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Marine Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Mate

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

Basic marine engineering knowledge of diesel machinery, hydraulics, and liquid load management. * Excellent communication skills and team-building skills. * Pre-employment drug test and continual ...

Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering, Technology, Science, or Mathematics from an accredited ... marine or stationary boilers, pressure vessels or nuclear reactors. * Completion of Certified ...

Fall 2026 Co-op

Marengo, IA

$14.75 - $16.75/hr

Project Engineering * SafetySpecialist * Surveying * Estimating * Marine Work * Project Design& Procurement * Business Development * Support Operations * Heavy Equipment Maintenance * Heavy Equipment ...

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA ยท On-site

$70 - $95/hr

Summary Project Engineer 2 is an intermediate level working in a developing capacity with increased responsibilities performing a range of duties with core members of the engineering team and a key ...

Showing results 41-60

Marine Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$23

$40

$71

How much do marine engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine engineer in Iowa is $40.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $48.32 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Marine Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Marine Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Marine Engineer job openings in Iowa 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 $83,863 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Mate
American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, Cumberland Rivers, and Great Lakes. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.
Mates are senior shipboard officers reporting directly to the Captain and are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. Our Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Our Mates are skilled team and time managers, supervising daily deck teams while also developing piloting expertise on our coastal and river routes. Our Mates are prudent decision-makers continually reducing risk by keeping our crew tasks ahead of daily and weekly schedules. Our Mates are people-oriented leaders and meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.
Mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
  • Execution of Vessel cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and logistics.
  • Execution of Crew orientation, training, watch standing, and emergency drills.
  • Teamwork with Hotel Officers and Service Crew ensuring five-star guest service.
  • Administrative documentation of cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and logistics.
  • Leadership of safe, secure, clean, and comfortable onboard environment for passengers and crew.

Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Mate's license: minimum 100T, desired license 1600T.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Mate experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Basic marine engineering knowledge of diesel machinery, hydraulics, and liquid load management.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Great Lakes Mate: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. โ€ŽAmerican Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual โ€Žqualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. โ€ŽThis policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, โ€Žhiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access โ€Žto benefits.โ€Ž
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.