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Designated Duty Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

... designated environment. * Ensure cable and conduit schedules accurately correspond with project ... or fit-for-duty physical examination. Drug screens will include, but not be limited to ...

Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$75 - $105/hr

... designated environment. * Ensure cable and conduit schedules accurately correspond with project ... or fit-for-duty physical examination. Drug screens will include, but not be limited to ...

Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

... designated environment. * Ensure cable and conduit schedules accurately correspond with project ... or fit-for-duty physical examination. Drug screens will include, but not be limited to ...

Engineer II

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

... designated environment. * Ensure cable and conduit schedules accurately correspond with project ... or fit-for-duty physical examination. Drug screens will include, but not be limited to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Designated Duty Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$32

$65

How much do designated duty engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for designated duty engineer in California is $32.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.83 and $35.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a designated duty engineer?

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Designated Duty Engineer jobs in California?

For Designated Duty Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Designated Duty Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Designated Duty Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Designated Duty Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,795 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Chief Engineer (RSC)

Systems Application & Technologies Inc

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$46.37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Performs daily preventative maintenance and operates propulsion and auxiliary engineering equipment and systems while underway.

  • Oversees the Assistant Engineer in daily assigned duties and ensures the vessel is ready for operations at all times.

  • Documents system parameters, monitors equipment performance, troubleshoots onboard system issues, and maintains an accurate inventory of engineering parts and supplies.


Job description

Description:

Position Type: Full-time, Non-exempt

Work Location: Naval Base Point Loma, CA

Pay Info: $46.37/hr plus $7.50/hr (Health & Wellness through the Union)


Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (SA-TECH) is a progressive and well-established Department of Defense (DoD) contractor specializing in Range operations and maintenance (O weapons testing; facilities management; aerial, ground and seaborne targets O technical, logistics and other engineering support; systems integration; electronics and communications maintenance services; and a growing cybersecurity business. We are highly focused and, among other efforts, currently operate a dozen active test and/or training ranges for the Army, Air Force and Navy. Our 36-year heritage is founded on supporting complex and diverse DoD programs and we’ve developed a standout reputation for providing the highest quality services, superior workmanship and cost-effective results while achieving complete customer satisfaction.


At Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL), SA-TECH provides O&M support for home-ported Range Support Crafts (RSC) vessels. Located on the Point Loma peninsula in the city of San Diego, NBPL is a major U.S. Navy base, housing over 70 tenant commands, including submarines, a floating dry dock, and various other military units.


This is not a position that is underway for long periods and all applicants must live within an hour-drive from Point Loma in order to satisfy meeting government mission requirements.

The RSCs provide fleet training support for the Southern California Tactical Training Range (SCTTR) in the San Clemente Island Range Complex (SCIRC) W-291 area.


SA-TECH is seeking to hire a Chief Engineer for various vessels at NBPL to ensure they are operational at all times.


Specific duties include (but are not limited to):

  • Performs daily preventative maintenance and operates the propulsion and auxiliary engineering equipment and systems while underway.
  • Maintains daily, weekly and monthly logs.
  • Oversees the Assistant Engineer in daily assigned duties.
  • Ensures that the vessel is ready for operations at all times.
  • Accurately documents system parameters for all main and auxiliary engineering equipment and monitors equipment performance while in operation.
  • Performs Corrective Maintenance and troubleshoots issues with onboard systems.
  • Maintains an accurate inventory of onboard engineering department parts and supplies.

Work Conditions:

  • Will work ashore and afloat on the RSC vessels
  • Overtime is required
  • Vessels may stay out at sea and not return to port multiple days (but not weeks or months) in a row (occurs frequently)
  • Operations are conducted in a variety of weather conditions and sea states
  • Normal shipboard physical activity is required
Requirements:

Education/Experience/Skills

  • High School diploma or equivalent is required.
  • A minimum of five (5) years of previous experience as a Designated Duty Engineer or higher is required; ten (10) years is preferred.
  • Must be familiar with common preventative/corrective maintenance actions, maintenance programs, supervising engine room personnel, accurate completion of routine marine engineering documentation, official logs, records and administrative procedures.
  • USCG Designated Duty Engineer 4000 HP Upon Near Coastal Waters with valid medical certificate required.
  • USCG Designated Duty Engineer Any HP or greater with valid medical certificate preferred.
  • Current Driver’s License required; must be able to be insured through company’s vehicle insurance policy while driving work/government/rental vehicles during working hours, and for the duration of employment.
  • U.S. Citizenship required and you must be able to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance prior to hire date and maintain a SECRET clearance throughout employment.
  • All candidates will be required to pass background screening to include SSN, Driver Record, and Criminal Background Investigation.

__________________________________________________________________________


Supporting Our Warfighters:

As a well-regarded DoD employer, SA-TECH recognizes that our success is indicative of our team members' hard work and dedication towards a common goal… Supporting our Warfighters. Along with unparalleled stability, we have the ingredients for superior performance with a servant leadership mentality that provides an affirmation of purpose and value in a team-oriented positive work environment. As such, we provide a sense of family, competitive pay and employee benefits, along with a strong commitment to the professional development of our workforce and for providing broad career opportunities throughout the United States.


SA-TECH provides employees with:

  • Employee Recognition
  • Above-Average Compensation
  • Competitive Employee Benefits
  • Continuous Training and Professional Development
  • Ample Career Advancement Opportunities

Benefits Offered:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k) match
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • EAP
  • Education Assistance
  • Paid time off and Holidays
  • Vacation and Sick Leave

Other Important Information You Should Know:

  • Expressing Interest: By applying to this posting, you are expressing interest in the advertised position but could be considered for other career opportunities within our company requiring similar skills and experience. Should a match be identified, you may be contacted for this as well as other openings, including future opportunities.
  • Work Schedules: SA-TECH supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules are program-dependent and range from standard 40 hours over a five-day work week while others may be different. These alternate schedules are strictly program-dependent and provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
  • SA-TECH is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
  • SA-TECH participates in the United States Department of Homeland Security E-Verify system and will verify information and photo submitted through the E-Verify system to verify authorization to work within the U.S.
  • The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
  • At SA-TECH, our priority is always maintaining an achievement- and opportunity-oriented work environment for all of our employees, coupled with a dedication to a healthy work-life balance. We are passionate about the professional development of our workforce. Continuously demonstrating our commitment to the values of quality, integrity, and excellence, our goal is to serve and empower today’s - and tomorrow’s - war fighters.
  • With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse opportunities across the United States designed to propel, develop, and boost careers. Our flexible work schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable SA-TECH employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at, and outside of, work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility. If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you’re invited to apply for this position. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on SA-TECH Careers, and apply for roles that perhaps better align with your qualifications.
All responses will be handled with strict confidentiality.
** Please note that the provided salary information is a general guideline. SA-TECH considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education, training, and skills as well as market and business considerations when extending offers.