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Marine Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Marine Engineer

San Pedro, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Responsibilities will include: (i) hands-on engineering support for our shore-based AWL testing campaign; (ii) leading and supporting engineering and integration of our system with marine engineering ...

Posted today

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Marine Engineer

San Pedro, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Responsibilities will include: (i) hands-on engineering support for our shore-based AWL testing campaign; (ii) leading and supporting engineering and integration of our system with marine engineering ...

Posted today

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Marine Engineer

San Pedro, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Responsibilities will include: (i) hands-on engineering support for our shore-based AWL testing campaign; (ii) leading and supporting engineering and integration of our system with marine engineering ...

Posted today

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

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

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Marine Engineering information

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$24

$42

$75

How much do marine engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine engineering 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 marine engineering?

Marine engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, development, operation, and maintenance of ships, boats, submarines, and other marine vessels and structures. Marine engineers work on propulsion systems, onboard systems, and machinery to ensure safe and efficient operation at sea. They may also be involved in environmental protection, renewable marine energy, and shipbuilding innovations. This field combines principles of mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering tailored for marine environments.

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

To thrive as a Marine Engineer, you need strong knowledge of marine systems, mechanical engineering principles, and a degree in marine or mechanical engineering, often supported by relevant licensure. Familiarity with CAD software, marine propulsion systems, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Effective problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you navigate complex technical challenges and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are vital to ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of marine vessels and systems.

What are some common challenges marine engineers face when working on offshore projects?

Marine engineers working on offshore projects often encounter challenges such as harsh weather conditions, remote locations, and the need for specialized safety protocols. These environments require engineers to be adaptable and proactive in troubleshooting mechanical and technical issues, often with limited immediate support. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including naval architects, divers, and crew members, is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of marine systems. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to address unexpected equipment failures and to maintain the safety and efficiency of marine operations.

What is the difference between Marine Engineering vs Naval Architecture?

AspectMarine EngineeringNaval Architecture
Primary FocusDesign, construction, and maintenance of ship systems and machineryDesign and construction of ship hulls and structures
Required CertificationsMarine Engineering licenses, engineering degreesNaval Architecture degrees, engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentShipyards, marine engineering firms, onboard shipsShipyards, design offices, research facilities
Industry UsageHeavy involvement in ship operation and maintenanceFocus on ship design and structural integrity

Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture are closely related fields within the maritime industry. Marine Engineers focus on the mechanical and electrical systems of ships, ensuring proper operation and maintenance. Naval Architects concentrate on designing the ship's hull and structural components. Both roles often collaborate during ship development but differ in their core responsibilities and expertise areas.

Do marine engineers make a lot of money?

Marine engineers typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, location, and employer. According to industry data, the median annual wage for marine engineers is higher than the average for all occupations, and those with specialized skills or certifications can increase their earning potential. However, salaries can differ significantly depending on the size of the vessel, the employer, and the engineer's level of experience.

Is marine engineering in demand?

Marine engineering is a specialized field with steady demand in the shipping, offshore, and maritime industries. Employment opportunities often depend on global trade, technological advancements, and the need for maintenance and design of ships and offshore structures, requiring relevant certifications and technical skills.

What can I do with marine engineering?

Marine engineering involves designing, building, maintaining, and repairing ships, submarines, and other marine vessels. Marine engineers work in shipyards, ports, and offshore facilities, often requiring knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and propulsion systems. They may also pursue certifications such as STCW and work in roles that involve project management, system analysis, and technical troubleshooting.

What exactly does a marine engineer do?

A marine engineer designs, maintains, and repairs the mechanical systems on ships, submarines, and other marine vessels. They work with engines, propulsion systems, and safety equipment, often using technical drawings and tools, and typically require specialized certifications. Their work environment is primarily onboard vessels or in shipyards, and they may work irregular hours depending on vessel schedules.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Marine Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Marine Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Marine Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,117 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Marine Engineer

San Pedro, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 hours ago

Posted today

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Job description

The Role

Calcarea is seeking a hands-on Marine Engineer for an 8-month contract position to play a central role in delivering our first full-scale vessel-based deployment. This individual will collaborate closely with the CTO, founders, external parties, and the rest of the technical team, supporting the transition from technical development into real-world implementation.


Responsibilities will include: (i) hands-on engineering support for our shore-based AWL testing campaign; (ii) leading and supporting engineering and integration of our system with marine engineering firms and Class societies for approval and certification; and (iii) providing marine engineering leadership and support for at sea operations, including physical installation, operation, repair, and decommissioning of the system.

This is a highly hands-on position for someone excited by first-of-a-kind hardware, dynamic operating environments, and the challenge of getting a novel physical system installed, commissioned, and operating successfully in the field.


This is initially an 8-month contract position but may be extended depending on company needs. The first several months of the role will be based in-person in Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA, followed by several months of rotations onboard a bulk shipping vessel. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.


Qualifications

  • Degree in marine or mechanical engineering, naval architecture or a related technical discipline with 3-5 years of experience.
  • Track record of success in a hands-on (wrench turning) role, including commissioning, startup, supporting plant operations, and instrumentation.
  • Experience in maritime systems, ship-board integration, pilot plants, industrial equipment, process systems, or first-of-a-kind hardware deployments is highly beneficial. 
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced startup environments with evolving priorities and limited structure. 
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills. 
  • Ability and willingness to commit to a multi-month continuous deployment at sea, living and working onboard a commercial vessel.
  • Practical, execution-oriented mindset with a strong bias toward action and problem solving.  
  • A safety-oriented approach to work, including use of PPE and performing work in accordance with safety procedures and regulatory requirements.

Company Description

Calcarea is at the forefront of decarbonizing the global economy, starting with the shipping industry. Our mission is to leverage Accelerated Weathering of Limestone (AWL) to safely and permanently sequester CO2 in the ocean as bicarbonate ions. We have developed an innovative system to apply AWL technology directly on ships, and over time, we also aim to develop a new category of vessel specifically designed around large-scale onboard carbon conversion.