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Maritime Chief Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Chief Engineer

Del Mar, CA ยท On-site

$65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Chief Engineer

Spring Valley, CA ยท On-site

$65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Chief Engineer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$64 - $65/hr

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine ... USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying ...

Showing results 41-60

Maritime Chief Engineer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do maritime chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for maritime chief 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 maritime chief engineer?

Maritime Chief Engineers are senior officers responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of a ship's engine department. They oversee the performance of machinery, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and manage the engineering crew. Chief Engineers play a critical role in maintaining the vessel's propulsion, electrical systems, and other technical equipment, ensuring the ship operates efficiently and safely during voyages.

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

To thrive as a Maritime Chief Engineer, you need deep knowledge of marine engineering, mechanical systems, and maritime safety regulations, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and a Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency. Familiarity with engine room automation systems, maintenance management software, and international maritime codes is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing engineering teams and ensuring compliance. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining vessel safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance at sea.

What are some common challenges maritime chief engineers face when managing shipboard engineering teams?

Maritime Chief Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating maintenance schedules to minimize downtime, ensuring compliance with international safety and environmental regulations, and managing a multicultural engineering crew. Effective communication and leadership are essential for addressing technical issues swiftly and fostering teamwork. Adapting to rapidly changing conditions at sea and troubleshooting machinery malfunctions under pressure are also key aspects of the role.

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

AspectMaritime Chief EngineerMarine Engineer
CertificationsSTCW Chief Engineer Certificate, Marine Engineering LicenseSTCW Marine Engineer Certificate, Engine Room License
Work EnvironmentOversees entire engine department, manages technical operationsPerforms maintenance, repairs, and operation of ship engines
Employer & Industry UsageShip owners, shipping companies, maritime industryShip operators, maritime service providers

The Maritime Chief Engineer holds a senior position responsible for the entire engine department, overseeing technical operations and ensuring safety standards. The Marine Engineer typically performs hands-on maintenance and repairs under the Chief Engineer's supervision. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but the Chief Engineer has broader managerial responsibilities.

What states have the most Maritime Chief Engineer jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Maritime Chief Engineer jobs?

For Maritime Chief Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Maritime Chief Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

Astrion
5 - 10K employees

$65/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Overview

Chief Engineer (Permanent Party)

LOCATION: San Diego, CA

JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to Kwajalein (permanent change of station)

CLEARANCE: background check/CAC card

CERTIFICATION: USCG

TRAVEL: 100%

COMPENSATION: Max $65/hr

 

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Chief Engineer to work full time aboard USAV Worthy

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Education:

  • Must have a High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Graduate of a state or federal Maritime Academy, or U.S. Naval or Coast Guard Academy, as a Marine Engineer, or U.S. Naval schools or equivalent in Propulsion; Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc.
    • A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be substituted for the formal education requirement.

Experience:

  • A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels

Certifications:

  • US Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer of inspected motor vessels operating on oceans, on vessels powered by not less than 2500 HP. USCG Chief Engineer of Steam / Motor / Gas Turbine, STCW International license and accompanying endorsements.
  • Ability to pass a federal background check to obtain and hold a DoD Common Access Card (CAC).  Current U.S. Citizenship Required 
  • Ability to pass a post offer drug screen and physical/medical clearance.
  • Current and Valid U.S. Passport*. 

*(Passport, MMC/MMD, and med cert must have minimum of 6 months of validity prior to placement, or proof of renewal in progress.) 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS 

  • Experience or background in government/public vessel operations.
  • Experience with vessels in a reduced operating status (ROS).
  • Background in supporting US Army requirements as it pertains to ocean going vessels.
  • Experience with diesel electric propulsion systems.
  • Knowledge of common safety practices and protective equipment used on an ocean-going vessel. 
  • Self-starter, team player and conscientious worker.

 RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief Engineer on the vessel and must work closely with the vessel Master, Chief Mate, and other personnel involved with vessel operations including RGNEXT range safety personnel and embarked personnel.  The USAV Worthy is a 200 ft long, 1,483 ton, special purpose vessel with a diesel electric propulsion system and a bow thruster.  She typically carries a crew of 13 and up to 20 embarked mission personnel. Operates and maintains the assigned vessel’s propulsion and auxiliary engineering systems.

  • Work with the vessel Master and the Chief Mate in executing the USAV Worthy maintenance program. Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the vessel’s systems in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
  • Determine, source, and order parts, supplies, and material requirements for job accomplishment.
  • Accurately inputs O&M data, as well as projects long range maintenance issues.
  • Ensures the vessel maintains ABS Load‐line and U.S. Army standards.
  • Remains on standby/recall status to the vessel during dockside periods, as needed.
  • Participates in the vessels off site OCCM (On‐Condition Cyclic Maintenance) Dry‐docking on a three-year basis
  • Supervises engineering team including permanent crew and surge crew.  Aids in training and development of crew members.
  • Reports to the Master and the RGNEXT Technical lead for Range and Mission Safety.
  • Coordinates with mission staff (supernumeraries) and other personnel on Kwajalein for logistics, provisioning, re-stocking, and requesting maintenance activities for the vessel.
  • Ensures the vessel maintains ABS Load‐line and U.S. Army standards.
  • Ensure logbooks and records are maintained and accurately completed.
  • Complies with and enforces safety regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures both within the Astrion polices and the relevant and applicable RGNEXT OSHE policies: including but not limited to RGNEXT OSHE hearing conservation and respiratory protection programs. 
  • Ensures the vessel is operated and navigated in accordance with applicable US laws/regulations and host nation laws/regulations.
  • Perform Fire and Emergency duties associated with the Chief Engineer’s billet on Ship’s Station Bill. 

#CJ