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Freelance Chief Marine Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Chief Engineer - Limited

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$124.54 - $215.54/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Type Chief Marine Engineer in search boxCloseChief Engineer - LimitedCategoryShipboard Officer / Personnel / CrewSalary$124,541.00 - 215,541.00Employment typeFull TimeSkillsServes as the Chief ...

Boyd Gaming

Marine Engineer

Michigan City, IN

It is the duty of the Chief Engineer to keep himself and the Master fully informed and adhere to ... Five years of experience in a Marine Engineer or equivalent position. * High school diploma or ...

Emprise Corporation

Senior Marine Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Provide senior counsel for vessel Master and Chief Engineer to ensure that missions and voyages are ... Bachelor's Degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical ...

USF

Marine Chief Engineer

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Administration Job Code/Title: 6556 / Marine Chief Engineer Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $75,000 - 85,000 (commensurate based on experience) plus sea pay Position Number: 100005084 Organizational ...

Astrion

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine Engineer, or U.S. Naval schools or equivalent in ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

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Freelance Chief Marine Engineer information

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$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do freelance chief marine engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance chief marine engineer in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance chief marine engineer?

A Freelance Chief Marine Engineer is a highly skilled professional responsible for the maintenance, operation, and management of a ship's engine room and all mechanical systems, working on a contract or temporary basis rather than as a permanent crew member. They oversee engineering crew, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure all machinery complies with safety and environmental regulations. Freelance positions allow Chief Marine Engineers to work on multiple vessels, projects, or with different companies, offering flexibility and a diverse range of experiences. This role requires strong leadership, advanced technical knowledge, and relevant maritime certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance chief marine engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Chief Marine Engineer, you need an in-depth understanding of marine engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and marine engineering certification such as STCW III/2. Familiarity with shipboard systems, maintenance management software, and compliance with international maritime regulations is critical. Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills set top professionals apart in overseeing crews and liaising with shipowners. These competencies ensure vessel safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance in a demanding, autonomous work environment.

What are the common challenges freelance chief marine engineers face when managing multiple vessel projects simultaneously?

Freelance Chief Marine Engineers often juggle several vessel assignments at once, which can present scheduling conflicts and require strong time management skills. Coordinating with various crews, adapting to different vessel systems, and ensuring compliance with diverse maritime regulations across clients are typical challenges. Effective communication and organizational abilities are key to maintaining consistent safety and operational standards, even when working remotely or on short-term contracts. Proactively building strong client relationships and keeping detailed project documentation can help mitigate these challenges.

What is the difference between Freelance Chief Marine Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectFreelance Chief Marine EngineerMarine Engineer
CertificationsSTCW Chief Engineer License, Marine Engineering CertificationsSTCW Engineer License, Marine Engineering Certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, freelance basis, multiple vesselsOnboard ships, full-time or contract
Employer/Industry UsageHired by shipping companies or as independent contractorEmployed by shipping companies or ship operators

The main difference is that a Freelance Chief Marine Engineer works independently across multiple vessels, often on a contractual basis, while a Marine Engineer is typically employed full-time by a shipping company. Both roles require similar certifications and work in maritime environments, but the freelance position offers more flexibility and varied assignments.

More about Freelance Chief Marine Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Chief Marine Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Chief Marine Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Marine Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Chief Marine Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Chief Marine Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Chief Marine Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Chief Marine Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Chief Marine Engineer jobs are:

Freelance Chief Marine Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Chief Marine Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Chief Marine Engineer (Diesel)

City of New York

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

621st of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Description

***IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidate(s) selected for the Chief Marine Engineer (Diesel) position through this posting will be hired on a provisional basis. To be considered for permanent employment in this role, provisional employees will need to take and pass the next civil service examination for Chief Marine Engineer (Diesel) and obtain a list number issued by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Please be aware that employees who do not take and pass the exam, may not be able to continue in the provisional position.***
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system's 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.
The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all facilities related to the treatment of sewage within the five boroughs of the City. This includes 14 wastewater treatment plants, sludge dewatering facilities, collections facilities (pumping stations, combined sewer overflow retention facilities, regulators, tide gates, etc.), wastewater laboratories and harbor vessels.
The Chief Marine Engineer (Diesel) is responsible for supervising and directing the operation and maintenance of the Bureau's marine vessels. Duties include supervising and directing technical staff in the Marine Section; maintaining engine room logs and records; observing all federal and departmental regulations pertaining to the operation of mechanical and/or engine equipment and the marine vessels; supervising and directing the care, storage and use of fuel onboard the ship and carrying out responsibilities associated with the Marine Operations and Maintenance Section's Safety Program.
CHIEF MARINE ENGINEER (DIESEL) - 91523

Qualifications

For appointment in the Department of Environmental Protection, a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the United States Coast Guard with endorsement as a Chief Engineer Limited for Motor vessels, not less than 6000 H.P., or higher license.
Note:
Within thirty days of appointment candidates must possess a valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the U.S. Transportation and Security Administration. Candidates who are engaged in an appeal or waiver process for the TWIC will not be considered for appointment until such process has been completed.
Medical/Physical Requirements:
Medical guidelines established by the U.S. Coast Guard apply to the position of Chief Marine Engineer (Diesel). Candidates will therefore be required to undergo a medical examination prior to appointment and thereafter, pursuant to U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Candidates must also pass a drug screening to be appointed. Chief Marine Engineer (Diesel) are subject to random drug testing during their employment.
All applicable licenses and TWIC must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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