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Ship Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ENGINEER INDUSTRIAL SKILLBRIDGE INTERN

Newport News, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes Full-Time Shift: 1st ... Engineer Industrial Analyzes and designs sequence of operations and work flow to improve ...

Ship Fitter

Norfolk, VA

$26.35 - $35.65/hr

Yes Ship Fitter This is a waterfront shipboard construction and re-modernization position, working ... supporting engineering operations. Location: On Customer Site. US Citizenship Required.

Showing results 21-40

Ship Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$93.7K

$129.4K

How much do ship engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for ship engineer in Virginia is $127,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,900.00 and $127,900.00 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 is a ship engineer?

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?

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 are popular job titles related to Ship Engineer jobs in VA? For Ship Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Ship Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,042 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Mechanical Systems Engineering Branch Manager

Q.E.D. Systems

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$87.12 - $125.46/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Systems Engineering Branch Manager

Job Location: 4648 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Job Category: Professional

Job Status: Full Time, Exempt – This position is a “Contingent Hire” position contingent upon a potential award of a new U.S. Navy contract to QED Systems.

Salary Range: $87,124/year - $125,458/year

Job Description

Individual will serve as a Q.E.D. Mechanical Systems Engineering Branch Manager for a U.S. Navy Planning Yard Mechanical Systems design department involved in ship modernization requirements, including Ship Change Documentation Support (SCD), Engineering Analysis, Design Ship Checks, and Ship Installation Drawings (SIDs). The Q.E.D. Systems Mechanical and Piping Systems Engineering Branch Manager will be responsible for managing engineering and design personnel and controlling project costs, quality, schedules, and project manning requirements, and will report to the Q.E.D. Systems Naval Engineering Manager.

Responsibilities
  • Provide leadership and supervision of engineering and design personnel within the Mechanical Systems Engineering Branch.
  • Manage project costs, quality, schedules, and project manning requirements.
  • Coordinate with Navy planning and engineering organizations to support ship modernization efforts, including Ship Change Documentation Support (SCD), Engineering Analysis, Design Ship Checks, and Ship Installation Drawings (SIDs).
  • Report to the Naval Engineering Manager and ensure alignment with program objectives and government requirements.
Qualifications
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in ship engineering, design, ship advance planning, and ship modernization.
  • At least 3 years of management experience as an Engineering/Project Manager or Deputy PM, with experience managing Navy service-type contracts/major DoD programs.
  • Working knowledge of NMP-MOM, Navy Ship Planning organization and processes; general knowledge of Government contracting.
  • Experience in supervisory roles at Supervisor or Shipbuilding, Repair, and Conversion commands, Regional Maintenance Centers, U.S. Navy Central Planning Activity, U.S. Navy Planning Yard Activity, Planning for Engineering and Repair Activity, and/or public/private shipyards.
  • Experience supporting LCS class ships and Surface Combatants is desirable.
Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Naval Architecture.
Security Clearance / Facility Access
  • U.S. citizenship required. Must be able to meet and maintain eligibility for U.S. Secret Clearance and access U.S. Navy ships, military facilities, naval shipyards, and private shipyards.
Benefits

Q.E.D. offers competitive benefits, including Paid Leave, Medical, Dental, Vision, Short/Long Term Disability, 401(k) retirement plan, Basic Life Insurance, supplemental insurances, and Employee Assistance Program.

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