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First Mate Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Astemo Ltd

Engineer II (Prototype)

Berea, KY · On-site

$29.75 - $33.50/hr

... first-piece approvals. * Analyze and improve manufacturing processes with a focus on quality ... Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, Solid Works, AutoCAD, D-MATE, current ERP system). Excellent ...

Nestlé S.A.

$120 - $180/hr

With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of ... right-first-time solutions. * Quality Management and manufacturing experience preferred; Factory ...

Nestlé S.A.

$90 - $120/hr

With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of ... first questioning its impact in relation to product safety/quality, people safety and the ...

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All JobsFirst Mate JobsFirst Mate Jobs in Kentucky

First Mate information

See Kentucky salary details

$8

$26

$65

How much do first mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for first mate in Kentucky is $26.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $35.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a first mate?

A First Mate is the second-in-command on a ship, directly under the captain. They are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the vessel, supervising the crew, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. The First Mate also assists in navigation, handles logistics, and may take command if the captain is unavailable. Their role is crucial for the smooth running and safety of the ship and its crew.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first mate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Mate, you need expertise in navigation, seamanship, and maritime safety regulations, usually backed by relevant certifications such as an STCW endorsement or Officer of the Watch license. Familiarity with ship management systems, radar, GPS, and communication equipment is essential. Leadership, quick decision-making, and strong teamwork skills help manage crew operations and respond to emergencies. These competencies are crucial for ensuring vessel safety, operational efficiency, and smooth coordination at sea.

What are some common challenges a first mate faces when managing deck operations and crew coordination?

As a First Mate, one of the main challenges is balancing the safe and efficient running of deck operations while ensuring clear communication and coordination among the crew. This often involves addressing unexpected weather conditions, troubleshooting equipment issues, and adapting to changing schedules. Managing a diverse team with varying experience levels and maintaining morale during long voyages can also be demanding. Proactive leadership and effective delegation are essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth ship operations.

What is the difference between First Mate vs Deckhand?

AspectFirst MateDeckhand
Required CredentialsSTCW certification, maritime experienceBasic safety training, maritime experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentOnboard yachts, ships, or boats, supervising crewOnboard vessels, assisting with maintenance and operations
Employer & Industry UsageYacht charters, commercial shipping, private vesselsRecreational boats, commercial ships, yachts
Common Search & ComparisonFirst Mate vs Deckhand

The main difference between a First Mate and a Deckhand lies in their responsibilities and experience level. The First Mate holds a supervisory role, overseeing deck crew and ensuring safety, often requiring certifications like STCW. In contrast, a Deckhand performs hands-on tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, and assisting with navigation, typically with less experience and fewer certifications. Both roles are essential onboard vessels, but the First Mate has greater leadership duties and responsibilities.

How much does a first mate make?

A first mate's salary varies based on experience, vessel size, and employer, but typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 per month. They are responsible for assisting the captain, managing crew, and ensuring safety on board, often requiring certifications such as STCW and maritime experience.
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For First Mate jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for First Mate jobs in Kentucky are:

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First Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Mate job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,920 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Engineer II (Prototype)

Astemo Ltd

Berea, KY • On-site

$29.75 - $33.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support daily production activities within the Prototype manufacturing area to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality output.

  • Lead process validation activities including trial builds, pilot runs, PFMEA, control plans, capability studies, and first-piece approvals.

  • Analyze and improve manufacturing processes with a focus on quality, efficiency, cost, and equipment performance.

Job description

Company Name:
ASTEMO AMERICAS, INC.
Job Family:
Manufacturing & Operations
Job Description:
Under the direction of department leadership, the Production Engineer - Prototype supports and improves manufacturing processes within the Aftermarket business unit. This role partners closely with other Engineer Groups to transition new and revised products into stable, efficient production while driving continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
The position executes production engineering strategies and tactical plans at the Astemo Berea Plant and collaborates with leadership to establish priorities, objectives, and ensure effective implementation. Acting as a strategic partner across the organization, this role exercises independent judgment within established guidelines. The Production Engineer serves as a key technical liaison between Prototype, Operations, Showa Performance, Design Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure production readiness and ongoing process optimization in shocks and struts manufacturing.
Essential Functions / Key Responsibilities: Includes the following (other duties may be documented and assigned by local management and some duties may not apply dependent upon the requirements of the position at each specific (ASTEMO) site and/or the strengths of the employee and the needs of the company):
  • Support daily production activities within the Prototype manufacturing area to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality output.
  • Participate in design reviews to ensure manufacturability of new products.
  • Lead process validation activities including trial builds, pilot runs, PFMEA, control plans, capability studies, and first-piece approvals.
  • Analyze and improve manufacturing processes with a focus on quality, efficiency, cost, and equipment performance.
  • Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, and productivity enhancement.
  • Use technical knowledge to support equipment troubleshooting and process issue resolution in coordination with Maintenance and Operations.
  • Read, interpret, and create technical drawings and schematics as needed.
  • Assist in tooling design, fixture development, and equipment modifications as required.
  • Support cost reduction initiatives and capital project justifications.
  • Collaborate with departments such as Prototype, Quality, Maintenance, and Production to ensure smooth implementation of process changes or improvements.
  • Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with team members and other departments.

Success in This Role Looks Like:
  • Production processes consistently meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
  • Equipment and processes demonstrate stability and repeatability.
  • Trial builds and pilot runs executed on time with minimal disruption.
  • Manufacturing risks identified and mitigated before impacting production.
  • Demonstrated improvements in productivity, throughput, and cost reduction.
  • Capital and tooling improvements successfully implemented with measurable ROI.
  • Visible and engaged presence on the production floor.
  • Recognized as a technical resource and proactive problem solver.
  • Strong, solution-focused partnership with Prototype, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations.

Qualifications:
Knowledge, skills & abilities: Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Possess ability to perform duties utilizing current company software applications (including, but not limited to: Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, Solid Works, AutoCAD, D-MATE, current ERP system). Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills required. This position performs job duties in an ethical and professional manner.
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required.

Experience:
  • 2-4 years of manufacturing engineering or production engineering experience preferred.
  • Experience in shock, strut, or automotive component manufacturing strongly preferred.
  • Experience supporting product launches preferred.
  • Experience with programming languages such as, Rust, Python and VBA.
  • Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC's (ladder logic & Mitsubishi) preferred

Technical Skills:
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (assembly, machining, welding, testing, etc.).
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience with PFMEA, Control Plans, and root cause analysis tools.
  • Experience in CAD software (Solidworks) and ERP systems preferred (AS400).
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
  • Experience automating workflows and connecting data end points.
  • Experience creating and modifying programs to collect and analyze process data into various reports.
  • Advanced knowledge in Excel (XLOOKUP, array functions, macros, etc.)

Competencies:
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Cross-functional collaboration and communication
  • Project management and organizational skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Results-oriented with strong attention to detail

Working Conditions & Requirements:
  • Required to work 40 hrs. per week, as well as any required overtime.
  • Occasional off-shift support as needed for production or launch activities.
  • Required to work in a manufacturing facility (exposure to noise, moving equipment, etc.).
  • Exposure to office and laboratory areas.
  • Required to stand for long periods of time.
  • Required to lift/move up to 50lbs.
  • Up to 10% domestic and international may be required as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) - Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity, disability, protected veteran status and national origin.
At Astemo, we're challenging the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. Our goal is to build an inclusive work environment that celebrates the differences of our employees. We want to ensure that every employee feels valued, respected and empowered. We don't just accept difference-we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Astemo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at Astemo, please send the nature of the request and contact information to am-jobs@hitachiastemo.com when applying for the position.

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