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Remote Merchant Marine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MARINE SURVEYOR

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$75K - $98K/yr

... remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for ... Coast Guard licensed marine engineer in the merchant marine. * For GS-11 (or equivalent ...

Electrical Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

Experience with navigation and marine electronics systems in a naval or merchant marine environment ... For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract ...

Electrical Engineer

$70K - $117K/yr

Experience with navigation and marine electronics systems in a naval or merchant marine environment ... For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract ...

Powersports, marine or automotive industry experience * Dealership sales experience * Strong ... Remote Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Lifecycle Engineer

$63K - $129K/yr

These ships are operated by US Coast Guard (USCG) licensed Merchant Mariners and maintained to ... marine engineering. Work packages and studies will be conducted to support vessels and upcoming ...

Powersports, marine or automotive industry experience * Dealership sales experience * Strong ... Remote Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Powersports, marine or automotive industry experience * Dealership sales experience * Strong ... Remote Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Remote Merchant Marine information

See salary details

$11K

$38.5K

How much do remote merchant marine jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote merchant marine in the United States is $36,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $37,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Remote Merchant Marine vs Merchant Marine Officer?

AspectRemote Merchant MarineMerchant Marine Officer
CredentialsCertifications like STCW, maritime licensesSTCW certifications, maritime licenses, officer credentials
Work EnvironmentRemote or onboard ships, often international watersOnboard ships, port operations, maritime industry
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, maritime agenciesShipping lines, maritime agencies, government vessels

Remote Merchant Marine roles typically involve remote coordination or administrative tasks related to maritime operations, often requiring maritime certifications. Merchant Marine Officers are licensed professionals working onboard ships or in maritime operations. While both roles are connected to the maritime industry, the Remote Merchant Marine focuses on remote support, whereas Merchant Marine Officers are actively involved in ship navigation and management.

What are remote merchant marines?

Remote merchant marines are maritime professionals who work on commercial ships or vessels, often handling navigation, cargo operations, and vessel maintenance, but with some or all of their duties performed remotely using digital tools and communication technology. This can include roles such as ship monitoring, logistics coordination, and technical support, conducted from onshore locations rather than onboard the ship. Remote merchant marines play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of merchant vessels while leveraging advancements in maritime technology.

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

To thrive as a Remote Merchant Marine, you need comprehensive knowledge of maritime operations, navigation, and safety procedures, typically backed by relevant maritime certifications such as Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW). Familiarity with shipboard management systems, electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), and communication tools is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for managing challenges at sea and working with diverse crews. These competencies ensure safe, efficient vessel operations and successful navigation of complex maritime environments.

What are some unique challenges of working remotely as a Merchant Marine, and how can they be managed?

Remote Merchant Marines often face challenges such as limited access to onshore resources, varying communication technologies, and the need to self-manage schedules and tasks while at sea. Staying connected with both the vessel's crew and shore-based teams requires adaptability and proficiency with digital communication tools. To manage these challenges, it's important to establish clear communication routines, stay updated on maritime regulations, and make use of virtual collaboration platforms to remain integrated with the broader team. Building strong self-discipline and proactively seeking support when needed can help ensure success in this unique work environment.
More about Remote Merchant Marine jobs
What cities are hiring for Remote Merchant Marine jobs? Cities with the most Remote Merchant Marine job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Marine jobs? The most popular types of Merchant Marine jobs are:
What states have the most Remote Merchant Marine jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Merchant Marine jobs include:
Infographic showing various Remote Merchant Marine job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,613 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

MARINE SURVEYOR

Military Sealift Command

Norfolk, VA • On-site, Remote

$75K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Military Sealift Command rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
All vacancies are located in the Assistant Port Engineer Branch (N757) in Norfolk, VA.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • You will manage the ships life cycle plan by planning, directing and coordinating the maintenance and repair activities requiring industrial assistance for assigned ships.
  • You will develop and review plans, work items and cost estimates for maintenance and repair and ship alteration work for assigned ships.
  • You will monitor contractor performance, identify deficiencies and initiate actions to correct any maintenance and operational deficiencies and rectify contractor performance.
  • You will regularly conduct ship checks to verify the work item technical requirements.
  • You will regularly work with the ship's force to troubleshoot systems and technically analyze causes of casualties.
  • You will support field inspections of shipyards to determine maintenance capabilities in advance of ship maintenance contract awards.
  • You will ensure that assigned ships are in full compliance with requirements of cognizant regulatory bodies, and the ships conform to required standards.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Passport.
  • This is a Mission Essential position. You will be required to ensure organization or facility continuity of operations and/or completion of tasks that are considered essential to the mission designated by a local or command decision.
  • Overtime may be required.
  • Shipyard and shipboard work is a requirement of the position where the incumbent may be required to climb, crawl, and bend to accomplish shipboard inspections.

Qualifications
Basic Requirements
This series covers technical positions supervising, leading, or performing work involving surveying Government-owned and/or operated vessels, or privately-owned and operated merchant vessels, to determine their condition and the extent of work necessary for the vessels and their components to meet specified requirements. The work requires applying a practical knowledge of:
  • preparing specifications, including estimates of labor and material costs, to cover work determined to be necessary as a result of surveys; and
  • inspecting and accepting the work accomplished to place the vessel in the condition specified.

Experience Requirements
Specialized Experience (for all positions): per OPM
Applicants must have had 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression. Specialized experience is responsible work in the maintenance and repair of ocean-going vessels that demonstrated the ability to survey and inspect such vessels for the purposes of classification, appraisal, determination of general conditions and fitness for operation, and determination of the extent of damage sustained and type and cost of repairs and reconditioning required. This experience may have been gained in marine surveying or other work such as:
  • Seagoing experience as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed marine engineer in the merchant marine.
    • For GS-11 (or equivalent), applicants must have sailed under a 2nd Assistant license for at least 1 year.
    • For GS-12 (or equivalent), applicants must have sailed under a 1st Assistant license for at least 1 year.
  • Experience in a ship repair yard or in the engineering department of a steamship company serving in positions such as marine superintendent or port engineer.

Specialized Experience (for all positions): per Agency
GS-12:
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience interpreting commercial regulatory bodies such as the American Bureau of Shipping, United States Coast Guard, American Petroleum Institute, America Society of Testing Materials, and MARPOL requirements and their standards, policies and procedures as they apply to the operation and maintenance of a combined commercial and military fleet of ships.
  • Experience supporting the alteration, improvement, maintenance and repair of assigned ship classes.
  • Experience supporting the liaison process between sponsors, design agents, shipyards, and contractors on maintenance, repair, funding and scheduling for matters impacting assigned ship classes.
  • Experience conducting ship checks to verify the work item technical requirements and regularly work with the ships force to troubleshoot systems and technically analyze the cause of casualties.

GS-11:
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Experience utilizing a wide range of shipboard main and auxiliary systems.
  • Experience utilizing vessel operations and maintenance both in a commercial and military environment.
  • Experience reviewing plans, specifications, preliminary technical reports, design drawings, specifications for ship maintenance and repairs, and alterations.
  • Experience communicating on equipment and system life cycle issues.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/marine-survey-technical-series-0873/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Education
There is no educational substitution for a GS-0873-12.
There is no educational substitution for a GS-0873-11.
Additional information
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Several vacancies may be filled.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf.
Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.
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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.
Review our benefits
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.