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Merchant Marine Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

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All JobsMerchant Marine Engineer JobsMerchant Marine Engineer Jobs in California

Merchant Marine Engineer information

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$24

$42

$75

How much do merchant marine engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant 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 merchant marine engineer?

A Merchant Marine Engineer is responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the mechanical and electrical systems on a commercial vessel. They ensure the ship's engines, boilers, pumps, and other critical equipment function efficiently and safely. Engineers work in a hierarchical structure, from Third Assistant Engineer to Chief Engineer, with increasing responsibility. Their role is essential for the smooth operation of cargo ships, tankers, passenger vessels, and other maritime transport.

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

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical and marine engineering principles, often supported by a relevant degree and requisite licensure or certification such as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with engine room operations, maintenance management systems, and diagnostic tools is important for efficient machinery operation and troubleshooting. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for addressing onboard challenges and collaborating with crew members. These competencies are vital to ensure the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of shipboard mechanical systems during voyages.

What are typical work schedules and living conditions like for merchant marine engineers onboard ships?

Merchant Marine Engineers usually work in rotations or shifts while at sea, such as 4 hours on and 8 hours off, to ensure round-the-clock machinery operation and maintenance. Living conditions typically include shared or private cabins, with access to communal dining and recreation areas, and the work environment can be physically demanding due to noise, heat, and confined spaces. Engineers spend several weeks or months onboard, followed by extended leave periods ashore. This schedule offers a unique lifestyle with long periods away from home, but it also provides opportunities for travel and significant time off between assignments. If you enjoy hands-on technical work, international travel, and the camaraderie of a close-knit team, this career path offers a rewarding and distinct work environment.

Is it hard to get a job in Merchant Marine Engineer?

Getting a job as a Merchant Marine Engineer can be competitive and typically requires relevant certifications, such as a Merchant Mariner Credential, and experience at sea. Opportunities depend on industry demand, vessel availability, and the individual's qualifications and training in marine engineering systems. Building skills in navigation, safety protocols, and technical maintenance improves employability in this field.

What does a merchant marine engineer do?

A merchant marine engineer is responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the propulsion systems, engines, and auxiliary machinery on ships. They ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the vessel's mechanical systems and typically hold certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential. Their work environment is onboard ships, often requiring working in shifts and adhering to safety protocols.

What does a merchant marine engineer make?

A merchant marine engineer typically earns between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel type, and rank. They are responsible for maintaining and operating the ship's propulsion and auxiliary systems, often working on a schedule that includes extended periods at sea. Certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential are required for employment in this field.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merchant Marine Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,117 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Port Engineer

T-Solutions, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Overview
T-Solutions: Your Preferred Partner for Global Services and Innovative Solutions
At T-Solutions, we pride ourselves on being the company of choice for those seeking top-tier global services and innovative solutions. Our team comprises highly qualified and uniquely skilled professionals dedicated to delivering services with integrity. We are committed to excellence, enriching our clients, employees, and communities.
Who We Are
T-Solutions is a woman-owned, veteran-owned business based in Chesapeake, Virginia. We specialize in creating exceptional, responsive solutions to complex challenges for our global clients in government contracting. As an innovative and agile provider, we offer specialized technical solutions and a unique set of capabilities that support mission-critical operations and decision-making. Our expertise spans defense, security, maintenance engineering, logistics, and business transformation, ensuring our customers' success in today's dynamic environment. We align our core competencies with our customers' current and future needs, continually adapting emerging and proven technologies to enhance their capabilities.
Career Opportunity
We are looking for dedicated candidates to fill the role of Port Engineer. As T-Solutions' onboard representative, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of our ships. Your primary responsibility will be to routinely validate shipboard conditions through personal observation and evaluation.
As a Port Engineer, you will lead a maintenance team and act as the primary representative for the Type Commander (TYCOM) and the Commanding Officer in all off-ship maintenance and modernization efforts. Your in-depth knowledge of the operational and maintenance needs of your assigned ship(s) will be essential in maintaining mission readiness.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manages an online database for all jobs.
  • Validates work requests, assigns preliminary estimates and plans prioritized work packages within budget and time constraints for TYCOM approval.
  • Review work specifications, coordinate schedules with repair activities, oversee repairs, and provide input for all maintenance funding decisions.
  • Meets daily with the ships' crew, department heads, and commanding officers.
  • Reviews implementation, challenges, opportunities, and resources relating to the Consolidated Ship's Maintenance Plan.
  • Recommend suggestions and edits to the Ship's Force if the current content does not provide accurate or complete information to determine the location.
  • Provides risk assessment and prioritization to the vessel's commanding officer using the approved TYCOM format for all on- and off-ship maintenance requirements.
  • Attends weekly status meetings and provides requested information to support maintenance planning and correction maintenance recommendations.
  • Attends ship maintenance, repair, and assessment events to answer real-time questions surrounding logistics, maintenance scope, funding shortfalls, budgetary constraints and mission impacts.
  • Develop agendas and present details on the Planning Board for Maintenance and deconflict planned and unplanned operational, schedule, and work integration issues.
  • Performs a weekly review and ship check, to include applicable personal observations and discussions of all assessments and planned requirements.
  • Review the entire maintenance process.
  • Provide an annual prioritized list for all off-ship maintenance requirements for developing the Maintenance and Modernization Business Plan.
  • Develop recommendations for authorized work packages within TYCOM's established funding controls.
  • Provide a business case analysis in the prescribed TYCOM format when recommending changes to the business plan.
  • Provide funding shift recommendations for efficient execution of availabilities.
  • Possesses the necessary knowledge to adhere to contractual requirements for our government clients.
  • Performs all duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner in accordance with established company policies to achieve the overall objectives of this position.

Travel
  • This position includes a low level of travel of 5-15% to Fleet Concentration Support areas.
  • Frequent underway time for sea trials, testing, inspections, ship checks, and other events as needed.
  • Attend ship deployments, including port-to-port transfers, sea trials, mid-deployment ship checks, sister ship visits, and mid-deployment voyage repairs.

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills, and Abilities Required
It is recognized that there are numerous career experiences that can provide the knowledge and skills to be a successful Port Engineer. Candidates meeting one of the following requirements are eligible to apply.
  • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or inactive at time of hire.
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or an equivalent marine engineering degree
  • Knowledge of and recent experience in commercial maritime, U.S. Navy (USN), USCG, Military Sealift Command (MSC), or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship maintenance and repair.
  • Combined recent professional maritime experience greater than or equal to five years.

Or
  • USN or USCG Officer (03 or higher), Limited Duty Officer (LDO) or Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) with a minimum of two sea tours or combination of tours as Chief Engineer (CHENG), and/or Main Propulsion Assistant (MPA). CVN or LHA/LHD Auxiliaries Officer (AUXO) may be combined with CHENG or MPA sea tour.
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or an equivalent marine engineering degree.
  • Minimum of four years recent experience in commercial maritime, USN, USCG, MSC, or NOAA ship maintenance and repair. May include time on a Navy Regional Maintenance Center (RMC) or TYCOM engineering staff engaged in ship maintenance and repair.

Or
  • USCG Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher. License may be active or inactive at time of hire. In lieu of sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer, a minimum of five years recent experience in a project management position for commercial maritime, USN, USCG, MSC, or NOAA ship maintenance and repair.
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or an equivalent marine engineering degree.

Or
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or an equivalent marine engineering degree.
  • Minimum eight years in a project management position for commercial maritime, USN, USCG, MSC, or NOAA ship maintenance and repair.

Qualifications
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance is highly desired; however, candidates eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance will be considered. The selected candidate will receive a contingent offer if they do not hold an active clearance. A start date will be established once a fully adjudicated Secret clearance is granted.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must possess a valid Driver's License.
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from various work locations.
  • Must have a valid passport or the ability to obtain a passport.
  • Must maintain the capability to communicate with their supervisor or manager when not in the office. This includes using your equipment and services for business-related purposes. The compensation for this position includes incidental costs for work-related usage of your personal devices.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to traverse stairs, fixed ladders, and ladder wells frequently while walking ships daily.
  • Wherewithal to spend several consecutive days at sea while underway as needed.
  • Capable of sitting for long periods, standing, walking, crouching, and kneeling.
  • Reaching, handling, using equipment, keyboards, and mobile devices.
  • Lifting boxes (files and supplies) up to 20 lbs.

T-Solutions is proud to be an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.
T-Solutions is proud to be a Veteran-Friendly Employer. It does not discriminate against qualified applicants because of their status as a protected veteran or their relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members.
In compliance with California's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the minimum salary for this position is $120,000 per year and a maximum salary of $130,000 per year. The minimum salary excludes applicable benefits, bonuses, or performance spot awards. T-Solutions, Inc. considers several factors when extending an offer, including, but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

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