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Merchant Navy Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... the US Navy. The program operates and maintains prototype autonomous vessels for test and ... USCG Merchant Mariner credentials: 4000hp Chief Engineer or greater with corresponding STCW ...

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S. Navy; Or 5. Must have a Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD) and have been a qualified member of the engine department (QMED) as an oiler, fireman/water tender, refrigerating engineer or engineman ...

Plant Utilities Engineer 1

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$56K - $68K/yr

S. Navy; Or 5. Must have a Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD) and have been a qualified member of the engine department (QMED) as an oiler, fireman/water tender, refrigerating engineer or engineman ...

S Navy; Or 5. Must have a Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD) and have been a qualified member of the engine department (QMED) as an oiler, fireman/water tender, refrigerating engineer or engineman ...

Plant Utilities Engineer 1

Staten Island, NY ยท On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

S. Navy; Or 5. Must have a Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD) and have been a qualified member of the engine department (QMED) as an oiler, fireman/water tender, refrigerating engineer or engineman ...

Plant Utilities Engineer 1

Tupper Lake, NY ยท On-site

$56K - $68K/yr

S. Navy; Or 5. Must have a Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD) and have been a qualified member of the engine department (QMED) as an oiler, fireman/water tender, refrigerating engineer or engineman ...

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Support various projects across US Navy and Air Force team. * Work with highly motivated technical ... Experience with return merchandise authorization (RMA) process, defining help desk decision trees ...

Experience with the marine environment and/or marine equipment (Navy, Merchant Marine, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, etc.) * Experience with Marine Class Societies (ABS, DNV, LR, etc)

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Merchant Navy Engineer information

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$66K

$140K

How much do merchant navy engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant navy engineer in the United States is $66,016.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $92,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Merchant Navy Engineers?

Merchant Navy Engineers are specialized professionals who operate, maintain, and repair the machinery and technical equipment on ships. They are responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of engines, electrical systems, and other mechanical components vital for the vessel's operation. These engineers play a crucial role in the safety and efficiency of maritime transport by conducting regular inspections, troubleshooting issues, and performing necessary maintenance. Their work ensures that ships can travel safely across international waters, transporting goods and passengers worldwide.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Merchant Navy Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Merchant Navy Engineer, you need a solid grounding in marine engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and an accredited marine engineering degree or diploma, along with appropriate maritime certifications such as STCW. Proficiency in operating and maintaining ship engines, propulsion systems, and specialized maritime software is crucial. Strong teamwork, resilience, and clear communication skills are vital for effective collaboration and handling emergencies at sea. These skills ensure the safe, efficient operation of vessels and compliance with international maritime regulations.

What are some common challenges Merchant Navy Engineers face while working at sea?

Merchant Navy Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to long periods away from home, maintaining and repairing complex machinery in harsh marine environments, and responding quickly to equipment failures to ensure vessel safety. They must also work in shifts, which can disrupt normal sleep patterns, and collaborate closely with multicultural crews under sometimes stressful conditions. Developing strong technical, problem-solving, and communication skills can help overcome these challenges and contribute to a successful career at sea.

What is the difference between Merchant Navy Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectMerchant Navy EngineerMarine Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, STCW certification, license for merchant shipsEngineering degree, STCW certification, marine license
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, ports, shipyardsOnboard ships, marine repair facilities
Industry UsageShipping companies, cargo vessels, cruise shipsShip maintenance, repair, and manufacturing

Merchant Navy Engineers and Marine Engineers share similar qualifications and work environments, primarily onboard ships. The main difference lies in their employment context: Merchant Navy Engineers work specifically in the shipping industry, managing the operation and maintenance of commercial vessels. Marine Engineers may work in broader marine sectors, including shipbuilding and repair. Both roles require similar certifications and skills, making them closely related but distinct career paths within the maritime industry.

More about Merchant Navy Engineer jobs
What states have the most Merchant Navy Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Merchant Navy Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Merchant Navy Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Merchant Navy Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Merchant Navy Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,016 per year, or $31.7 per hour.
Chief Engineer Limited Tonnage O/MUSV

Chief Engineer Limited Tonnage O/MUSV

Leidos

Oxnard, CA โ€ข On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

Description

The Defense Sector at Leidos, supporting the Overlord Unmanned Surface Vessel (OMUSV) Program, is seeking a Chief Engineer with a USCG 4000hp or greater license to support a dynamic high growth organization. The O/MUSV program is based in Port Hueneme, CA, and is responsible for delivering cutting edge autonomous vessel technology to the US Navy.  The program operates and maintains prototype autonomous vessels for test and evaluation of the vessels as well as developing operations, maintenance, logistics and training procedures for the autonomous Fleet of the future. 

The Chief Engineer will supervise, coordinate, advise troubleshooting, and conduct maintenance aboard the Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) in addition to making administrative reports ashore. The Chief Engineer will travel and work onboard the USV at sea and in port, operating and maintaining the USV and support vessels.

Duties include primary responsibility for the USV propulsion system in port and underway, in addition to preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of navy watercraft, and pre/post mission craft readiness functions. Provides facility maintenance expertise and leadership responsibility.  Crew will work rotating shifts of approximately 28 days, while on rotation crew should expect to work 12 hour shifts daily.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Report to USV Master and Port Captain for pier side and afloat USV operations.

  • Take responsibility for first-line maintenance and repairs of USV propulsion system.  Perform/ supervise scheduled and corrective maintenance, integration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and automated control systems.

  • Participate in basic seamanship duties as required.

  • Assist in preparation, preservation, and cleanliness of assigned vessel, and any associated equipment.

  • Coordinate and assist in pre/post mission craft readiness functions.

  • May assist in vessel security and visitor control function.

  • Participate in Leidos and Government safety programs.

  • This position will require close cooperation and working relationships with active-duty military and other Government personnel.

Basic Qualifications

  • USCG Merchant Mariner credentials: 4000hp Chief Engineer or greater with corresponding STCW certificates

  • Position requires the ability to perform in an arduous duty environments.

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Ability to lift 40lbs

  • Individuals must possess the ability and demeanor to share common spaces over lengthy deployment periods and work closely with others in a small working area and in a shipboard environment

  • Must be able to communicate effectively

  • Must be a US Citizen

  • Must pass a background check and be able to gain access to US Navy Facilities

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working aboard US Government vessels

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo โ€” because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 โ€” and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 21, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidosโ€™ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system โ€“ never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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