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Ship Chief Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Chief Engineer Limited Tonnage O/MUSV

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

The Chief Engineer will travel and work onboard the USV at sea and in port, operating and ... a shipboard environment * Must be able to communicate effectively * Must be a US Citizen * Must ...

OSG Ship Management, Inc.

Tanker Chief Mate

Tampa, FL · On-site

... the Chief Engineer, as applicable; • The keeping of the Bridge Watch at Sea and arranging for Deck Crew watches when required. • The planning and execution of all cargo operations, including ...

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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 Jul 24, 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 are Ship Chief Engineers?

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.
More about Ship Chief Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Ship Chief Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Ship Chief Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Ship Chief Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Chief Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ship Chief Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Chief Engineer jobs are:
Ship Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Chief Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Bayonne, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Overview
Work on an assigned vessel on a regular equal time schedule and be available to assist engineering and operations on the scheduled time on and off. Work as directed by the Port Engineer.
Responsibilities
  • Schedule long term maintenance of tugs and barges based on communications with Sr. Port Engineer.
  • Communicate with Sr. Port Engineer to establish priorities and availability of personnel, equipment, and resources.
  • Keep records of maintenance performed and ensure vessels are properly recording maintenance
  • Perform inspections of vessels as called out for repair & maintenance standards and regulatory compliance. Perform Bi-Annual engineering inspections as called out on vessels.
  • Assist Port Engineers to compile and prioritize worklists for each vessel for both routine and major maintenance (dry dock periods).
  • Communicate clearly with Sr. Port Engineer on all work being performed on the vessel and notify Sr. Port Engineer immediately if any issues arise that may affect vessel operations.
  • Perform emergency repairs on vessels as required.
  • Work with Sr. Port Engineer on special projects to improved workflow and/or engineering processes.
  • Perform related duties as assigned by Senior Port Engineer.
  • Act as liaison between vessel engineers and OTB management.
  • Assist Sr. Port Engineer in evaluating and training of engineers in the fleet.

Qualifications
  • Experience maintaining tugs and barges.
  • Two (2) year of experience on tugs, tankers, oil barges or equivalent military experience.
  • Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in the maritime industry preferred.
  • US Coast Guard license as DDE Unlimited or higher on a Merchant Mariner's Document strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of oil transportation and marine industry preferred.
  • Knowledge of tugs and barge maintenance systems and equipment.
  • Ability to repair marine equipment on site under adverse conditions.
  • Ability to work with others using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive communications.
  • Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal or no guidance.
  • Ability to get along with office staff and vessel crewmembers.
  • Must be physically fit enough to board barges and tugs at sea and in port.
  • Must be thoroughly familiar with tank barge operations, ship operations, and terminal/refinery operations.
  • Proficient using Microsoft Suite.
  • Valid State drivers' license.
  • Valid TWIC or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.
  • Use of Computer (Word and Excel), Copier and Fax Machine.
  • First Aid/CPR training preferred.

Job Condition and Environment
  • Capable of making decisions and giving directions to facilitate prompt service delivery.
  • Required to work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs.
  • Frequently required to board tugs, barges, and ships, at dock or at anchor in all weather conditions and at all hours.

Expected Hours of Work
  • Equal time schedules
  • This position is an "At Sea" posting. Vessel and schedule to be determined by Port Engineer
  • Takes communications 24 hours a day, including weekends, concerning vessel maintenance, repair, and operations.

Company Overview
Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), United States East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the United States Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, and other support to the subsidiary companies.
The Company offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D options to our employees and their eligible dependents after meeting Company requirements. 401(k) options, Disability Insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, 10 paid holidays per calendar year (subject to work schedule) and Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSAs are also available to our employees after meeting Company requirements. All benefits information may be subject to change based on any current or updated benefit plan year changes and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.

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