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Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Port Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Our diverse operational fleet serves the science, research, offshore energy, defense, and renewable ... Liaise with vessel chief engineers to address technical needs during missions and port calls.

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

$65/hr

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: Kwajalein Army Garrison (Marshall Islands) JOB ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Chief Engineer

Del Mar, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Overview Chief Engineer (Permanent Party) LOCATION: San Diego, CA JOB STATUS: Full Time PCS to ... Experience or background in government/public vessel operations. * Experience with vessels in a ...

Showing results 21-40

Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do offshore vessel chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for offshore vessel chief engineer in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer vs Offshore Vessel Second Engineer?

AspectOffshore Vessel Chief EngineerOffshore Vessel Second Engineer
CredentialsMarine Engineering Certification, STCW certifications, relevant experienceSimilar certifications, often with less seniority
Work EnvironmentEngine room, overseeing all engineering operationsAssists Chief Engineer, handles specific engineering tasks
ResponsibilitiesOverall engine maintenance, management of engineering crew, safety complianceSupports Chief Engineer, manages daily engine room activities

The Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer holds a senior engineering leadership role, responsible for the entire engine department, while the Offshore Vessel Second Engineer assists and manages specific tasks under the Chief Engineer's supervision. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the engine room, but the Chief Engineer has broader responsibilities and authority.

What are some common challenges faced by offshore vessel chief engineers and how can they be managed?

Offshore Vessel Chief Engineers often deal with maintaining complex machinery in harsh marine environments, where equipment failures can have significant operational impacts. Common challenges include troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues with limited resources, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and coordinating with multinational crews. Effective communication, proactive maintenance planning, and strong problem-solving skills are essential to manage these challenges and keep the vessel running smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an offshore vessel chief engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of marine engineering, propulsion systems, and regulatory compliance, usually backed by a relevant engineering degree and a Chief Engineer’s license (STCW III/2). Proficiency with engine room management systems, planned maintenance systems (PMS), and diagnostics tools is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help ensure smooth operations and effective team management under challenging offshore conditions. These competencies are vital for maintaining vessel safety, operational efficiency, and environmental compliance in demanding maritime environments.

What does an offshore vessel chief engineer do?

An Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of all engineering equipment and systems on board an offshore vessel, such as engines, generators, and auxiliary machinery. They manage the engineering crew, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and coordinate repairs and maintenance schedules. The Chief Engineer also monitors fuel consumption, maintains engineering records, and ensures the vessel’s machinery operates efficiently and safely during offshore operations.
More about Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Offshore Vessel Chief Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Chief Engineer (OSV)

Edison Chouest Offshore

Golden Meadow, LA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Edison Chouest Offshore rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Edison Chouest Offshore is looking to hire a Chief Engineer (OSV). Applicants should have a license of Chief Engineer (OSV) 10,000 or higher. 

Responsibilities 

  • Responsible for the efficient management of the engineering department and keeping the Master fully informed of the state of the machinery and equipment.  Supervises and coordinates activities of crew engaged in operating, proper labeling, inspection, and maintaining propulsion engines, deck machinery, electrical refrigeration, and sanitary equipment.

  • Report any shortcomings, inaccuracies, or conflicts in any portion of the MS to the Master

Marine Functions

  • Ensures paperwork requirements are met

  • Understands procedures and is able to receive and pump all fluids and cargo

  • Adhere to and comply with the company policies, USCG, and environmental regulations

  • This position requires working 7 days a week on a rotating schedule, with shifts lasting at least 12 hours within each 24-hour period. Occasionally, shifts may extend, but will not exceed 14 consecutive hours.

  • Overhauls lifeboats and lifeboat gear and lowers or raises lifeboats with a winch or falls

  • May be concerned with only one phase of duties, such as maintenance of the ship's gear and decks or watch duties

  • Participates in safety and rescue drills for emergency situations

  • Provides and/or assists with training

  • Lubricates deck machinery and equipment

  • Knowledgeable of all the vessels machinery, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance

  • Performs any duty that may be required as part of training 

  • Holds a valid merchant mariner credential

  • Ensures cleanliness of the engine room, bilges, rudder room, and void spaces, maintains engine room watch when underway, examines machinery for specified pressures and flow of lubricants, oils, and greases moving parts

Emergency Response Functions

Safety Sensitive Duties

Include but are not limited to; directing and mustering passengers in emergencies, passing out lifejackets, controlling and operating lifesaving equipment, controlling and operating firefighting equipment

Safety Sensitive Position

  • Is any position aboard a vessel, that requires the person filling that position to perform one or more safety-sensitive duties on either a routine or emergency-only basis. Any person filling a safety-sensitive position is subject to U.S Coast Guard drug and alcohol testing. All crew members are considered to be filling safety-sensitive positions as well.

  • Ensures first aid is provided to victims

  • Launches lifeboats/life rafts

  • Firefighting and damage control

  • Responsible for securing water-tight or gas-tight integrity of the vessel

  • Emergency Repairs

  • Operates fixed fire fighting equipment

  • Assist on deck for man overboard crisis

  • Directed by the Master/Mate to take appropriate actions at the scene of an emergency

Security Functions

  • Designated Security Duties

HSE Responsibilities

  • Document and notify supervisor immediately of any accidents/illnesses/vessel incidents/ near misses/ etc.

  • Participate and supervise the company’s safety programs (i.e. Safety Observations, Toolbox Talks, Permit to Work, Near Miss, Risk Assessments, etc.)

  • Utilize “Stop Work Authority” if any personal safety, environmental risk, property damage, or company reputation is at risk

  • Responsible for ensuring the maintenance and use of all necessary PPE

  • Performs all duties while wearing protective equipment including foul weather gear, PFD, gloves, boots, eye protection, hearing protection, etc.

  • Responsible for ensuring and supervising the elimination of at-risk behaviors by reducing unsafe conditions and unsafe acts on and around the work site

Supervisory Functions

  • Responsible for the Engineer's standing orders of the company and for particular orders he/she deems necessary. The Engineer is responsible for ensuring all orders are written, understood, and signed by all engine crew.

  • Remain alert at all times for potential hazards

  • Responsible for imparting knowledge about the specific features, characteristics, and procedures of the vessel operations to crew members and the orientation of all new personnel aboard the vessel

  • Provide on-the-job training

  • Responsible for ongoing safety programs aboard the vessel, emergency drills, and emphasizing the use of PPE

  • Ensures that he/she is capable of navigating through and communicating the requirements and contents of the MS to company representatives, regulatory personnel, and vessel crew-members

  • Perform any other additional duties that may be required or assigned

  • Instruct and assist in maintenance and repair

  • Ensures morale and discipline

  • Chief Engineers are to ensure full handover is completed with the oncoming Chief Engineer and documented using the Engineer Turnover Report in Checklist

Work Environment

  • Work in locations not accessible to definitive medical care 

Physical Demands

  • Required to be able to read and write in English, calculate, have estimation skills, possess good verbal presentation, and be able to communicate effectively

  • Required to be able to tolerate repetitive and prolonged postures involving standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, kneeling, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, stretching, reaching, and reaching to full range from above head to the floor

  • Required to be able to utilize good dexterity and frequently use one or two hands throughout the work period

  • Required good balance/coordination when walking over uneven and/or slippery surfaces

  • Required to have sufficient cardio-respiratory fitness to perform medium-heavy physical labor involving the ability to sit and/or stand for extended time frames, walk for prolonged periods, handle various tools, climb ladders, and climb stairwells

  • Subject to adverse weather conditions including rough seas, cold, wet, elevated temperatures, and humid conditions

  • Required to be able to lift at least 50 pounds

  • Required to demonstrate physical demand requirements during initial pre-employment physical and any future physicals while employed

  • Able to repeatedly walk the length of the vessel

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Edison Chouest Offshore family of companies is committed to ensuring all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law with regard to any employment practices. We are dedicated to ensuring all employees are treated with the utmost level of respect as we believe this is the strongest foundation to build upon to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable handling their assignments, sharing their ideas, and pointing out opportunities for improvement.

ECO offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) match.


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