ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Designated Duty Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Homestead Marine Services

Crew for Tugboat Pokagon

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

Positions that are available are... 500 Ton Master of Towing Designated Duty Engineer 2000 or 4000 HP. Able Seaman or 500 Ton Mate Ordinary Seaman or Wiper Don't delay, apply now as we're departing ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Licensed Engineer

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$54.16 - $62.04/hr

Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) with endorsement of Designated Duty Engineer Unlimited, Third Assistant Engineer or greater. * Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC). * STCW ...

State of Louisiana

PORT ENGINEER

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Current USCG License Designated Duty Engineer 4000 HP equivalent or better. * A technical knowledge of ships and related equipment, maintenance operations, overhaul, and design. * Direct and ...

State of Louisiana

PORT ENGINEER

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Current USCG License Designated Duty Engineer 4000 HP equivalent or better. A technical knowledge of ships and related equipment, maintenance operations, overhaul, and design. Direct and cooperative ...

Nc

Ferry Chief Engineer

Currituck, NC · On-site

$43K - $75K/yr

Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer or Designated Duty Engineer with the appropriate horsepower for the vessel operated. Necessary Special Qualification Possession of a Transportation Worker ...

Nc

$43K - $75K/yr

Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer or Designated Duty Engineer with the appropriate horsepower for the vessel operated. Necessary Special Qualification Possession of a Transportation Worker ...

Nc

Ferry Chief Engineer

Southport, NC · On-site

$43K - $75K/yr

Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer or Designated Duty Engineer with the appropriate horsepower for the vessel operated. Necessary Special Qualification Possession of a Transportation Worker ...

Nc

Ferry Chief Engineer

Hatteras, NC · On-site

$43K - $75K/yr

Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer or Designated Duty Engineer with the appropriate horsepower for the vessel operated. Necessary Special Qualification Possession of a Transportation Worker ...

Nc

$43K - $75K/yr

Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer or Designated Duty Engineer with the appropriate horsepower for the vessel operated. Necessary Special Qualification Possession of a Transportation Worker ...

Nc

Ferry Chief Engineer

Cedar Island, NC · On-site

$43K - $75K/yr

Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer or Designated Duty Engineer with the appropriate horsepower for the vessel operated. Necessary Special Qualification Possession of a Transportation Worker ...

State of Louisiana

FERRYBOAT OPERATOR 1-3

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$3.6K - $6.5K/mo

Applicants possessing a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) endorsement for motor vessels of less than 1,000 HP or higher are encouraged to apply.** At DOTD, our ...

Government Jobs

FERRYBOAT OPERATOR 1-3

Plaquemine, LA · On-site

Section 42 - Maintenance Systems Management Applicants possessing a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) endorsement for motor vessels of less than 1,000 HP or ...

City of New York

Marine Oiler

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) with endorsement as a Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) of motor vessels of any horsepower or Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) with the ...

City of New York

Marine Oiler

Staten Island, NY · On-site

Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC) with endorsement as a Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) of motor vessels of any horsepower or Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) with the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesignated Duty Engineer Jobs

Designated Duty Engineer information

See salary details

$11

$32

$66

How much do designated duty engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 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.
Licensed Assistant Engineer

Licensed Assistant Engineer

Kirby Corporation

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Overview
The Vessel Assistant Engineer's primary function is to follow the Chief Engineer's direction on maintenance repair of propulsion systems, heating and ventilating systems, and other mechanical and electrical equipment on tugboats and barges.
Responsibilities
• Follow direction of Chief Engineer
• Familiarity with KOM documented Company policies and procedures.
• Ensure that work done on machinery is in accordance with safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Maintain vessel inventories.
• Safely operate and maintain vessel machinery as required to carry out the vessel's utilization requirements; monitor equipment and perform inspections, tests, general maintenance and repairs required to ensure proper operating conditions.
• Manage fuel, lube, ballast and other fluids essential operation; fueling and transfers; consult with the tug Captain regarding issues in order to maintain safe and efficient operating conditions.
• Properly and legibly complete, submit and maintain vessel maintenance logs, work requests, requisitions, inspection reports and any other paperwork as required; instruct deck watch standers in the proper conduct of engine room rounds.
• Ensure that the Captain and Engineering Management are kept informed of vessel requirements, conditions, scheduled maintenance or repair items that are beyond his ability to complete, or any items that are deferred for any reason.
• Assist the PIC Tankerman with barge repairs that affect cargo operations; assist on deck as directed by the tug Captain; stand watches during tug operations.
The responsibilities outlined above cannot totally encompass or define all tasks, which may be required of the position holder. The outline of responsibilities given above may, therefore, vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility of the position.
Qualifications
• Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with USCG Designated Duty Engineer 4000 or Third Assistant Engineer required
• Valid USCG Medical Certificate required
• STCW compliant but must hold rating III/I OICW
• Passport preferred
• Canada Compliant
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) required
• Tug and barge experience preferred.
• Must not have a DWI or DUI in the last three years
• Must not have more than 2 moving driving violations in the last 3 years
• Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard physical requirements (CG-719K) and as found in 46 CFR Part 10
• Must be able to satisfy all United States Coast Guard Chemical Drug Testing Programs for Vessel Personnel, as found in 46 CFR Part 10
• Must be able to pass company requirements of 46 CFR Part 197 Subpart C Benzene
• Valid state issued birth certificate required.
• Valid social security card required
• Must be 18 years of age
• Cannot have any criminal charges pending or be on probation
• Must be able to read and write English
• Ability to understand written and verbal orders

Apply