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Designated Duty Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Young Brothers

Licensed Asst. Engineer

Honolulu, HI · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

Stabbert Maritime

Port Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

A valid USCG engineer's license or Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) license is preferred. * A High School Diploma or a GED Certificate is required. A BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience.

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 ...

Stabbert Offshore Crew

Port Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

A valid USCG engineer's license or Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) license is preferred. * A High School Diploma or a GED Certificate is required. A BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience.

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 ...

Stabbert Maritime

Port Engineer

Seattle, WA

$130K - $160K/yr

A valid USCG engineer's license or Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) license is preferred. * A High School Diploma or a GED Certificate is required. A BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience.

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

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 ...

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 ...

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Designated Duty Engineer information

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How much do designated duty engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,212 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Licensed Asst. Engineer

Young Brothers LLC

Honolulu, HI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY:
To oversee and maintain independently the proper and safe operation of vessel propulsion equipment and other machinery.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Prepares, operates, maintains, and repairs vessel propulsion equipment and other machinery properly and safely.
  • Performs general and preventive maintenance on vessel and vessel equipment.
  • Maintains engineering logs and fuel and lube reports.

OTHER DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:
  • Receives and discharges fuel oil, lube oil, fresh water, and wastewater to and from vessel under the guidelines of regulatory agencies and Company policies.
  • Changes equipment filters and other replaceable parts when necessary.
  • Performs minor repairs to machinery and electrical systems.
  • Troubleshoots marine hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems and equipment.
  • Performs general housekeeping and sanitary duties.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Must have proficient knowledge of marine diesel engines, propulsion equipment, and other machinery.
  • Must be able to read, interpret, and understand manufacturers' equipment manuals, drawings, and blueprints.
  • Must be able to troubleshoot and repair marine hydraulic, electric, and mechanical equipment.
  • Must possess sufficient verbal, reading, writing, and comprehension skills as necessitated by the job (i.e., reading and comprehending manufacturers' equipment manuals, drawings, and blueprints, communicating with crew members and maintenance personnel, maintaining engineering logs and reports).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
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 possess a STCW Certificate Endorsed for regulation III/1. Must complete the company's Personnel Qualification Standard (PQS) for Engineer within 90 days of effective hire or promotion date. Must possess a current driver's license. High School or GED is required. Must possess, at least, two (2) years of marine diesel engine experience or equivalent (i.e. Training at a Maritime Academy). submit your engine room sea time letters with your credentials.
Young Brothers, Limited is an Equal Opportunity - Affirmative Action Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are committed to a diverse workforce and taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Young Brothers, Limited is a drug-free employer and a participant of the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.

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