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Second Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Machine Operator 2nd Shift

Sylmar, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We are seeking a Machine Operator 2nd Shift CNC to join our team! You will help oversee operational ... Materials Engineer Evaluates materials and develops machinery and processes to manufacture ...

Lead Sensor Engineer

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$300K - $400K/yr

Lead Sensors Engineer / Sensor Architect You'll own sensor architecture and sensing system ... Own sensor selection, benchmarking, BOM strategy, and second-source planning across the sensing ...

CMM PROGRAMMER (VALVES) - 2ND SHIFT RESPONSIBILITIES: * Perform precision inspection (CMM or surface plate) verification on mechanical parts, components, assemblies and materials (may include but is ...

... programming processes for the R&D Machine Shop. * Will be responsible for answering questions and working with 2 other machinists over Second shift. * Overlap and communicate with day shift team to ...

$101K - $120K/yr

As a Field Application Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering Boston Dynamics robotic ... This position will be second shift 2pm-10pm. What you'll be doing: * Spearhead high-impact customer ...

Senior Welder - (2nd Shift)

Anaheim, CA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $25.25/hr

Senior TIG Welder (2nd shift 2:00PM-10:00 PM) Company: PEN Manufacturing Location: Anaheim, CA ... Work closely with machinists, engineers, and inspectors to deliver top-tier products on time.

Showing results 41-60

Second Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do second engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for second engineer in California is $100,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a second engineer?

A Second Engineer, also known as the First Assistant Engineer, is a licensed member of the engineering department on a ship. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the vessel's engine room and its machinery. The Second Engineer ensures that all systems are running efficiently, supervises engine room staff, and assists the Chief Engineer with technical operations and record-keeping. Their role is essential for the safe and smooth functioning of a ship's propulsion and auxiliary systems.

What are the main responsibilities of a second engineer on a commercial vessel, and how do they interact with other crew members?

As a Second Engineer, you are primarily responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the vessel's engine room and machinery. This involves supervising engine room staff, conducting regular inspections, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. You will work closely with the Chief Engineer to implement maintenance schedules and may also coordinate with deck officers and other departments to ensure smooth vessel operations. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as you will routinely delegate tasks and report maintenance activities to both senior officers and your team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a second engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Second Engineer, you need strong knowledge of marine engineering principles, machinery operation, and maintenance, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and a Certificate of Competency (STCW). Familiarity with engine room management systems, diagnostic tools, and compliance with international maritime regulations is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient operation of a vessel's machinery and compliance with safety and environmental standards.

What is the difference between Second Engineer vs Third Engineer?

AspectSecond EngineerThird Engineer
CertificationsSTCW certifications, Marine Engineering LicenseSTCW certifications, Marine Engineering License
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, engine roomOnboard ships, engine room
ResponsibilitiesAssist Chief Engineer, maintain engine systems, supervise junior engineersAssist Second Engineer, perform routine maintenance, support engine operations
Industry UsageMaritime shipping, cruise linesMaritime shipping, cruise lines

The Second Engineer and Third Engineer roles are both vital engine department positions on ships, requiring similar certifications and working in the engine room environment. The Second Engineer typically has more responsibilities, including supervising junior staff and overseeing engine maintenance, while the Third Engineer supports these tasks and handles routine maintenance. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient ship operations within the maritime industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Second Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Second Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Second Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

CNC Machinist 2nd Shift

Partners Personnel

Santa Fe Springs, CA โ€ข On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

The CNC Machinist position in Santa Fe Springs, CA is a full-time role focused on setting up and operating precision equipment to manufacture critical aerospace, defense, and flight hardware components.


Job Overview

·         Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

  • Pay Rate: $27.00 – $30.00 per hour
  • Job Type: Full-time, On-site
  • Shifts: 2nd Shift (3:00 pm – 11:30 pm), with weekends as needed


Key Responsibilities

  • Machine Operation: Set up and operate CNC machines, including Mills and Lathes.
  • Complex Setups: Perform complex independent setups, including checking or changing chucking jaws, tools, and rotating offsets.
  • Blueprint Reading: Interpret detailed engineering blueprints, manuals, and dispatch specifications to determine dimensions and tolerances.
  • Material Management: Work with aerospace materials (such as aluminum and steel alloys) to manufacture high-strength, flight-critical components like engine shafts, struts, and coolant tubes.
  • Quality Inspection: Conduct precision inspections using micrometers, calipers, and height gages to ensure tight tolerances are met.
  • Controls & Programming: Enter, retrieve, or edit commands on computerized machine controls; calculate and adjust speeds, feeds, and depths of cuts.
  • Material Handling: Safely load and unload heavy parts from machine racks using cranes, hoists, or forklifts as required.


Job Requirements

  • Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience setting up and operating CNC Machines (Mill and/or Lathe).
  • Industry Preference: Background in aerospace manufacturing or a high-tolerance precision environment is highly preferred.
  • Technical Skills: Strong understanding of CNC machinery, tooling selection, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
  • Compliance: Must be ITAR verifiable (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) due to the defense and aerospace nature of the products.
  • Flexibility: Open to working overtime and weekend shifts when production demands require it.


Benefits & Perks

  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee referral program

Company Description

Temp-To-Hire Position


Partners Personnel logo

About Partners Personnel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Partners Personnel is a full-service staffing company with offices nationwide dedicated to finding the best talent for our clients and building great careers for our employees. At Partners Personnel, we are fanatics when it comes to client satisfaction! Our business model enables companies to maximize profitability by providing flexible staffing regardless of size. We carefully assess every candidateโ€™s personality, skill set, and work experience to ensure we find the right fit for each assignment, allowing our clients to focus on running their business with the best talent available for the job. Partners Personnel has experienced rapid growth since its founding in 2017 to become the 12th largest industrial staffing firm in the U.S. while expanding to over 100 branches nationwide. The strength of its culture as an SIA Best Staffing Firm to Work For and the focused purpose of โ€œhelping people and organizations improveโ€ has fueled this rapid growth. In addition to its core strength in the light industrial space, Partners has leveraged its capabilities, successful business model, and industry know-how to add Specialty Divisions to serve its growing customer and employee base further while continuing to provide exceptional service and a more personalized approach to staffing.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Barbara, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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