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Ship Second Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Experience as a vessel Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, or First Engineer (US) or Second ... Previous shore-based ship management experience or business experience with a shipping company or ...

Experience as a vessel Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, or First Engineer (US) or Second ... Previous shore-based ship management experience or business experience with a shipping company or ...

Experience as a vessel Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, or First Engineer (US) or Second ... Previous shore-based ship management experience or business experience with a shipping company or ...

Experience as a vessel Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, or First Engineer (US) or Second ... Previous shore-based ship management experience or business experience with a shipping company or ...

This position will be on 2nd shift. What You Will Do as a PCM construction support engineer ... Work with system owners, Ships Test Organization, electrical trades Ships Management and Reactor ...

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Ship Second Engineer information

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$94.5K

$130.5K

How much do ship second engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for ship second 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 is a ship second engineer?

Ship Second Engineers are licensed marine engineers responsible for overseeing the daily operation and maintenance of a vessel's engine room and associated machinery. They typically report to the Chief Engineer and supervise engine room staff, manage equipment repairs, conduct routine inspections, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Second Engineers play a key role in keeping the ship's propulsion and auxiliary systems running efficiently and safely during voyages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ship second engineer?

To thrive as a Ship Second Engineer, you need a solid background in marine engineering, engine operation, and maintenance, typically supported by a relevant degree and a Certificate of Competency (STCW). Familiarity with marine engine management systems, diagnostic tools, and safety protocols is critical for daily operations and compliance. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help coordinate engine room staff and address technical issues efficiently. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, reliable vessel operation and compliance with maritime regulations at sea.

What are some common challenges faced by a ship second engineer during a voyage?

As a Ship Second Engineer, you'll often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment failures, maintaining machinery in varying weather conditions, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. You'll need to coordinate closely with the Chief Engineer and your team to troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently, often under tight deadlines. Effective communication and prioritization are essential, as is the ability to adapt to the unique demands of each voyage and crew.

What is the difference between Ship Second Engineer vs Ship Third Engineer?

AspectShip Second EngineerShip Third Engineer
Required CertificationsSTCW Second Engineer License, Marine Engineering CertificationSTCW Third Engineer License, Marine Engineering Certification
Work EnvironmentEngine room, maintenance, overseeing machineryEngine room, assisting with machinery and maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed on cargo ships, tankers, cruise shipsTypically on similar vessels, supporting Second Engineers

The main difference between a Ship Second Engineer and a Ship Third Engineer lies in their certification levels and responsibilities. The Second Engineer holds a higher license and oversees more complex machinery, while the Third Engineer assists with engine room operations. Both roles are essential in marine engineering teams and share similar work environments and industry usage.

What are popular job titles related to Ship Second Engineer jobs?

For Ship Second Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ship Second Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,141 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

HSQE Sr. Manager

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Patriot Maritime is a maritime government contracting company providing management, crewing, and vessel support services to the U.S. government under contracts with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and MARAD. With approximately 83 shoreside employees and operations across multiple vessel programs - including the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), Watson-class vessels, Bob Hope vessels, and other federal maritime programs - Patriot operates at the intersection of commercial maritime expertise and federal government contracting. Patriot also owns and operates commercial vessels, including shallow draft product tankers, in the commercial chartering market. Headquartered in Houston, TX, our team supports the nation's strategic sealift mission and military readiness.


The HSQE Senior Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the company's Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental management systems to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient maritime operations. This role supports vessels and shoreside teams and serves as the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) & Management Representative (MR) onISM/ISO & SQMS related matters. Patriot operates as an AI-first organization, and the SM-HSQE isexpected to champion the integration of AI tools and automation into HSQE workflows, leveraging technology to improve safety outcomes, audit efficiency, incident analysis, and reporting quality.


Responsibilities:

  • Manage daily operations according to the Safety Quality Management System
  • Manage the Company's Safety Program and Environmental Protection
  • Conduct accident and/or near-miss investigations as directed by the company's President
  • Conduct ISO 9001/14001, and International Ship Management (ISM) internal audits and/or
    ships' visits as directed by the PCS-President
  • Conduct training for ISO, ISM and SQMS related matters to the shore side employees and
    shipboard Sr. Officers.
  • Oversee the administration of the Safety & Quality Management of Change process in Docmap.
  • Plan, conduct and follow up on the SQMS Management Reviews
  • Administer the Masters SQMS Review process.
  • Oversee the development and publication of the Safety and Environmental Policies &
    Procedures.
  • Participate in Spill Management Team and environmental programs as assigned.
  • Organize and track the PCS internal and external audit schedule.
  • Organize and notify the CLASS for all the company's and vessels' external ISM/ISO/SQ
    Audits.
  • Monitor the Non-Conformity (NCR), Accident Investigation Reports (AIR), Near Miss Reports
    (NMR) and analyze data for trends and re-occurrence prevention.
  • Share with the fleet marine Accidents' Root causes as Lessons Learned, irrespective of the source, internal or external.
  • Organize the Management SQMS review meeting and set the Quality Goals & Objectives in collaboration with the Departmental Heads as per Class & ISO 9001-2015 Quality requirements for the sections of Safety, Environment, Technical, Nautical, Purchasing, Claims & Cyber Security.
  • Champion the use of AI tools and automation platforms across HSQE workflows, including
    incident analysis, trend identification, audit preparation, and report generation;
    continuously evaluate emerging technologies to improve safety and compliance outcomes.
  • Leverage AI-assisted data analysis to proactively identify patterns in NCRs, AIRs, and NMRs,
    enabling predictive risk mitigation rather than purely reactive responses.


Qualifications:

  • Marine Transportation or Marine Engineering degree from a university, maritime
    academy, or technical institute. Equivalent maritime experience may be considered in
    lieu of a degree.
  • Experience as a vessel Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, or First Engineer (US) or
    Second Engineer (Foreign).
  • Extensive knowledge of the ISM code, USCG-CFRs, SOLAS, STCW, MARPOL, and Ballast
    Water Management conventions' requirements in the maritime industry.
  • Qualified as an ISO 9001 Auditor and/or ISM Auditor.
  • Previous shore-based ship management experience or business experience with a
    shipping company or in an affiliated field.
  • Prior experience managing employees required.
  • Ability to interpret and execute complex oral and written instructions.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to establish, maintain and work effectively with all levels of
    management and employees.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal direction and supervision.
  • Demonstrated comfort with AI tools, digital workflow platforms, and data analytics;
    willingness to adopt and promote an AI-first approach to HSQE management is required.


Patriot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Patriot is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national or social or ethnic origin, gender, age, physical, disability, sexual/identity or orientation.