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Ship Chief Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Damco Spain SL

Ship Superintendent

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

A Ship Superintendent is responsible for overseeing day to day technical and operational issues ... Provide oversight for vessel Masters and Chief Engineers to ensure that voyages are efficiently and ...

USMMI

Port Engineer - Tanker

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

You'll serve as a critical link between shipboard teams and shoreside leadershipensuring vessels operate safely, efficiently, and at peak readiness. This is a role for a seasoned Chief Engineer ready ...

Emprise Corporation

Senior Marine Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

... ships of not less than 4,000 HP as either a Chief Engineer or a First Assistant Engineer * Experience gained while serving in the military may be applicable towards meeting this requirement

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Ship Chief Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$92.1K

$179.4K

How much do ship chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for ship chief engineer in Virginia is $92,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Ship Chief Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Ship Chief Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ship Chief Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Ship Chief Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Ship Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Chief Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,148 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Ship Superintendent

A.P. Møller - Maersk A/S

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

A Ship Superintendent is responsible for overseeing day to day technical and operational issues pertaining to the assigned vessels. The Ship Superintendent will report to the Director of Technical Operations. A Ship Superintendent is responsible for an estimated $120 million in assets or equivalent program management and has independent expense approval for up to $10 million per year at his/her discretion. These expenses are for the purpose of ship maintenance, engineering, spare parts and repairs. Specific assignments may change periodically depending on the current needs of the company.
General Responsibilities:
  • Act as the primary point of contact with the customer
  • Act as advocate for company Safety culture and actively support timely attention to any Safety issue and encourage all levels of the vessel management function to enhance further safety awareness. Ensure that safety is a top priority in all vessel operations.
  • Responsible for internal program coordination of both operations and engineering to ensure contract or charter party compliance and customer satisfaction.
  • Responsible for daily ship management of assigned vessels
  • Ensure timely and sufficient support to vessels on all operational and technical matters at all times including readiness for cargo
  • Responsible for planning and executing maintenance of the vessels regulatory required equipment and respective documentation
  • Provide oversight for vessel Masters and Chief Engineers to ensure that voyages are efficiently and safely performed
  • Recommend appointment of personnel for senior positions of Master and Chief Engineer per Safety Management System. Promote succession planning among junior officers.
  • Supervise in the evaluation and screening of voyage repairs, service contracts and selection of vendors
  • Actively assist in planning and execution dry-docking, larger repairs, classification surveys (ABS, LRS, DNV), regulatory surveys (USCG), equipment upgrades, modifications and emergency repairs.
  • Actively develop work specifications for voyage / emergency repairs and services from contractors
  • Actively coordinating with terminals, vendors and other functions in order to service the vessel with timely attention and efficiency
  • Routinely review the vessel safety committee meeting and initiate follow up. Utilize support in cooperation with other departments as needed.
  • Support in handling and closing out Casualty and /or claims pertaining to P&I or Hull Machinery insurance matters.
  • As applicable, act on special overtime requests with timely attention and completion in a cost efficient and documented manner.
  • Address Stevedore Damages, document repairs and handover after close out to Marine Claims and finance for invoicing.
  • Prepare for and participate in internal audit and external audit of the company, ensuring that there are no non-conformities.
  • Conduct performance appraisals for Masters and Chief Engineers serving onboard vessels under responsibility. Closely work with Marine HR to Issue letters of warning or performance improvement plans or take other disciplinary measures as appropriate.
  • Supports company commitment to safety and other selected standards and certifications
  • Performs other position related duties as specified by management including documentation of all the above activities that are performed in SharePoint or common drive.

Specific Responsibilities:
Ship Manager Maintenance:
Ship Manager is the asset management operating system. This is the primary shipboard application suite. It is used for ship maintenance and procurement. It handles scheduled maintenance programs which track scheduled maintenance, parts needed and associated timing for predictive maintenance programs; and work orders.
  • Overall supervise the utilization of Ship Manager processes and functionalities.
  • As applicable, ensure ships officers complete training as required in the use of Ship Manager.
  • As applicable, complete applicable training in support of the correct processes for handling Work Orders, approving Requisition and follow-up on purchasing issues pertaining to Requisition delivery Priorities (Standard, Urgent, ShipHot), item specifications, cost estimation and selection of OEM versus non-OEM products, and in the purchase of lubes per Safety Management System procedure.

Shipyard Preparation:
  • Overall responsibility for meeting the requirements and deadlines as identified in preparation of shipyard specifications, selection of vendors, and optimal utilization of ship's force during the shipyard period

Business Unit (BU) Reporting:
  • As directed, provide BU report items on a weekly interval.
  • Any issue which may have significant impact on the Fleet's operational capabilities shall be reported by phone without delay and in writing to BU and TO as soon as practical.

Budgets:
  • Responsible for cost control on ship management budget and explaining to Management any significant deviation from budgets for vessels under responsibility
  • Ensure cost spending decisions are made with a continuous review of the Budget
  • Review Cost Commitment Report basis factual estimations, as applicable
  • Review the Financial Cost Overview Reports on a monthly basis to address any budgetary constraints or project proposals
  • Actively oversee and participate in the budget preparation, its process and timeline.
  • Identify and provide inputs of cost optimization where appropriate.

Invoice Approval:
  • As applicable, ensure that invoices are approved in a timely manner and returned the same day to Finance for closure.
  • Approve Port Packages reflecting Port and Agency costs and that respective appointment letters are issued for each vessel port call.
  • Negotiate invoices with vendors when appropriate.

Monthly Reports:
  • Oversee that vessels are submitting the required reports in Star connect as directed
  • Ensure that any unfavorable variance in the daily operational vessel performance is addressed as appropriate including but not limited to Off-service, Schedule integrity (buffer), P-max values, Cylinder Oil consumption, AUX engine operation, Speed percentage and Losses Monthly reports including LO analysis, CW analysis, ICCP, MGPS, Engine performance reports to be checked on a regular basis.
  • Review KPI's on a minimum monthly basis and take action as need to achieve efficient vessel operation.

CAR's/Vettings/Safety Issues:
  • Perform thorough Internal technical inspections at intervals specified by the Safety management system
  • Ensure identified vetting or ISM audit CAR's are completed in a timely manner. Follow up of Vetting inspections and ensure the corrective measures to close out the identified issues in an efficient and cost effective manner
  • Provide training to ensure key billets are familiar with the Safety Management System and MLL Quality system.

Other:
  • When requested, conduct regulatory reviews (requirements of IMO circulars, CFR requirements, USCG requirements, etc).
  • Maintain proficiency / certification as directed by the Director of Technical operations or Fleet Group Manager by completing other prescribed training initiatives
  • Projects/tasks as assigned

Position Specifications:
Education and Experience
  • USCG License or equivalent international standard - Chief Engineer or experience 1st Engineer, Unlimited Tonnage, any oceans, or container RoRo vessel experience preferred
  • Three years shipyard or ship management experience or equivalency with commercial vessels
  • B.S. from an accredited institution, degree in marine transportation, marine engineering or equivalent experience is required

Technical Skills and Competencies Required
  • Computer literacy Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Planned Maintenance System.
  • Project management experience preferred.
  • Successful completion of DNV Superintendent certification preferred.
  • Good communication skills and can work efficiently with multiple teams ashore and on board.
  • A diligent and organized work approach.
  • Understand and accept the importance of cost effectiveness.
  • Enhanced problem-solving skills and an interest in tackling challenges with innovative solutions, maximizing the use of resources available.

Travel Requirements: Extensive travel (including foreign travel and travel in cars, boats, ships, and airplanes) will be required to attend to shipyard maintenance, to ride vessels or visit vessels for quality assurance and general management of vessel and crews, and on short notice for casualties, to conduct investigations and to protect the company's reputation, as is required by the contract specifications, or as directed by management.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
General office setting, typically the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work, usually at a computer terminal - with short breaks or lunch period. However, this position requires visits to shipyards and to the vessels for inspections or ship rides. There will be exposure to harsh environmental conditions and navigating confined or elevated spaces is required. There may be some bending/stooping, reaching above shoulder level, walking; standing; carrying of light items such as papers, books or packages of up to 25 pounds. Should be able to hear & speak clearly using phone / headset to communicate with customers; be able to navigate, view & enter information on the computer.
Physical Demands
  • Frequent travel to vessels, shipyards, and repair facilities-often at short notice, including international travel.
  • Climbing and mobility: Ability to safely climb ladders, gangways, and scaffolding, and to move through confined spaces, tanks, and machinery areas.
  • Physical endurance: Extended periods of walking, standing, bending, or working in awkward positions during inspections.
  • Manual handling: Lifting or carrying tools, inspection equipment, and documentation (typically up to 20-25 kg).
  • Sensory requirements: Adequate vision, hearing, and depth perception to perform inspections in varying light and noise conditions.

Environmental tolerance: Exposure to heat, cold, humidity, vibration, odors, and potential hazardous substances (with appropriate PPE).
Work Environment
  • Split between office and field: Combination of desk-based work for planning, reporting, and communication, and onboard/shipyard-based work for inspections, supervision, and troubleshooting.
  • Onboard vessel conditions: Working in operational areas with noise, moving machinery, and variable weather conditions, including during vessel operations.
  • Shipyard environment: Presence in industrial repair settings with heavy equipment, welding, blasting, and other maintenance activities.
  • Irregular hours: Work often outside standard business hours, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, depending on vessel schedules or emergencies.
  • High coordination demands: Interaction with ship crew, contractors, port officials, classification societies, and regulatory authorities in multicultural environments.
  • Safety-critical role: Work in compliance with company HSE procedures and maritime safety regulations, with a strong focus on hazard identification and mitigation.

Company Benefits:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k + Company Match
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Flexible Work Schedules (when possible)
  • And more!

Pay Range:
$127,000 - $142,000*
*The above stated pay range is the anticipated starting salary range for the position. The Company may adjust this range in light of prevailing market conditions and other factors such as location. The Company will work directly with the selected candidate(s) on the final starting salary in accordance with all applicable laws.
#DE#
Maersk is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by calling 757.963.8800 or emailing humanresources@mllnet.com.

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