ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Seaman Electrical Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Tugboat Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$450 - $875/day

Able Seaman Endorsement * STCW Basic Training VESSEL PROFICIENCIES: * Assistant or sole Engineer on tugs * Basic knowledge and troubleshooting abilities on electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSeaman Electrical Engineering Jobs

Seaman Electrical Engineering information

See salary details

$41.5K

$141.6K

$204K

How much do seaman electrical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for seaman electrical engineering in the United States is $141,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,500.00 and $157,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seaman Electrical Engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seaman Electrical Engineering, you need a solid understanding of marine electrical systems, electronics, and safety protocols, generally supported by a technical diploma or degree in electrical engineering and relevant maritime certifications. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, PLCs (programmable logic controllers), and shipboard electrical maintenance systems is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set individuals apart in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining vessel safety, ensuring operational efficiency, and addressing electrical issues in challenging maritime environments.

Can an Electrical Engineer work in a ship?

Yes, electrical engineers can work on ships, often in roles related to shipboard electrical systems, power distribution, and automation. They typically need relevant certifications, knowledge of maritime standards, and experience with marine electrical equipment. Such positions may involve working in challenging environments and require understanding of safety protocols and maritime regulations.

What are Seaman Electrical Engineers?

Seaman Electrical Engineers are specialized personnel on board ships responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of electrical systems and equipment. Their duties include troubleshooting and fixing electrical circuits, ensuring the safe functioning of navigation and communication devices, and performing routine inspections of the ship's electrical infrastructure. They play a critical role in maintaining ship safety and efficiency by ensuring all electrical systems operate smoothly while at sea or in port.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior electrical engineers, especially those in specialized fields like power systems, aerospace, or working in high-cost-of-living areas, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles, often combined with bonuses or profit-sharing. In the context of seaman electrical engineering, such high salaries are uncommon unless combined with managerial responsibilities or working in niche industries.

What are some typical challenges Seaman Electrical Engineers face when working onboard ships?

Seaman Electrical Engineers often face the challenge of maintaining and troubleshooting complex electrical systems in a confined and constantly moving environment. They must quickly diagnose and repair issues to minimize downtime, frequently working under time pressure and sometimes in adverse weather conditions. Collaboration with other departments, such as the engine and deck crews, is essential to ensure systems run smoothly and safely. Additionally, adapting to varied schedules and extended periods away from shore can be challenging but also fosters strong teamwork and resilience.

What is the difference between Seaman Electrical Engineering vs Marine Electrician?

AspectSeaman Electrical EngineeringMarine Electrician
CredentialsRelevant electrical certifications, maritime trainingElectrical licenses, maritime safety certifications
Work EnvironmentShipboard, offshore platforms, maritime facilitiesShips, docks, marine maintenance sites
Industry UsageMaritime industry, shipping companiesMarine repair, shipping, offshore industries

Seaman Electrical Engineering focuses on electrical systems aboard ships and offshore platforms, combining maritime training with electrical expertise. Marine Electricians specialize in maintaining and repairing electrical systems on ships and marine structures. While both roles require electrical certifications and maritime knowledge, Seaman Electrical Engineers often have a broader engineering background, whereas Marine Electricians focus more on hands-on electrical repairs and maintenance.

What is the highest paid type of Electrical Engineer?

Among electrical engineering roles, power systems engineers and control systems engineers tend to have the highest salaries, especially those working in specialized industries like aerospace, defense, or oil and gas. Senior positions, certifications, and experience with advanced tools such as PLCs or SCADA systems can also significantly increase earning potential.

Can you make $500,000 as an Electrical Engineer?

Seaman Electrical Engineers typically earn salaries that are below $500,000 annually, with most salaries ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires advanced roles, management positions, or specialized skills such as project management or working in high-paying sectors like oil and gas or aerospace, often combined with overtime or bonuses.
Infographic showing various Seaman Electrical Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,578 per year, or $68.1 per hour.
Tugboat Engineer

Tugboat Engineer

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Long Beach, CA

$450 - $875/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.


THIS ROLE:

Engineers will work directly with the Port Engineer, and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard.


Schedule: This is a full-time position. Days and hours are project specific and will require significant time/travel away from home. This position frequently requires long hours, weekend work, and offshore travel.


WHO YOU ARE:


Mental Aptitudes

  • Attention to detail / excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to handle stressful situations with focus, including safe and effective decision-making under potentially dangerous conditions.
  • Continuously demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and ownership by being proactive in all situations/tasks
  • Understanding the importance of being a mentor, the ability to invest in the development and success of others
  • Superior communication skills, ability to speak to your audience whether it be the office or instructing/training multi-levels of crew, etc.
  • Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning skills, ability to not only plan and execute voyage, but also have a complete understanding of the vessel (mechanical and movement)

Physical Aptitudes

  • Agility to traverse uneven ground and walk, gangways at various heights
  • Agility to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps/ladders several times a day
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds safely; moving equipment that is heavy, large, or awkward
  • Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; makeup tows with wire rigging; operate deck machinery; work on equipment that is poorly accessible
  • Ability to work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces
  • Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or during an emergency
  • Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard the vessel
  • Demonstrate good personal hygiene, always maintain cleanliness
  • Must be able to swim

Engineer I - $450 - $550/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • TWIC Card
  • MMC - OS/Wiper
  • CG Med Cert
  • Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • MMC QMED/Oiler
  • Able Seaman Endorsement
  • STCW Basic Training


VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Assistant or sole Engineer on tugs
  • Basic knowledge and troubleshooting abilities on electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems
  • Tow winch operation
  • Cleaning and maintaining an engine room to the Curtin Standard

COMPLIANCE:

  • Basic proficiency in operation of Vessel Management System (VMS)
  • Understanding and compliance with the Curtin Standard
  • Thorough recordkeeping and reporting to Port Engineer


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Take ownership of assigned vessels. Maintain inventories, work plans, and be proactive in creating requisitions and leaving the vessel cleaner than you found it.
  • Manage Deckhands (when applicable) on projects and during downtime.
  • Partner with the Port Engineer and Captain to plan work while underway.

Engineer II - $550 - $650/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I
  • MMC - QMED/Oiler
  • STCW Basic Training

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled in all Deckhand I - III position duties
  • Engineer "signed off" on multiple vessels in the fleet.
  • "Figuring it out." With some guidance, Engineer II's should be able to get on a new boat and figure out the basic engineering systems on board.
  • Growing understanding and troubleshooting/repair abilities in all vessel systems

COMPLIANCE:

  • Proficient utilization and operation of VMS
  • Beginning understanding of Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Manage teams on vessel projects and hold all accountable for completing tasks and assignments.
  • Assist Captain in making sure "everyone always has something to do!"
  • Lead by example, don't just say how it should be done. Do it!

Engineer III - $650 - $750/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I & II
  • DDE 1000

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • STCW - RFPEW

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Engineer on all vessels in the fleet, including ocean tugs.
  • "Figuring it out." Engineer II's should be able to get on any boat, without prior knowledge or instruction and figuring out how to engineer it.
  • Thorough understanding and troubleshooting/repair abilities in all vessel systems
  • Critical path and proactive planning to maximize efficiency in operations of the engineering of the vessel including maintaining a constant state of readiness.

COMPLIANCE:

  • Full utilization and operation of VMS
  • Thorough understanding of Sub-M, ABS, and USCG requirements
  • Experience participating in external and internal audits.
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Strong management skills as it relates to fellow crew, vendors, and shipyards.
  • Maintain a constant training ground onboard the vessel for Engineers I & II and Deckhands.
  • Provide critical and constructive feedback to other crew and on equipment, jobs, etc.


Engineer IV - $750-800/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I - III
  • DDE 4000

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • STCW - RFPEW, AS-Engine

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled at a high level in engineering, troubleshooting, and repair of all equipment in the fleet including: tugs, cranes, winches, electrical systems, pumps, auxiliary equipment, gasoline engines, vehicles, etc.
  • Heavy repair experience including engine overhauls, power pack replacement, etc.
  • Experience in system installation on new and retrofit applications including repowers, hydraulic, and other plumbing systems.
  • Commissioning new vessels to the fleet, including creating critical spares lists and standard operating procedures. "Take a dark dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work!"
  • Basic welding skills

COMPLIANCE:

  • Well versed in completing external and internal audits, as well as participating in building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function.


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Experience managing dry-dockings and repairs.
  • Ability to act as your own project manager. Interacting with and managing vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, Curtin Shoreside Team, etc.
  • Participate in the creation of SOP's and other training content.


Engineer V - $800 - $875/day


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • All those listed in Engineer I - IV
  • DDE Any HP - 500 Ton

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

  • STCW - RFPEW, AS-Engine
  • STCW - OICEW

VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:

  • Skilled at a high level in engineering, troubleshooting, and repair of all equipment in the fleet including: tugs, cranes, winches, electrical systems, pumps, auxiliary equipment, gasoline engines, vehicles, etc.
  • Heavy repair experience including engine overhauls, power pack replacement, etc.
  • Experience in system installation on new and retrofit applications including repowers, hydraulic, and other plumbing systems.
  • Commissioning new vessels to the fleet, including creating critical spares lists and standard operating procedures. "Take a dark dead boat with nothing on it and get it ready to work!"
  • Basic welding skills

COMPLIANCE:

  • Well versed in completing external and internal audits, as well as participating in building audit criteria to improve the Curtin Standard
  • Proven track record of performance in the VMS as well as training others in its use and function


LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:

  • Experience managing drydockings and repairs.
  • Ability to act as your own project manager. Interacting with and managing vendors, regulatory bodies, shipyards, Curtin Shoreside Team, etc.
  • Participate in the creation of SOP's and other training content.


WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous benefits package including:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Short-term Disability
    • AD&D/Life Insurance
    • 401k (with company match)
    • Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.


Curtin Maritimeis an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Apply