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Entry Level Cargo Ship Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Watco

Checker - Houston, TX

Houston, TX

$19 - $20/hr

... engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • Leadership and ... They find, evaluate, record all cargo, and support other needs of the operation. If they find ...

Hornbeck Offshore

3rd Assistant Engineer

Covington, LA · On-site

... shipboard engineering systems and equipment and is responsible for representing, enforcing, and ... bulk and liquid cargo transfer systems, fuel management systems, bilge and ballast systems ...

deugro group

Transport Engineer

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$69K - $91K/yr

Develop CAD drawings for all phases of the transport life of cargo accompanied with correspondent ... Review of infrastructure/capabilities at port, road, ship, rail, and project site * Coordinate ...

General Dynamics Electric Boat

Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, are necessary for success as a ship signatures engineer. * Developing productive relationships with internal and external customers, which may ...

General Dynamics Electric Boat

Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, are necessary for success as a ship signatures engineer. * Developing productive relationships with internal and external customers, which may ...

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All JobsEntry Level Cargo Ship Engineer Jobs

Entry Level Cargo Ship Engineer information

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$30K

$69.4K

$118K

How much do entry level cargo ship engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level cargo ship engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do engineers make on cargo ships?

Entry-level cargo ship engineers typically earn between $3,000 and $6,000 per month, depending on the shipping company, route, and experience. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, such as STCW, and as engineers gain more experience working on larger vessels or in specialized roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cargo Ship Engineer vs Entry Level Marine Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Cargo Ship EngineerEntry Level Marine Engineer
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Engine Room CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Marine Engineering Certifications
Work EnvironmentCargo ships, engine rooms, maritime settingsMaritime vessels, engine rooms, ship operations
Industry UsageShipping companies, cargo transportationMaritime industry, shipping lines

Both roles involve working in engine rooms on ships, requiring similar certifications and working environments. The main difference is that a Cargo Ship Engineer specifically focuses on cargo vessels, while a Marine Engineer may work on various types of ships. Entry Level Cargo Ship Engineers typically start with similar responsibilities and certifications as Entry Level Marine Engineers, making their roles closely aligned in the maritime industry.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles. Salaries at this level often involve senior positions, bonuses, and stock options, and typically require extensive experience and expertise in their industry.

Can I work on a cargo ship with no experience?

Entry level cargo ship engineers typically need some maritime training and certifications, such as STCW certification, but prior experience is not always required. Employers often provide on-the-job training for new hires, though having basic technical skills and a willingness to learn can improve chances of employment. Physical fitness and the ability to work in a maritime environment are also important.

How to become a cargo ship engineer?

To become a cargo ship engineer, you typically need to complete a maritime engineering program or obtain a relevant degree, such as a diploma in marine engineering. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or cadet programs and obtaining necessary certifications like a Merchant Mariner Credential are essential steps in qualifying for the role.
More about Entry Level Cargo Ship Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Ship Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Cargo Ship Engineer jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cargo Ship Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cargo Ship Engineer jobs are:
Entry Level Cargo Ship Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cargo Ship Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Advanced Electrical Power Engineer, Entry Level

Advanced Electrical Power Engineer, Entry Level

R&P Technologies, LLC

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview
R&P is looking for a motivated junior or entry level marine electrical power and propulsion engineer who wants to join our team. We are a small-sized defense contractor providing Engineering, Logistics, Program Management and Technical Services to government clients. We need a junior Electrical Power and Propulsion engineer ready to join a fast-paced and exciting work environment. This engineer will provide key engineering and technical support functions to the design efforts of the latest U.S. Navy surface combatant ship. Primary functions to support include the development, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and sustainment of advanced electrical power systems for U.S. Navy ship programs. This role is focused on power electronics, electrical power distribution, electric drives, solid-state converters, protection equipment, test support, and lifecycle sustainment of mission-critical power equipment. The successful candidate will have hands-on experience with power systems, power electronics, electrical testing, equipment troubleshooting, technical documentation, and coordination with multidisciplinary engineering teams. This position will support shipboard electric plant and integrated power system activities for DDG-51, DDG-1000, or BBG(X), including power conversion equipment, electrical distribution, electric drives, protection equipment, troubleshooting, test support, data analysis, obsolescence management, and lifecycle sustainment. Engineering services will be provided in and around the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Philadelphia. A hybrid/remote work schedule can be acceptable during certain design phases.
Responsibilities
  • Provide engineering, electrical power, and propulsion systems acumen and skills to the NSWC PD Advanced Power Systems Division.
  • Support the design and development of the Integrated Power System (IPS) concept of operations, define system lifecycle requirements and acceptance criteria, and relay dependencies across ship system requirements.
  • Provide engineering solutions, solve complex technical issues, answer ship design and technical team inquiries.
  • Apply electrical safety practices and comply with applicable technical, safety, and quality standards.
  • Work with DC/DC converters, DC/AC converters, solid-state relays, motor drives, transfer switches, overcurrent protection equipment, and related electrical components.
  • Perform troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, failure analysis, and corrective action support for power systems and power equipment.
  • Collect, analyze, and document electrical test data from laboratory, shipyard, land-based test site, and shipboard events to support troubleshooting, corrective actions, technical recommendations, and lifecycle sustainment.
  • Support testing in laboratories, shipyards, industrial, and shipboard environments.
  • Use electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power analyzers, insulation resistance testers, load banks, and data acquisition systems.
  • Support preventive and corrective maintenance planning, execution, and documentation.
  • Provide on-site collaboration and engagement within the Advanced Power Systems Division of NSWC PD.
  • Support and continuously meet with NSWC PD clients and the overall design team.
  • Participate in technical working groups such as the IPS Working Group (WG), Auxiliary/Deck WGs, and HME Controls WGs.
  • Effectively communicate complex marine engineering design architectures, system dependencies, trades, and design decisions.
  • Perform systems engineering, trade space management and exploration, design decisions, and configuration management of marine engineering datasets.
  • Provide cross-program support and design integration across established IPTs such as IPS, Auxiliary, Survivability, and Affordability teams.
  • Perform calculations, apply electrical and marine engineering principles, and conduct quality assurance reviews of US Navy Ship and ship system design artifacts.
  • Communicate directly with clients and stakeholders to effectively convey technical principles and design status.
  • Record action items, track meeting minutes, and manage meeting invites.

Qualifications
Mandatory Qualifications:
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Secret DoD Security Clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. secret DoD security clearance.
  • Education: B.S. Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or related Marine Engineering field.
  • Experience: 0-2 years in electrical engineering or marine engineering or ship design on Navy or Maritime programs.
  • Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an affinity for marine power and propulsion machinery.
  • Software Proficiency: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong analytical, documentation, communication, and technical coordination skills.
  • Exceptional oral, written, and presentation skills.
  • Regular physical activity may include walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting up to 30 pounds, standing, and occasionally prolonged sitting.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with shipboard medium and low voltage power systems, and power conversion.
  • Multi-disciplinary ship and ship system design knowledge.
  • Software Proficiency: CAD, AutoCAD, Rhino, ETAP, and other electrical modeling software.
  • MIL Standards Knowledge: Understanding of MIL standards and specifications is a plus.
  • Experience with power electronics, electrical power distribution, converters, relays, protection equipment, motor drives, or similar systems.

EEO Statement
R&P Technologies provides equal opportunity for all persons and prohibits discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), veteran or marital status, or any other factor prohibited by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave, compensation, and training.
R&P maintains an Affirmative Action Plan to establish fair access to employment opportunities and to create a work community that is an accurate reflection of the qualified workforce. Due to security clearance requirements, U.S. citizenship is required for most positions
Salary
R&P offers a highly competitive compensation package that includes contributions towards health insurance, 401(k) matching, and other non-salary benefits. Exact salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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