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Designated Duty Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GovFirst

Designated Duty Engineer

Surry, VA · On-site

Designated Duty Engineer Location: Surry, VA Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is seeking a qualified and experienced Designated Duty Engineer to support ferry operations at the Jamestown ...

GovFirst

Designated Duty Engineer

Surry, VA

$45 - $50/hr

Designated Duty Engineer Location: Surry, VA Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is seeking a qualified and experienced Designated Duty Engineer to support ferry operations at the Jamestown ...

GovFirst

Designated Duty Engineer

Surry, VA

Designated Duty Engineer Location: Surry, VA Employment Type: Full-Time (W2) GovFirst is seeking a qualified and experienced Designated Duty Engineer to support ferry operations at the Jamestown ...

PRWT Services, Inc.

Designated Duty Engineer

Surry, VA · On-site

$45.67 - $50/hr

Facilities, Inc., a consolidated facility and infrastructure management services firm is seeking a person in joining our team who can serve as a Marine/Maritime Designated Duty Engineer 3000HP at the ...

G&H Towing

Engineer

Galveston, TX · On-site

$64K - $136K/yr

... designated duty engineer of motor propelled vessels of less than 500 gross registered tons (GRT) upon near coastal without a horsepower limitation Pay Rates: 12-hour day: $324.25 24-hour day: $648 ...

G&H Towing

Engineer

Galveston, TX · On-site

$64K - $136K/yr

... designated duty engineer of motor propelled vessels of less than 500 gross registered tons (GRT) upon near coastal without a horsepower limitation Pay Rates: 12-hour day: $324.25 24-hour day: $648 ...

G and H Towing Company

Engineer

Brownsville, TX · On-site

$64K - $136K/yr

... designated duty engineer of motor propelled vessels of less than 500 gross registered tons (GRT) upon near coastal without a horsepower limitation Pay Rates: 12-hour day: $324.25 24-hour day: $648.90 ...

G and H Towing Company

Engineer

Brownsville, TX · On-site

$64K - $136K/yr

... designated duty engineer of motor propelled vessels of less than 500 gross registered tons (GRT) upon near coastal without a horsepower limitation Pay Rates: 12-hour day: $324.25 24-hour day: $648.90 ...

Young Brothers

Licensed Asst. Engineer

Honolulu, HI

As a Minimum must possess a US Coast Guard engineer's license DESIGNATED DUTY ENGINEER with no horsepower limitations, 3rd ASSISTANT ENGINEER UNLIMITED, or CHIEF ENGINEER LIMITED. You must also ...

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Designated Duty Engineer information

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How much do designated duty engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for designated duty engineer in the United States is $32.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Designated Duty Engineer, you need a solid background in marine engineering, operational procedures, and a relevant engineering license or certificate of competency. Familiarity with maintenance management systems, engine room monitoring tools, and compliance with international maritime regulations is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of a vessel's machinery, which is vital for crew safety and regulatory compliance.

What are Designated Duty Engineers?

Designated Duty Engineers (DDEs) are licensed marine engineers responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of a ship's engine room and its equipment during their assigned watch. They ensure the safe and efficient functioning of propulsion and auxiliary machinery, as well as compliance with safety and environmental regulations. DDEs are typically found on vessels such as towing boats, offshore supply vessels, and certain passenger ships, and must hold a U.S. Coast Guard-issued credential specific to their duties and vessel type.

What are some of the most common challenges Designated Duty Engineers face during a typical shift?

Designated Duty Engineers often encounter challenges such as responding to unexpected technical failures, prioritizing multiple urgent maintenance requests, and coordinating with other departments to minimize downtime. The role requires quick problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Being on-call or working irregular hours is also common, making time management and adaptability essential for success in this position.

What is the difference between Designated Duty Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectDesignated Duty EngineerMarine Engineer
CredentialsCertifications like STCW, specific licensingSTCW certification, marine engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentShip engine rooms, offshore platformsShip engine rooms, maritime vessels
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, offshore industriesMaritime shipping, naval vessels
Job FocusOverseeing engine room operations during dutyMaintaining and repairing ship engines

The main difference is that a Designated Duty Engineer is responsible for engine room operations during their assigned shift, often on a specific vessel or platform, while a Marine Engineer has broader responsibilities for ship engine maintenance and repair. Both roles require similar certifications and work in maritime environments, but the Designated Duty Engineer focuses on duty-specific tasks.

More about Designated Duty Engineer jobs
What states have the most Designated Duty Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Designated Duty Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Designated Duty Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Designated Duty Engineer jobs are:
Designated Duty Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Designated Duty Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,212 per year, or $32.8 per hour.
Designated Duty Engineer

Designated Duty Engineer

GovFirst

Surry, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description


Job Title: Designated Duty Engineer
Location: Surry, VA
Employment Type: Full-Time (W2)
GovFirst is seeking a qualified and experienced Designated Duty Engineer to support ferry operations at the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry in Surry, VA. This position is responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and repairing main engines and auxiliary machinery to ensure the safe operation of ferry vessels while protecting passengers, crew members, and equipment. The successful candidate will also support vessel security, emergency response, regulatory compliance, and engineering documentation.
Responsibilities:
Vessel Machinery Operations & Maintenance
  • Operate and monitor main engines, auxiliary machinery, and vessel systems in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations, VDOT policies, and accepted marine engineering practices.
  • Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs on vessel machinery and mechanical systems.
  • Diagnose equipment deficiencies and promptly notify the Captain of any mechanical or operational concerns.
  • Maintain vessel readiness for U.S. Coast Guard inspections and regulatory compliance.
  • Assist with troubleshooting and repair of primary and auxiliary vessel systems.
Engineering Records & Documentation
  • Record and document daily fuel readings and machinery operating data.
  • Maintain accurate engineering logs, maintenance records, machinery usage reports, and other required documentation.
  • Submit engineering reports and operational records according to established schedules.
  • Maintain documentation supporting preventive maintenance and equipment performance.
Vessel Safety, Security & Emergency Response
  • Participate in required emergency drills and crew training exercises.
  • Maintain readiness to respond to mechanical failures and onboard emergencies.
  • Monitor vessel security and remain alert to suspicious behavior or security violations.
  • Ensure engine room security doors and restricted-access compartments remain secured.
  • Report all safety, security, and operational concerns promptly.
  • Support emergency operations outside normal working hours when required, as VDOT serves as an emergency response agency.
Passenger & Crew Support
  • Provide information and assistance to passengers professionally.
  • Resolve passenger concerns courteously and efficiently.
  • Assist crew members with vessel operations and engineering-related activities.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors or the USF Senior Project Manager.

Requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum of five (5) years of marine engineering or vessel machinery experience.
  • Knowledge of operating and monitoring main engines and auxiliary machinery aboard ferry vessels.
  • Experience working aboard vessels of at least 200 feet and approximately 800 tons.
  • Thorough knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard regulations governing ferry operations.
  • Ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair marine propulsion and auxiliary systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret gauges, engineering schematics, technical manuals, and mechanical drawings.
  • Strong recordkeeping and documentation skills.
  • Ability to train and mentor vessel crew members.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in the safe use of hand tools and power tools.
Required Education & Credentials:
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) - Motor Vessels of at least 3,000 HP.
  • U.S. Coast Guard Engineering Credential required.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) required.
  • Limited Chief Engineer or Chief Unlimited Engineer credential required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certifications.
Required Work Authorization:
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Required Licenses, Certifications & Screening:
  • Valid Virginia Driver's License in good standing.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) required.
  • Pre-employment drug screening required

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