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Marine Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Arc Boat Company

Marine Systems Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering * 3+ years designing and releasing mechanical systems for production ...

Arc Boat Company

Marine Systems Engineer

Torrance, CA

$125K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering * 3+ years designing and releasing mechanical systems for production ...

Willard Marine

MARINE MECHANICS

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

With over 50 years of design, engineering, and manufacturing experience, repeat customers include ... In response, Willard Marine boats have an unsurpassed record of reliable and durable performance ...

Willard Marine

MARINE ASSEMBLER

Oceanside, CA · On-site

With over 50 years of design, engineering, and manufacturing experience, repeat customers include ... In response, Willard Marine boats have an unsurpassed record of reliable and durable performance ...

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$24

$42

$75

How much do marine engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine engineer in California is $42.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.54 and $50.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a marine engineer?

Marine engineers are professionals who design, develop, build, and maintain ships, boats, and other watercraft, as well as their internal systems such as engines, propulsion systems, and onboard equipment. They work on a variety of vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, submarines, and offshore platforms. Marine engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that these vessels are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Their responsibilities may also include overseeing repairs, conducting inspections, and staying up-to-date with maritime regulations.

What does a marine engineer do?

A marine engineer works to ensure the smooth operation of a ship or other water vessel like a ferry, submarine, or cargo ship, by inspecting and performing maintenance on propulsion systems, engines, and other systems powering the vessel. You may also design and build these systems. You can choose to specialize in one area such as boat engines. In this job, your duties may include performing maintenance work on boats or designing propulsion systems with CAD software on a computer. Communication skills are crucial, as you are constantly discussing needs and expectations with your clients. Additional responsibilities include keeping a timeline and budget, ensuring that your projects stay on track.

What are common challenges marine engineers face when working on ships or offshore installations?

Marine Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex machinery in remote or harsh environments, coordinating repairs while minimizing downtime, and ensuring all systems meet strict safety and environmental regulations. Working on ships or offshore installations can involve long hours and extended periods away from home, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Collaboration with multinational crews and diverse technical teams is frequent, making communication and teamwork essential for maintaining high operational standards.

What is the difference between Marine Engineer vs Naval Architect?

AspectMarine EngineerNaval Architect
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in marine systemsEngineering or architecture degree, certifications in ship design
Work EnvironmentShip engines, machinery rooms, onboard or shipyardShip design offices, shipyards, research facilities
Industry UsageMaintaining and repairing ship machineryDesigning ship structures and hulls

Marine Engineers focus on the operation, maintenance, and repair of ship machinery, working mainly in engine rooms or shipyards. Naval Architects specialize in designing ship structures and hulls, often working in design offices or shipyards. Both roles require engineering expertise but serve different aspects of shipbuilding and operation.

Do marine engineers make money?

Marine engineers typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, location, and the type of vessel or facility they work on. Entry-level positions often start around $60,000 annually, with experienced engineers earning over $100,000. Certifications and specialized skills can also influence earning potential.

What jobs can you do with marine engineering?

Marine engineers can work on designing, building, maintaining, and repairing ships, submarines, and offshore structures such as oil rigs. They often work in shipyards, shipping companies, or maritime agencies, utilizing skills in systems engineering, propulsion, and safety standards. Certifications like STCW and knowledge of marine systems are essential for many roles in this field.
More about Marine Engineer jobs

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

The most popular types of Marine Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Marine Engineer jobs in California?

For Marine Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Marine Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Marine Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Marine Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Marine Engineer job openings:

Marine Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,117 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Marine Engineer - Alcatraz Cruises

Hornblower

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$54.51/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines

Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group's premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systemsHornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.
Position Summary:
The successful Engineer will be a hands-on team member at all levels of the Engineering department's scope. Responsible for all aspects and phases of engineering projects from start to finish. Includes formulating likely hypothesis, controlling variables, designing tests, gathering data, recommending options, and seeing it through to the end. Expected to show leadership within the department and demonstrate a calm and positive reaction to all engineering challenges. Must be able to independently fabricate new parts and solutions from scratch. Checks and verifies work of team to ensure completion to company and industry standards. Company-paid benefits with $0 employee premium.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Mastery of all duties & responsibilities of the Marine Mechanic position.
  • Able to lead and perform all diesel engine repairs across the company and fleet.
  • Ability to recommend and install new systems and novel solutions.
  • Repair and replace all pilothouse electronics. Diagnose and repair vessel media systems as well.
  • Serves as liaison between company & outside contractors. Works side by side to complete repairs.
  • Rebuild and maintain all company pump and pump systems, alignment & coupling included.
  • Working knowledge of all industry standard engineering tools and techniques.
  • OEM-level craftsmanship of parts and system design.
  • Project management.
  • Time management.
  • Decision making.
  • Reporting accurately and completely on project and problems.
  • Mentoring Marine Mechanics on knowledge and workmanship and ensuring projects resolved quickly and smoothly.
  • Mastery of all Hybrid Propulsion Systems
  • Competent electrical troubleshooting and repair.
  • Familiarity with all department engineering needs including Alcatraz Island, Pier 33, Yard Periods, Special Projects, etc.
  • Interprets Laboratory test data, reports summarized results or issues to management.
  • Ensure completion of all logs and tasks in a reliable and accurate manner.
  • Learns new skills and information as needed to problem solve. Seeks guidance or assistance when necessary.
  • Organizes workload in a reliable & effective manner.
  • Maintains tools & workspace in a clean and operational state. Performs maintenance on tools when applicable.
  • Mastery of pipe, pipefitting, and fluid control systems.
  • Ensures all engineering systems stay on or ahead of best practices maintenance schedules.
  • Additional job duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • 2 years of Industry Experience.
  • Functional understanding of electricity and the relevant safe industry practices for working around it.
  • HAZWOPER certificate (40 hours)
  • Forklift Certification
  • CPR & First Aid Certification
  • Welding, Brazing, Soldering, metal work experience.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
#AlcatrazCityCruises
#HB1
The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

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