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Merchant Marine Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$43K - $75K/yr

A COPY OF BOTH TWIC AND MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL ENDORSED AS CHIEF ENGINEER; OR LIMITED ... Checks, operates, and maintains marine equipment such as engines, generators, steering gears, pumps ...

... in marine transportation. McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking Licensed Engineers to join our ... The Licensed Engineer is an experienced skilled crewmember on board the vessel's Engineering ...

... in marine transportation. McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking Licensed Engineers to join our ... The Licensed Engineer is an experienced skilled crewmember on board the vessel's Engineering ...

Service Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Our solutions are found in over half of the world's merchant fleet. We believe MacGregor is a great ... We are seeking a hands-on expert to perform repair, maintenance and service on critical marine ...

Service Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Our solutions are found in over half of the world's merchant fleet. We believe MacGregor is a great ... We are seeking a hands-on expert to perform repair, maintenance and service on critical marine ...

... Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in ... The QMED stands engineering watches as assigned and contributes to the overall efficiency and ...

Showing results 21-30

Merchant Marine Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$25

$42

$75

How much do merchant marine engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for merchant marine engineer in Virginia is $42.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.68 and $51.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Merchant Marine Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Merchant Marine Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Merchant Marine Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Merchant Marine Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,520 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR 2/REACTOR STOREROOM

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Newport News, VA • On-site

$94K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,298 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Req ID: 48779
Team: X73 PRD RFLG&NUC SPPT
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: 1st
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirements: Yes, up to 10% of the time
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $94,000.00 to $117,000.00
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding
With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.
The Role
Coordinate and supervise all aspects of the construction process for AOR including defining the project scope, goals and deliverables that support build strategy and key event schedule. Manage project expectations with team members and other stakeholders to ensure quality and safety standards are met and that work is being performed as scheduled within contract specifications. Identify and expedite the resolution of design, material, grouping, scheduling, manpower, or other problems that could risk accomplishment of critical path work. Liaise with trades' management to control cost performance within AOR, to include determination of overtime requirements and identification/management of cost drivers. Assess all growth work and/or contract funded point changes are evaluated to ensure funding is authorized and work is integrated and achievable within schedule. Identify impact and potential risks and devise contingency plans. Perform inspections including, but not limited to, preliminary structural inspections, tank/void inspections, yard final inspections, inspection to support release of concealing materials, compartment and system turnover inspections and test inspections. Document discrepancies and issue to responsible party for corrections. Assess safety risks within AOR and develop mitigations plans as appropriate.
Thus position is for X73 Reactor Storeroom.
Must Have
3 years Construction Supervisor 1 experience OR 2 years CS1 experience and 2 years planning/production control experience OR High School + 6 years production supervisor experience OR BS/Apprentice + 4 years exempt related experience (Planning, Production Control, Engineering, Construction/Project, Merchant Marine) OR 3 years Military E-6 and above
Nice to Have
Nuclear Test and/or Temp System Expoerience; Manufacturing Shop Experience.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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