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Ship Chief Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

William and Mary

$75K/yr

Reporting to the Captain of the R/V Virginia, the Chief Engineer directs all shipboard engineering activities while on watch and accepts full responsibility for the proper operation of all shipboard ...

Astrion

$65/hr

Perform Fire and Emergency duties associated with the Chief Engineer's billet on Ship's Station Bill.

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Ship Chief Engineer information

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$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do ship chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for ship 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ship chief engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ship Chief Engineer, you need a deep understanding of marine engineering, mechanical systems, and regulatory compliance, supported by a degree in marine engineering and a Chief Engineer's license (STCW certification). Proficiency with shipboard machinery, maintenance management systems, and diagnostic tools is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating engine room teams and responding to emergencies. These skills ensure the safe, efficient operation of the vessel, compliance with maritime regulations, and the wellbeing of crew and cargo.

What are some common challenges faced by a ship chief engineer, and how can they be addressed?

As a Ship Chief Engineer, you'll often encounter challenges such as managing a diverse engineering team, ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations, and maintaining complex machinery under tight schedules. To address these, it's important to foster clear communication within your team, stay updated on regulatory changes, and implement regular preventive maintenance routines. Developing strong problem-solving skills and adaptability also helps in handling unexpected technical issues during voyages.

What is the difference between Ship Chief Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectShip Chief EngineerMarine Engineer
CredentialsSTCW Chief Engineer Certification, Marine Engineering DegreeSTCW Marine Engineer Certification, Marine Engineering Degree
Work EnvironmentEngine room, ship's technical managementEngine room, ship's technical operations
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, cruise lines, offshore vesselsShipping companies, offshore industry, naval vessels
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Ship Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of the ship's engine room, overseeing the engineering team. The Marine Engineer typically refers to the same role but may also denote engineers with specialized technical skills or different certification levels. While both roles work in similar environments and require comparable credentials, the Chief Engineer holds a leadership position overseeing the entire engineering department.

What is a ship chief engineer?

Ship Chief Engineers are the senior-most engineers on a vessel, responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of all mechanical and electrical systems on board. They manage the engineering department, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and supervise the engine room crew. Chief Engineers are vital for the safe and efficient running of a ship, often collaborating closely with the Captain and other officers. Their duties include troubleshooting technical issues, maintaining equipment, and ensuring that all machinery runs smoothly during voyages.
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Ship Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship 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 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Chief Engineer

William and Mary

On-site, Remote

$75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Requisition:
JR101858 Chief Engineer (Open)
Job Posting Title:
Chief Engineer
Department:
CC00491 VIMS1 | RADV | Field Operations
Job Family:
Staff - Lab & Research Support
Worker Sub-Type:
Regular (benefited)
Job Requisition Primary Location:
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Primary Job Posting Location:
Posting Location - VIMS Gloucester
Job Description Summary:
The mission of William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.
The Marine Operations Department is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals whose primary function is to provide safe access to the marine environment for all students, staff, faculty and other users and to support the needs of these users as they relate to vessels, field support services, instrument fabrication, equipment repair and servicing.
Job Description:
The Research Vessel (R/V) Chief Engineer serves as Chief Engineer on the R/V Virginia. This position may provide shoreside or seagoing support for other vessels in the VIMS fleet if needed. The Chief Engineer is primarily responsible for ensuring that all federal and state maritime regulations, as they relate to engineering, are observed and complied with during the operation of R/V Virginia. The position also ensures that all VIMS rules and policies are followed.
Reporting to the Captain of the R/V Virginia, the Chief Engineer directs all shipboard engineering activities while on watch and accepts full responsibility for the proper operation of all shipboard systems.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Overseeing the maintenance and operation of all deck and safety equipment.
  • Effectively operating and maintaining all engineering related aspects of the R/V Virginia. Such as operating the A-Frame, J-Frame, crane, trawl winches and CTD winch as necessary to accomplish each specific scientific operation in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Actively participating in the repair or replacement of engineering related systems on the R/V Virginia and interfacing directly with the vessel's Master for repairs on equipment deemed critical to the safe navigation or operation of the vessel.
  • Assuming overall responsibility for the cleanliness and organization of the engine-room and other engineering related spaces on the vessel.
  • Providing shoreside or seagoing support for other vessels in the VIMS fleet, as needed.

Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent;
  • Valid Driver's License;
  • Certified in First Aid/CPR;
  • Valid Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) credential;
  • Valid STCW credential appropriate for vessel tonnage;
  • Prior sea service as a qualified member of the engine department or equivalent position aboard vessels
  • Rating of DDE 4000HP License issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) or the ability to obtain DDE 4000 within six months of start date (eligible applicants must have attended a USCG approved training course to demonstrate their eligibility to obtain a DDE 4000).
  • Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations (including those contained in the Federal Code of Regulations - CFR's), governing the operation of vessels under 300 gross registered tons (GRT);
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications;
  • Ability to read and comprehend vessel as-built drawings including electrical one-line diagrams;
  • Substantive experience with marine engineering including the maintenance and repair of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, MSD systems, reverse osmosis systems, ship-board electrical systems and refrigeration.

Preferred Qualifications
  • NMES 2000 Certification, ABYC Electrical and ABYC Refrigeration Certifications
  • Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLC).
  • Knowledge of AC/DC circuits as well as various pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
  • Experience working on research vessels or in the commercial industry.
  • Experience working with Cummins QSK 19M diesel engines.
  • Experience with computerized maintenance management software programs.
  • Experience leading small groups.

Salary- Starting at $75,000.00 commensurate with experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Conditions of Employment
  • This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and university policy. This position may require over time hours, approved by supervisor.
  • This position is considered essential, and may require reporting to work when the University or VIMS in closed.
  • Position requires compliance with USCG mandated drug screening and random drug testing program as well as maintaining ability to pass USCG physical and lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Position may occasionally require a schedule of more than 12 hours, weekends, and holidays, as necessary.
  • Position requires ability to perform all responsibilities while being exposed to inclement weather at sea for extended periods of time.

Additional Job Description:
Job Profile:
JP0232 - Watercraft Operations Manager I - Nonexempt - Salary - S11
Qualifications:
Compensation Grade:
S11
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-06-24
Position Restrictions:
EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal
Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

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