1

Merchant Marine Engine Room Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tankerman

Gray, LA · On-site

$23.75 - $27.75/hr

Minor engine room work * Painting * Cooking Our tankermen work rotating schedules of 28/14 or 20/10. Applicants must have a valid Merchant Marine Credential, Driver's License and TWIC Card.

Marine Mechanic III

Juneau, AK · On-site

$20 - $34/hr

The Marine Mechanic III will perform oil and fuel filter changes, other basic preventative ... engine and jet room spaces throughout trip. * Fill in, as needed, aboard vessels as deckhand ...

Marine Mechanic III

Sitka, AK · On-site

$20 - $34/hr

The Marine Mechanic III will perform oil and fuel filter changes, other basic preventative ... engine and jet room spaces throughout trip. * Fill in, as needed, aboard vessels as deckhand ...

Deck Engine Utility (Wiper)

Galveston, TX · On-site

$27K - $55K/yr

Maintaining engine room cleanliness by practicing good housekeeping and by keeping the engine room ... S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Medical Certificate * Transportation Worker Identification ...

Perform routine engine room checks and maintenance * Conduct oil changes, filter replacements, and ... Familiarity with marine electrical systems preferred * Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ...

Marine Electrician

Houma, LA · On-site

$22 - $27.75/hr

... engine room equipment, galley equipment, cable layout and hook-up Physical Requirements: Up to 50lbs $24.00 - $25.00

Prior Navy (Nuclear or Conventional) or Merchant Marine engine room experience is a plus * Industrial journeyman level and on-the-job experience as a stationary engineer and/or heavy industrial ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Merchant Marine Engine Room information

See salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do merchant marine engine room jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine engine room in the United States is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Merchant Marine Engine Room jobs?

Merchant Marine Engine Room jobs involve operating, maintaining, and repairing the machinery and systems that power ships at sea. These roles include positions such as marine engineers, engine officers, and oilers who work below deck to ensure the vessel’s engines, boilers, pumps, and other mechanical systems run smoothly. Engine room personnel are responsible for regular inspections, troubleshooting, and keeping detailed records of maintenance work. They play a crucial role in the safe and efficient operation of merchant vessels, both during voyages and while docked. These jobs require technical training, often through maritime academies or apprenticeships, and certification to work on various types of ships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Merchant Marine Engine Room, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Merchant Marine Engine Room, you need solid mechanical and electrical knowledge, maritime engineering qualifications, and relevant Coast Guard or STCW certifications. Familiarity with engine monitoring systems, fuel management controls, and safety protocols is required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this environment. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of a ship's propulsion and power systems.

What are some common challenges faced by Merchant Marine Engine Room personnel during long voyages?

Merchant Marine Engine Room personnel often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability under continuous operation, managing fatigue due to shift work, and troubleshooting mechanical issues far from shore. The engine room can be a high-stress environment, especially during emergencies when quick and accurate decisions are crucial. Effective teamwork and communication with deck officers and other crew members are essential to ensure smooth vessel operations and safety at sea.

What is the difference between Merchant Marine Engine Room vs Marine Engineer?

AspectMerchant Marine Engine RoomMarine Engineer
CertificationsSTCW certifications, Merchant Mariner CredentialSTCW certifications, Engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, confined engine spacesOn ships or in shipyards, engine rooms or workshops
Industry UsageMaritime shipping, cargo vesselsShip operation, maintenance, design

The Merchant Marine Engine Room refers to the physical space and crew working within the ship's engine compartment, focusing on operational tasks. A Marine Engineer is a licensed professional responsible for maintaining and repairing ship engines and systems. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, the Merchant Marine Engine Room describes the location and crew, whereas Marine Engineer describes the professional role and responsibilities.

Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Engine Room job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 90% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,925 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
WIPER (Marine)

$29.93/hr

Other

Posted yesterday


Job description

WIPER
(Peak Part Time)
Location: Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Cape May, NJ
Pay Rate: $29.93 per hour
Opening Date: December 2, 2024 __________________Closing Date: December 16, 2024
I.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Wiper has the responsibility of assisting with engine room equipment operations including making log entries and reporting problems to the Chief Engineer. The Wiper assists with the maintenance and repair of the vessel while underway including rounds and log entries. The Wiper is responsible to the Chief Engineer for engine room duties. During emergency duties the wiper will follow the vessels station bill. When scheduled ashore they will report to the delegated Yard Supervisor for assignments. This is a safety sensitive position both underway and ashore. This individual is responsible for following established safety practices while performing assigned duties to protect self, co-workers, and the public from personal injury and to prevent damage to Authority property and the environment.
II.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*
Will participated in the safe operation of all engines, auxiliary machinery and related systems in the motor vessels and related facilities.
*
Complies with Federal Regulations 46 CFR subpart C ' 15.401, ' 15.405, subpart D ' 15.501
*
Maintains familiarity with individual vessel characteristics.
*
Assists in the engine room during vessel operation.
*
Participates in record keeping including official machinery logs and reporting data to the Chief for maintenance logs and repair requests.
*
Has effective knowledge of the engine room Standard Operating Procedures plan and the DRBA Facilities Operations Manual and can follow the instructions of the plans.
*
Monitors machinery and auxiliary systems and equipment throughout the vessel with an eye toward early identification of problems.
*
Assists in the primary maintenance of vessel engines, auxiliary machinery, and related systems while underway and ashore.
*
Performs routine maintenance of machinery and systems while underway and ashore
*
Helps diagnose malfunctions and provides recommendations for course of action to the Chief Engineer.
*
Ensures cleanliness of vessel engine room and other machinery spaces.
*
Performs maintenance and repair of vessels and related machinery while under way and scheduled ashore under the direction of the Yard supervisor or designee.
*
Provides the highest level of customer service and professionalism to all internal and external customers
III.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
*
Ability to follow directions
*
Good mechanical aptitude, Familiarity with basic tools and PPE
*
Familiar with the use and operation of motor vehicles, use of a fork truck
*
Ability to read and understand Standard operating procedures
*
Ability to provide superior customer service by responding in a courteous, timely, and efficient manner.
IV.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
*
Must be at least 21 years of age.
*
Must have high school diploma or equivalent
V. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND CERTIFICATIONS
*
Must have a valid Merchant Marine Document with endorsement for Wiper/Ordinary Seaman for vessels of the size and type as those used in the Cape May-Lewes Ferry operation.
*
An Oiler, QMED, or Assistant Engineer's license is preferred.
*
Valid Driver's license
VI.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
*
Subject to a background investigation and pre-employment physical including drug testing in accordance with applicable Federal Regulation for marine personnel
*
May be required to attend shipyard with port engineer and act as his/her representative as needed at remote locations and may be for extended periods of time
*
Delaware River and Bay Authority requires all employees to have direct deposit with a financial institution to receive their bi-weekly pay
******************************************************************************
If you are interested in applying for this position please complete the on-line application at www.drba.net. In addition, you also have the option of attaching a resume to the completed application.
The Delaware River and Bay Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer