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First Engineer Jobs in Carlsbad, CA (NOW HIRING)

Immediately informing the Chief Engineer and First Engineer ER of any condition or incident affecting vessel safety, operations, or personnel. * Supervising planned maintenance, fault finding, and ...

Shift Leader Deck

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

You'll work on offshore projects worldwide, reporting to the First Engineer Deck, First Mechanic, and Chief Engineer, and collaborating with a skilled technical team. Your responsibilities include:

Third Engineer Deck

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

You'll work on offshore projects worldwide, reporting to the Shift Leader Deck and First Engineer Deck, and collaborating with a skilled technical team. Your responsibilities include: * Perform ...

First Assistant Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$53.20 - $77.50/hr

#139427 First Assistant Engineer We're seeking a skilled and experienced First Assistant Engineer to join our team on one of our research vessels. As a key member of the crew, you'll be responsible ...

V&V Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

US Are you interested in working with the World's leading AI-first Quality Engineering Company? Ready to advance your career, team up with global thought leaders across industries and make a ...

New

Senior Engineer, Design

San Clemente, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Description Sr. Engineer, Design has strong composites processing and manufacturing experience ... Coordinate with Quality Assurance to assist first article inspections * Interface with customers on ...

Job Summary General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a ... The candidate with previous Systems Engineering experience, with working knowledge of MBSE and ...

Supplier Quality Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$111K - $140K/yr

You review drawings, tolerances, inspection plans, and First Article Inspection reports before ... You partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to reduce supplier risk and ...

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Showing results 1-20

First Engineer information

See Carlsbad, CA salary details

$40.5K

$105.6K

$142.6K

How much do first engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for first engineer in Carlsbad, CA is $105,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $120,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFirst EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; may require licensure or certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, or project sites; often involved in overseeing initial phases of projectsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, or R&D labs; focused on design, analysis, and testing
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, oil & gas, or heavy industry; used for lead or senior roles in project initiationManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors; common for design and development roles

First Engineers typically oversee early project phases and require experience in project management, while Mechanical Engineers focus on design, analysis, and testing within manufacturing or R&D environments. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

How to get a first engineer job?

To secure a first engineer position, candidates should develop relevant technical skills through education or training, build a portfolio of projects, and gain practical experience via internships or entry-level roles. Strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency with engineering tools, and effective communication are also important for success in the hiring process.

What do beginner first engineers do?

Beginner first engineers typically assist with basic tasks such as troubleshooting, testing, and maintaining systems or equipment. They often work under supervision, learn industry tools and safety protocols, and focus on gaining practical experience in engineering environments.

What does a first engineer do?

A first engineer is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for assisting in design, development, and testing of engineering projects. They often perform routine tasks, follow technical instructions, and work under supervision to gain experience and develop skills in their field.

What cities near Carlsbad, CA are hiring for First Engineer jobs?

Cities near Carlsbad, CA with the most First Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various First Engineer job openings in Carlsbad, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,554 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Second Engineer ER

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise the operation, maintenance, and repair of engine room equipment and ensure safety standards are met.

  • Monitor machinery operations, conduct rounds, and manage planned maintenance activities.

  • Report incidents affecting vessel safety, assist in troubleshooting, and exercise authority to stop work if safety is at risk.


Job description

As Second Engineer ER, you are responsible for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of all engine room equipment, Reporting to the First Engineer ER and supervising the ER crew in your shift.

Your key will responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

  • Ensuring a safe engine room watch in line with STCW A-VIII/2
  • Acting as deputy for the First Engineer ER when required by the Chief Engineer.
  • Promoting and ensuring tasks are carried out efficiently and in accordance with Allseas Integrated Management System (AIMS) standards.
  • Immediately informing the Chief Engineer and First Engineer ER of any condition or incident affecting vessel safety, operations, or personnel.
  • Supervising planned maintenance, fault finding, and repair activities.
  • Ensuring all operational fluid levels (fuel, lubricating oil, bilge, sludge, etc.) are adequate.
  • Completing timely administration, including planned maintenance and statutory logbooks.
  • Ensuring reliable, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective operation of Power Generation and Propulsion plants.
  • Conducting thorough rounds of machinery spaces to monitor and control equipment operations.
  • Maintaining situational awareness of ongoing work and equipment status in machinery spaces.
  • On construction vessels: monitoring deck technical equipment, assisting the construction department, and supporting the ROV department as needed.

You will also exercise โ€œStop the Jobโ€ authority if safety or compliance is at risk, and take immediate steps to ensure safety of the vessel and crew.

What we expect from you

To succeed as Second Engineer ER at Allseas, you should have:

  • Maritime engineering education and compliance with all STCW requirements.
  • CoC with competency level III/2 โ€œSecond Engineer with NO limitationsโ€.
  • At least 5 yearsโ€™ engine room experience, including 1 year on a DP vessel with diesel electric propulsion
  • At least a first experience on dredging or offshore construction vessels
  • Experience in the engine room as Third Engineer is preferred.
  • B1 level English proficiency (spoken and written).
  • Good knowledge of Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations.
  • Full understanding of all identified failure modes (FMECA) implications.
  • Knowledge of equipment redundancy, availability, and maintenance requirements.
  • Good knowledge of MS Office applications.
  • Fulfilment of all training and qualification requirements in accordance with Allseasโ€™ Entry Level Matrix.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, decisiveness, leadership, and problem analysis skills.
What we offer

Working at Allseas allows you the chance to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, with creative thinking, collaboration, and a down-to-earth culture at its core. It means contributing to pioneering projects, like performing record-breaking heavy lifts and working with top-notch technologies.

Apart from that, you can count on the following:

  • Competitive salary based on your offshore industry skills and expertise.
  • 5x5 rotation schedule for work-life balance.
  • Career advancement opportunities in a dynamic organization.
  • Global workplace with professionals from 40+ nationalities.
  • Robust safety programs and continuous training.
  • Varied fleet experience for skill diversification and career enrichment.

Stories from colleagues

Read Victor's story

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The variety in knowledge, operational expertise, and people is what I love most about working for this company.

Read Kees' story

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Allseas thrives in a unique, demanding industry, showcasing its size and spirit. It provides a dynamic workplace with innovative ideas, exciting projects, and rewarding efforts.

Read Victor's story

Image

The variety in knowledge, operational expertise, and people is what I love most about working for this company.

Read Kees' story

Image

If you enjoy solving problems, taking responsibility and working on projects where no two days are the same, you will find plenty of opportunities here.

Read Jaenet's story

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Olaf Crebolder, Installation Engineer

Witnessing the successful execution of these projects, knowing that I played a role in their development, is a truly satisfying experience.

Read Olaf's story

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I still love the job every single dayโ€”the busy days on board, the fantastic crew, and the freedom to perform my work while constantly seeking improvements.

Read Lili's story

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Justin Sjaak, Senior NDT Engineer

Employees are given the chance to learn, grow, and develop their skills, reflecting the companyโ€™s attitude towards hard work and trust.

Read Justin's story

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Whatโ€™s kept me interested in working for Allseas all these years is being able to work in different environments, departments, and continents.

Read Frans' story

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Within Allseas, the expectations are high, but you are given responsibility right from the beginning.

Read Caspar's story

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Marco Chiozzi, Assistant Project Manager

Being in this team gave me the possibility of interact with clients, see many offshore platforms, widen my knowledge and strengthen my skills.

Read Marco's story

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Helio Bailly Guimaraes, Manager Technical Department

Allseas has a brilliant team of diverse cultures and backgrounds, who share the passion and enthusiasm for the work we do.

Read Helio's story

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Jessica Vleugel, Manager Capital Projects

The independence and responsibility asked of me as a student really suited me and I liked the Allseas culture and way of working.

Read Jessica's story

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Laura de Jong, Coating Engineer and Project Manager River Clean up Project

There is a very open and international vibe in the offshore business and people are always friendly and respectful.

Read Laura's story

Image

Allseas thrives in a unique, demanding industry, showcasing its size and spirit. It provides a dynamic workplace with innovative ideas, exciting projects, and rewarding efforts.

Read Victor's story

Image

The variety in knowledge, operational expertise, and people is what I love most about working for this company.

Read Kees' story

Image

If you enjoy solving problems, taking responsibility and working on projects where no two days are the same, you will find plenty of opportunities here.

Read Jaenet's story

Image

Olaf Crebolder, Installation Engineer

Witnessing the successful execution of these projects, knowing that I played a role in their development, is a truly satisfying experience.

Read Olaf's story

Image

If you enjoy solving problems, taking responsibility and working on projects where no two days are the same, you will find plenty of opportunities here.

Read Jaenet's story

Image

Olaf Crebolder, Installation Engineer

Witnessing the successful execution of these projects, knowing that I played a role in their development, is a truly satisfying experience.

Read Olaf's story

Image

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