1

Ship Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ship Build Engineer

Franklin, LA · On-site

$104K/yr

Job Overview We are seeking a talented and motivated Ship Building Engineer to support the design, analysis, and development of autonomous surface vessels. This role will provide hands-on experience ...

Engineer-Mid

Washington, DC · On-site

$146K/yr

* SEA 21, NAVSEA's Director of Surface Ship Maintenance, Modernization, and Sustainment is seeking ... Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop ...

Engineer-Jr.

Washington, DC

$146K/yr

* SEA 21, NAVSEA's Director of Surface Ship Maintenance, Modernization, and Sustainment is seeking ... Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop ...

Engineer-Mid

Washington, DC · On-site

$146K/yr

* SEA 21, NAVSEA's Director of Surface Ship Maintenance, Modernization, and Sustainment is seeking ... Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop ...

Engineer-Jr.

Washington, DC · On-site

$146K/yr

* SEA 21, NAVSEA's Director of Surface Ship Maintenance, Modernization, and Sustainment is seeking ... Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Ship Engineer information

See salary details

$94.5K

$130.5K

How much do ship engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for ship engineer in the United States is $128,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by ship engineers during long voyages?

Ship engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining and troubleshooting complex machinery under demanding conditions, working long hours in shifts, and adapting to repairs with limited resources while at sea. They must also be prepared to respond quickly to mechanical failures or emergencies to ensure the vessel's safety and efficiency. Additionally, ship engineers work closely with deck officers and other crew members, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills, especially during extended periods away from shore.

What Does a Ship Engineer Do?

As a ship engineer, your duties include the operation and maintenance of a ship’s engine, boiler, pump, generator, and other machinery. You are also responsible for supervising and coordinating crew tasks in the maintenance and operation of the ship. Your responsibilities may include starting a ship’s engine to propel the ship, controlling the speed as ordered by the captain or bridge computers, and fixing any components that need immediate repair. As a ship engineer, you may also be in charge of reporting any issues to the appropriate staff onboard and maintaining records regarding engine activities and maintenance.

What are ship engineers and what do they do?

Ship engineers are responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the engines, machinery, and systems that power ships and other marine vessels. They ensure that all mechanical and electrical equipment, such as propulsion systems, generators, and pumps, are running efficiently and safely. Ship engineers also monitor equipment performance, conduct routine inspections, and respond to emergencies to keep the vessel functioning smoothly during voyages.

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

To thrive as a Ship Engineer, you need expertise in mechanical and marine engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and typically a marine engineer’s license. Familiarity with ship propulsion systems, engine monitoring software, and regulatory compliance systems is vital. Problem-solving, teamwork, and strong attention to detail are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient vessel operation and compliance with maritime regulations.

What is the difference between Ship Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectShip EngineerMarine Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in marine systemsEngineering degree, marine certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, shipyardsOn ships, marine repair facilities
Industry UsageShipbuilding, shipping companiesShip maintenance, marine services

Ship Engineers and Marine Engineers often share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on maintaining and repairing ship systems. The main difference lies in their specific roles: Ship Engineers typically oversee the entire engineering department onboard ships, while Marine Engineers may work more broadly in marine repair and maintenance outside of ships. Both roles are essential in the maritime industry and often overlap in skills and certifications.

What cities are hiring for Ship Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Ship Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Ship Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Ship Engineer jobs? For Ship Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Ship Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $128,141 per year, or $61.6 per hour.
Ship Build Engineer

Ship Build Engineer

Saronic Technologies

Franklin, LA • On-site

$104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Job Overview
We are seeking a talented and motivated Ship Building Engineer to support the design, analysis, and development of autonomous surface vessels. This role will provide hands-on experience in traditional ship building and advanced autonomous technologies; driving impact in defense innovation. As a Build Engineer, you'll need interface remotely with our design engineering teams in Austin, while also owning the hands-on oversight of fabrication, integration, and issue resolution at the shipyard.
Responsibilities
  • Assist in the design, development, analysis, and construction of ASVs
  • Collaborate with other engineers to perform CAD modeling, structural/mechanical/electrical design, and weight management for vessel optimization
  • Operate as liaison between engineering, drafting, and production to resolve challenges that arise during design and construction
  • Identify and resolve non-conformances, lead root cause analysis, and drive resolution via IRBs (Issue Review Boards) and rework plans
  • Lead and coordinate Engineering Change Orders (ECOs)-ensure traceability, communication, implementation, and verification
  • Support the integration of autonomous navigation and control systems into vessel designs
  • Participate in design reviews and brainstorming sessions for new and existing vessel concepts
  • Support documentation, technical writing, and preparation of reports for internal use, regulatory bodies, and client presentations
  • Manage CAD models to document changes made during ship construction
  • Support sea-trials and at-sea testing of ASVs as needed

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • Familiarity with maritime industry standards including ABS and coast guard regulations
  • Strong fundamentals in core engineering principles, including structure, mechanical, and electrical systems
  • Experience working in a shipyard or onboard ships
  • Strong knowledge with 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g., Rhino, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, NX)
  • Deep familiarity with interpreting technical drawings, GD&T, weld symbols, and fabrication tolerances
  • Strong communication skills across engineers, technicians, quality teams, and leadership
  • Comfortable working in an industrial shipyard environment

Benefits
  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
  • Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
  • Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
  • Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
  • Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
  • Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
  • Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
  • Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success
  • Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require "U.S. Person" status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a "U.S. Person": (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.