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Freelance Ship Repair Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Senior Project Manager Boston Ship Repair, LLC Position Summary The Senior Project Manager is ... Coordinate all shipyard departments including Production, Planning, Engineering, Purchasing, Safety ...

Everett Ship Repair is the Pacific Northwests Premier Ship Repair Facility. Founded in 2019 ... Work from standard and metric engineering drawings. * Tack and perform minor welding with MiG and ...

This position is ideal for an early-career engineer looking to gain hands-on experience supporting shipbuilding, ship repair, waterfront engineering, and marine operations across commercial and ...

Shipbuilding / Ship Repair / Maritime Trades Position Summary We are seeking an experienced 1st ... Work from engineering drawings and specifications to ensure quality workmanship. * Conduct ...

New

1st Class Shipfitter

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$26 - $31/hr

Shipbuilding / Ship Repair / Maritime Trades Position Summary We are seeking an experienced 1st ... Work from engineering drawings and specifications to ensure quality workmanship. * Conduct ...

New

Strong background, skill, knowledge and experience in marine design and engineering and knowledge of materials used in marine construction. * Working knowledge of new ship construction, repair, and ...

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Freelance Ship Repair Engineer information

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$22

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How much do freelance ship repair engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance ship repair engineer in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are marine engineers in high demand?

Marine engineers, including ship repair engineers, are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for vessel maintenance, repair, and modernization in the maritime industry. Employment opportunities are influenced by global trade, shipping activity, and the availability of skilled technicians with certifications and experience in marine systems. The industry often requires engineers to stay updated on new technologies and safety standards.

What does a Freelance Ship Repair Engineer do?

A Freelance Ship Repair Engineer is a specialized professional who inspects, diagnoses, and repairs various systems and structures on ships, such as engines, hulls, electrical systems, and other mechanical components. Unlike engineers employed by a single company, freelancers work on a project-by-project basis for different clients, often traveling to various shipyards or ports. Their role involves troubleshooting issues, recommending solutions, overseeing repair work, and ensuring that all repairs comply with maritime safety standards. They must have a strong understanding of marine engineering, relevant regulations, and the ability to adapt to a range of vessels and repair scenarios.

What does a ship repair engineer do?

A ship repair engineer is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting ships' mechanical and electrical systems. They inspect vessels, perform repairs on engines, hulls, and other components, and ensure compliance with safety standards, often working in shipyards or onboard ships. Technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of marine equipment are essential for this role.

How much money do ship engineers make?

Ship repair engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the projects. Salaries can vary based on location, employer, and whether they work onshore or offshore, often requiring specialized skills and safety training.

What are the typical challenges faced by freelance ship repair engineers when coordinating with vessel crews and shipyards?

Freelance ship repair engineers often face the challenge of aligning schedules and expectations between vessel crews, shipowners, and shipyard personnel, especially when projects require quick turnaround times or involve international stakeholders. Clear and proactive communication is essential to prevent misunderstandings and delays, as requirements and working conditions can vary significantly from one location to another. Freelancers must also be prepared to adapt to different safety protocols, documentation standards, and technical requirements depending on the shipyard and type of vessel. Building strong professional relationships and maintaining flexibility are key to successful project completion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Ship Repair Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Freelance Ship Repair Engineer, you need expertise in marine engineering, diagnostics, and repair techniques, typically supported by a degree in marine or mechanical engineering and relevant experience. Familiarity with CAD software, marine maintenance systems, and safety certifications such as STCW are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, time management, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring timely, cost-effective, and safe repairs in a dynamic maritime environment.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Senior roles requiring advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience are typically associated with such high compensation levels.
More about Freelance Ship Repair Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Ship Repair Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Ship Repair Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ship Repair Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Ship Repair Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Ship Repair Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Ship Repair Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Ship Repair Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.

PIPE FITTER JOURNEYMAN ESR

EVERETT SHIP REPAIR LLC

Everett, WA โ€ข On-site

$33.90 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Everett Ship Repair is the Pacific Northwest Premier Ship Repair Facility. Founded in 2019, Everett Ship Repair offers vast ship repair capabilities from its facility in Everett, Washington, including repair, maintenance, and conversion services for any type of commercial vessels, with focus on commercial workboats and passenger vessels. With the US Navy as our neighbor, it is no secret that we are in aggressive pursuit of earning their business as we grow our footprint, skills, and profile in this market. With impressive dry-docking capacity, and an opportunity to be part of an emerging team of industry veterans and highly skilled tradesmen, ESR strives to continuously improve our repair and construction methods into efficient and reliable processes. We seek tradesmen who share that view, value learning opportunities, and desire an opportunity to apply their skills in our progressive environment.

We are now seeking an Experienced Pipe Fitterย Journeyman, who will create pipe spools and other pipe system assemblies and fabrications for repair and other marine projects. Pipefitting team members gain knowledge and experience in many systems, including heating and cooling, refrigeration, fuel, engine cooling, exhaust, sewage, bilge and ballast, and fire suppression.

What You will Do

  • Form, fit, and fabricate metal and nonmetallic piping systems in marine vessels to engineering drawing during all phases of construction and rebuilds from spools and installation through sea trials.
  • Perform job functions in range of work environments, including, fabrication shop, on modular jigs, or on finished assembly.
  • Layout, cut, prepare, and assemble spools, piping systems in modals and final assembly.
  • Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe to required angle, using hand or power tools or machines such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, or pipe-bending machines
  • Use a variety of power and hand tools including pipe wrenches, union wrenches, threading machines, tube and pipe benders, etc.
  • Work from blueprints both in standard and metric to build complex piping systems, spools, and foundations for piping system packages.
  • Perform basic tack and minor welds with MIG and Arc welding processes.
  • Use various metal forming equipment such as sheers, band saws, rollers, bending and tubing, and presses.
  • Use Oxygen/Propane cutting torches to cut pipe and plate in steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
  • Work as a member of a team demonstrating skills to effectively communicate, adapt, interpret and problem solve.
  • Always embrace ESR safety culture and practice safe shipyard work practices and housekeeping
  • Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with fellow crew members and supervision
  • Share your knowledge in the trade with other employees, especially those in learning or apprentice roles
  • Other tasks as needed that may arise in our exciting work environment

What You Bring to Our Team

  • 5+ years as a Pipefitter
  • Competence / proficiency in broad range of pipefitter trade skills, including fit, tack, thread, bend pipe, and laterals.
  • Knowledge of standard pipe trade tools and forming equipment including torches, cutting torch, bandsaw, rollers, presses and shears.
  • High School Education or equivalent or vocational education
  • Ability to read, interpret and work from drawings and blueprints
  • Basic Welding Skills (MiG and arc welding)
  • Knowledge of HVAC piping and condensation (Drain)
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of pipe assemblies
  • Ability to express ideas concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of basic hydraulics
  • Knowledge of and experience with sewage piping systems
  • Interest in and aptitude for taking on future crew leadership roles
  • Experience and skills in tubing and bending
  • Ability to work overtime as necessary
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. must be able to work at heights of 60 ft.
  • Ability to enter confined spaces using a respirator, and work in small workspaces at odd angles.
  • Ability to pass company pre-employment screens in background check, drug test, and physical skills test

What Additional Things Would Distinguish You

  • Skills and experience in aluminum and steel fabrication
  • Previous experience for a shipyard (new construction or repair)
  • Experience and skills in using plasma cutter
  • Certification, or skills and experience in driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklift or manlifts
  • Certification as a Shipyard Competent Person
  • Previous experience to bring basic skills in Pipe and Carpentry
  • Interest in and aptitude for taking on future crew leadership roles

Benefits

  • 401(k) and 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Group Life Insurance with Optional supplemental life and disability insurance programs
  • Paid time off
  • 9 paid holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Culture of Learning with State-Certified Apprenticeship Programs

Equal Employment Opportunity: Everett Ship Repair is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, political affiliation, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability.

Everett Ship Repair is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.