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Ship Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NSC Staffing

Ship Superintendent

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Define and maintain production plans for all assigned ship repair projects. * Interpret blueprints, drawings, technical manuals, and process instructions. * Develop project work plans with input from ...

ORBIS Inc

Engineer-Jr.

Washington, DC · On-site

$146K/yr

* SEA 21, NAVSEA's Director of Surface Ship Maintenance, Modernization, and Sustainment is seeking professional support services (PSS) to support the Government's existing organization, personnel ...

ORBIS Inc

Engineer-Mid

Washington, DC · On-site

$146K/yr

* SEA 21, NAVSEA's Director of Surface Ship Maintenance, Modernization, and Sustainment is seeking professional support services (PSS) to support the Government's existing organization, personnel ...

WILLCOR Inc

Senior Program Manager

San Diego, CA

$123K - $123K/yr

S. Navy ship programs as an HM&E Hull Manager for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) platform. This role works directly with Navy stakeholders on ship maintenance, modernization, and availability ...

ORBIS, Inc.

Engineer-Jr.

Washington, DC · On-site

$146K/yr

* SEA 21, NAVSEA's Director of Surface Ship Maintenance, Modernization, and Sustainment is seeking professional support services (PSS) to support the Government's existing organization, personnel ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

Attends ship maintenance, repair, and assessment events to answer real-time questions surrounding logistics, maintenance scope, funding shortfalls, budgetary constraints and mission impacts.

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Ship Maintenance information

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How much do ship maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship maintenance in the United States is $18.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I work on a ship with no experience?

Ship maintenance roles often require some technical skills and knowledge of safety procedures, but entry-level positions may be available for those with little or no experience. On-the-job training is common, and obtaining certifications such as safety or technical courses can improve chances of employment. Prior experience in related fields or technical aptitude can be beneficial but is not always mandatory for entry-level positions.

What are some common challenges faced in a ship maintenance role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Ship maintenance professionals often encounter challenges such as working in harsh weather conditions, managing tight maintenance schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as tasks are typically coordinated with engineers, deck crews, and port authorities. Staying organized, following preventive maintenance routines, and participating in ongoing training can help address these challenges and support a safe, efficient work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Ship Maintenance, and why are they important?

To thrive in Ship Maintenance, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, marine engineering principles, and relevant safety standards, often supported by vocational training or certifications in marine maintenance. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, maintenance management systems, and compliance with maritime regulations such as SOLAS is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for identifying issues and ensuring efficient repairs. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining vessel safety, operational reliability, and regulatory compliance in a demanding maritime environment.

How much do maintenance workers make on a cruise ship?

Maintenance workers on cruise ships typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, rank, and the cruise line. They often work long shifts in a maritime environment and may receive additional benefits such as room and board.

What is ship maintenance?

Ship maintenance refers to the routine, preventive, and corrective activities carried out to ensure that a vessel remains in safe, efficient, and seaworthy condition. This includes inspecting, repairing, and servicing the ship's machinery, hull, electrical systems, and equipment. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, extends the vessel’s lifespan, and ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Ship maintenance can be performed both while the vessel is in port or at sea, depending on the nature of the tasks required.

What are the 4 types of ship maintenance?

Ship maintenance typically includes four main types: corrective maintenance, which repairs equipment after failure; preventive maintenance, scheduled tasks to prevent breakdowns; predictive maintenance, using condition monitoring to anticipate issues; and condition-based maintenance, performed based on real-time data. These types help ensure vessel safety, reliability, and compliance with maritime standards.

What is the highest paying job on a ship?

The highest paying jobs on a ship are typically senior officers such as the captain or chief engineer. These roles require extensive experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, and they often command the highest salaries among maritime positions.

What is the difference between Ship Maintenance vs Marine Technician?

AspectShip MaintenanceMarine Technician
CertificationsShipyard or maritime maintenance certificationsMarine technician certifications, such as ASE Marine Certification
Work EnvironmentShipyards, docks, onboard shipsMarine repair shops, ships, offshore platforms
Industry UsageMaritime industry, shipping companiesMarine service providers, boat manufacturers

Ship Maintenance and Marine Technician roles both involve repairing and maintaining vessels, often requiring similar certifications and working environments. However, Ship Maintenance typically refers to broader tasks related to ship upkeep in shipyards or onboard ships, while Marine Technicians focus more on diagnosing and repairing marine engines and systems. Both roles are essential in the maritime industry and often overlap in skills and responsibilities.

More about Ship Maintenance jobs
What cities are hiring for Ship Maintenance jobs? Cities with the most Ship Maintenance job openings:
What states have the most Ship Maintenance jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Maintenance jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ship Maintenance jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Maintenance jobs are:
Ship Maintenance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Maintenance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,013 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Surface Ship Marine Gas Turbine Inspector MGTI

Surface Ship Marine Gas Turbine Inspector MGTI

Core Services Group

San Diego, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Role Overview:
Core Services Group is seeking an experienced Marine Gas Turbine Inspector with experience on U.S. Navy surface platforms and Navy Staffs to support the Navy Readiness Assistance Training Team (RATT) for Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) in San Diego, CA. RATT is a Type Commander (TYCOM) asset employed to provide timely direct support to ships, tailored to the ship's needs and requirements. RATT ship visits are intended to significantly enhance a ship's organic proficiency and capabilities for a discrete period of time as added capability to conduct training, and address material issues. RATT provides proficient subject matter experts to conduct Sailor centric deck-plate training, material review, program auditing, and naval readiness support to enhance overall proficiency and material readiness through recommendations to the ship and staff to enhance CNSP ship's readiness to conduct sustained operations at sea in support of the nation's strategic objectives.
An ideal candidate has at least two tours as a Navy Marine Gas Turbine Inspector with Navy surface ship maintenance processes, as well as significant experience with gas turbine main propulsion as an Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plan Watch Officer, Chief Engineer, or equivalent.
This position is contingent upon contract award, anticipated for October 2026.
Typical Responsibilities. This position’s responsibilities include (but are not limited to): 
  • Coordinate, schedule, and conduct ship training visits for the purpose of improving Sailor proficiency in the operation and maintenance of ships systems through targeted training and aiding ship's leadership in assessing material condition and readiness program efficacy.
  • Compile, curate, develop, and provide training resources (references and curriculum) for ship systems, required programs, technical watchstanding, installed equipment, and maintenance management for use in classroom and deckplate training for ship's force and RATT personnel.
  • Teach and reinforce sound shipboard operating principles and processes through leadership by example and deckplate training.
  • Conduct comprehensive material condition assessments for installed equipment, portable equipment, safety gear, ship systems, and ship structure.
  • Review and assess ship's preventive and corrective maintenance and operating processes and procedures for ship systems, installed equipment, and associated evolutions.
  • Advise ship's leadership regarding crew proficiency, material condition, maintenance practices, and required program efficacy.
Primary Work Location: Full time onsite in San Diego, CA.
Anticipated Travel:
  • This position involves up to 35% travel, including travel to overseas/OCONUS locations, in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
  • Common travel destinations include, but are not limited to: Everett, WA; Pearl Harbor, HI; Sasebo, Japan; Yokosuka, Japan; and Singapore.
Typical Physical Activity:
  • The ability to work in a variety of shipboard environments (e.g., navigate tight or confined spaces, ladders, hatches, in crew spaces and engineering spaces).
  • Must be physically able to climb up/down a pilot’s ladder to board/embark and debark a naval vessel underway at sea and stay onboard on a U.S. Naval vessel for days at a time.
  • Desk/computer work in an office environment and hands-on technical or instructor work in a waterfront/shipboard environment.
Typical Pay Range: The anticipated pay range for this position in the identified location(s) is $90,000 – 110,000/year. Actual compensation offered will be based upon individual factors, including education, qualifications, and experience.
SECRET Security Clearance Required: This position requires an active or interim Secret security clearance prior to hire. 
Only U.S. citizens will be considered for this position.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
  • At least fifteen (15) years of supervisory experience in analyses, information system operations, and implementation of technical projects relevant to RATT.
  • Extensive Navy technical management experience on multiple ships.
  • Extensive experience as shipboard Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) on multiple Gas Turbine ships.
  • Extensive experience (at least 2 tours) as a Navy Marine Gas Turbine Inspector with Navy surface ship maintenance processes.
  • At least fifteen (15) years of supervisory-level watchstanding experience on warships or military auxiliaries with gas turbine main propulsion as Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plant Watch Officer, Chief Engineer, or equivalent, responsible for overall propulsion plant operations and associated control and auxiliary systems.
  • Extensive experience conducting marine gas turbine inspections on surface warships or military auxiliaries with qualifications and certification as or equivalent to a Navy Marine Gas Turbine Inspector.
  • Direct operational and maintenance experience, within the last five (5) years, with gas turbine main propulsion, gas turbine generators, associated control systems, and associated auxiliaries currently in use by the Navy.
Plus:
  • Proficient with common productivity software, including the Microsoft Office suite.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and support fast-paced operational environments. 
  • Excellent personnel management, working group, and team leadership skills, as well as working alongside sailors and officers of varying experience and seniority.
  • Excellent communication skills to include briefing Commanding Officers and other mid-grade to senior leadership in person and in writing.
Additional Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  
  • At least twenty-five (25) years of relevant experience is highly desirable.