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Merchant Marine Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

MATE TUG CLASS I

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$48.44 - $56.50/hr

S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Master of towing vessels upon Great Lakes and inland waters (or equivalent). * Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine ...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

MATE TUG CLASS I

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$48.44 - $56.50/hr

Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: a Mate of Self-propelled vessels not including auxiliary sail of less than 500 gross register tons (GRT)upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters (or ...

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All JobsMerchant Marine Engineer JobsMerchant Marine Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Merchant Marine Engineer information

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$21

$37

$66

How much do merchant marine engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine engineer in Michigan is $37.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.88 and $44.86 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

Merchant Marine Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Engineer job openings in Michigan 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 $77,821 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

MATE TUG CLASS I

Detroit, MI • On-site, Remote

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
National Security • 10K+ employees
Learn more about U.S. Army Corps of Engineersexternal

$48.44 - $56.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Summary
About the Position: Serves as Mate, of a diesel, Class I, tugboat over 65' feet in length, and displacing 500 gross tons, and has up to 2000 horsepower engine(s) or more.
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Duties
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  • Ensures vessel is prepared to sail at the scheduled time, is seaworthy, properly crewed and fitted to accomplished assigned mission.
  • Serves as timekeeper for the crew members and assists the Master to evaluate the crew's performance.
  • Navigates the vessel during assigned watch.
  • Observes weather conditions, forecasts, barometer, wind velocity, and other weather indicators to determine suitableness for operation.
  • Works from plans or field notes showing location and extent of work to be performed in removing shoals from channel. Locates area and makes necessary arrangement for accomplishing work.
  • Enforces safety regulations and instructs crew both on safety work procedures and work practices peculiar to floating plant.
  • Assigns port watches for safety and security of vessel and creates the schedule and insures equitable assignment of these duties to employees.
  • Sets port watch schedule for safety and security of vessel. Ensures equitable assignment/rotation of workers.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: a Mate of Self-propelled vessels not including auxiliary sail of less than 500 gross register tons (GRT)upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters (or greater/equivalent).
  • Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Master of towing vessels upon Great Lakes and inland waters (or equivalent).
  • Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Radar Observer (Unlimited)
  • This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Abuse Testing Program. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019-R. Individual must pass drug test.
  • This position requires a pre-employment physical exam AND annual physical due to the physical requirement of the position.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state issued motor vehicle driver's license.
  • This position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain a First Aid Certification.
  • This position requires incumbent to wear safety equipment and/or use personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
  • This position requires Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) up to 75% of duty time.
  • Shift work is required during open-water (lake) towing operations.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) MATE TUG CLASS I without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform operations of a vessel. I can perform common maintenance to deck machinery. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability to Follow Oral Directions
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation)
  • Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Vessel Operations

  • PHYSICAL EFFORT
    • Work requires moderate physical effort when lifting up to 40 pounds for loading supplies, winch controls, and performing miscellaneous duties. Work requires walking up and down stairs and ladders, bending, reaching, and standing for long periods. Moderate effort is required during general maintenance work. Coordination of hands, eyes, body, and legs in needed to work safely on wet decks especially when anchored in exposed locations during storms. Close hand and eye coordination is required when operating controls to maneuver vessel and tows in traffic and in confined or narrow areas.

  • WORKING CONDITIONS
    • Work is performed inside and outside of the pilot house, on deck and in other locations of the vessel where there is danger of slipping and falling overboard and drowning. There is exposure to traffic hazards, especially during foggy and inclement weather including high winds, rough seas, and strong currents and at night; A life jacket is worn at all times while on deck. When making repairs employee is exposed to injuries resulting from working around moving machinery and in cramped quarters and may be exposed to fumes from the oil and lubricants used, danger of burns, irritation from grease and oils, bruises, and strains.
    • Responsible for operating vessel through channels, rivers and open water under conditions such as combative winds during open lake towing missions and crane operation; extreme currents in river system operations; open water operation to include over 50 miles from nearest harbor or safe refuge; critical open water operation subject to rapidly changing weather conditions, water levels, high waves, and potential for significant changes in under-keel clearance due to sudden lake level fluctuations; navigating under ice conditions during strike operation in early and late operating seasons; and operating narrow channel areas, congested vessel traffic, small shallow harbors.

Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) 24 Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.

The following special programs/incentives may be offered if it is in the best interest of the government:
  • Advanced in-hire (offered to new to federal service employees only)
  • Advanced Leave Accrual (offered to new to federal service employees only)
  • Permanent Change of Station entitlement (PCS)
  • Relocation/Recruitment Incentives

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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About Army Corps of Engineers

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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