels to the fleet, including creating critical spares lists and standard operating procedures. "Take a dark dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work!"
  • Basic welding skills

COMPLIANCE:

  • Well versed in completing external and internal audits, as well as participating in building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Experience managing drydocking's and repairs
  • Ability to act as your own project manager. Interacting with and managing vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, Curtin Shoreside Team, etc.
  • Participate in the creation of SOP's and other training content
  • Maintain a constant training ground onboard the vessel for Assistant Engineers and Deckhands