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Ships Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shipbuilding Engineering Lead

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

Own the engineering, design, and fabrication processes for maritime vessels, particularly those on the threshold between boats and ships. * Regularly walk the production floor to collaborate with ...

Marine Engineer The Marine Engineer is responsible and accountable for the engineering and technical operations of a Fleet of US-Flagged cruise ships. The Marine Engineer directs the maintenance ...

Marine Engineer The Marine Engineer is responsible and accountable for the engineering and technical operations of a Fleet of US-Flagged cruise ships. The Marine Engineer directs the maintenance ...

Marine Engineer The Marine Engineer is responsible and accountable for the engineering and technical operations of a Fleet of US-Flagged cruise ships. The Marine Engineer directs the maintenance ...

Marine Engineer The Marine Engineer is responsible and accountable for the engineering and technical operations of a Fleet of US-Flagged cruise ships. The Marine Engineer directs the maintenance ...

AAA United States, Inc . is seeking skilled Project Engineer to provide technical and operational leadership for major shipbuilding and maritime projects. Essential Functions: * Responsible for ...

Founding Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$152K/yr

They are seeking a Founding Engineer who will ship end-to-end products and own features from idea to production while shaping the product, tech, and culture alongside the founders. Responsibilities ...

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Ships Engineer information

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$94.5K

$130.5K

How much do ships engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for ships 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 ships engineer?

Ships engineers are responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the engines, machinery, and other mechanical systems on ships. They ensure that all propulsion and auxiliary systems function efficiently and safely during voyages. Ships engineers also monitor equipment, perform routine maintenance, and respond to emergencies such as mechanical failures or fires. Their work is crucial for the safe and effective operation of marine vessels.

What are some common challenges faced by a ships engineer while working at sea?

Ships Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting mechanical failures in unpredictable conditions, maintaining complex machinery with limited spare parts, and adapting to long periods away from shore. Effective communication with other crew members is essential, especially during emergencies or maintenance tasks. Additionally, Ships Engineers must stay up-to-date with evolving maritime regulations and technologies to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations.

How much do ships engineers make?

Ships engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the size of the vessel. Salaries can vary based on the maritime industry, location, and whether the engineer works on commercial or cruise ships, often with opportunities for overtime and travel benefits.

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

To thrive as a Ships Engineer, you need a strong background in marine engineering, mechanical systems, and problem-solving, usually supported by a relevant degree and STCW certification. Familiarity with engine room automation systems, diagnostic tools, and maintenance management software is typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills help engineers collaborate effectively and respond to emergencies at sea. These abilities ensure vessel safety, regulatory compliance, and optimal ship operation in challenging maritime environments.

What is the difference between Ships Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectShips EngineerMarine Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, STCW certification, marine engineering licensesEngineering degree, STCW certification, marine engineering licenses
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, shipyards, marine maintenance facilitiesOnboard ships, shipyards, marine repair shops
Industry UsageShipping companies, cruise lines, naval vesselsShipping industry, naval services, marine equipment manufacturers
Job FocusMaintaining and repairing ship machinery, engines, and systemsDesign, installation, and maintenance of marine machinery and systems

Both Ships Engineers and Marine Engineers work in the maritime industry, focusing on ship machinery. Ships Engineers typically handle maintenance and repairs onboard ships, ensuring operational safety. Marine Engineers may also be involved in design and installation of marine systems. While their roles overlap, Ships Engineers are more hands-on with daily ship operations, whereas Marine Engineers may have broader responsibilities including design and project management.

More about Ships Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Ships Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Ships Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Ships Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Ships Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ships Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,141 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Assistant Ship Engineer - RV Walton Smith

The University of Miami

Miami, FL • On-site

$123K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Miami rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees:
If you are a current Staff, Faculty or Temporary employee at the University of Miami, please click here to log in to Workday to use the internal application process. To learn how to apply for a faculty or staff position, please review this tip sheet.
The Marines Operations Department at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, ATmospheric and Earth Science has an exciting opportunity for a Ship Engineer. The Engineer is responsible for representing, enforcing, and preserving University interests, policies and procedures to the crew, clients, sub-contractors, and duly authorized authorities as directed by the Master. The range of duties is broad in scope and the incumbent will be expected to exercise independent analysis, decision-making, judgment, and initiative in establishing priorities and completing work.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Insures all engineering systems aboard the F.G. Walton Smith are operational
  • Maintains and repairs essential mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, plumbing systems and structural integrity of the vessel
  • Oversees related work of such systems while vessel is in the shipyard or in port
  • Performs constant checks on pressures and temperatures, fuel consumption, fluid levels, and conditions of operating machinery ensuring safe, economical, and efficient operation.
  • Operates shipboard equipment such as pumps, winches, engines, hydraulic systems, refrigeration equipment, air compressors, cranes, sewage systems, watermakers, and piping/tank systems
  • Supervises outside contractors performing engineering related tasks
  • In charge of fuel bunkering operations
  • In charge of machinery parts inventory
  • Maintains documentation and logbooks of engineering department activity
  • Analyze needs, plans and performs preventive maintenance and upgrades for systems and successfully implements and administers the ship's planned maintenance.
  • Develop and maintain a budget for the engineering department
  • Related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to prioritize and to handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Diesel/Gas/Electric mechanic
  • Ability to read/interpret ship's general, A/C and D/C electrical line drawing and troubleshooting
  • Marine plumbing
  • Hydraulics
  • Troubleshooting and maintenance of HVAC system
  • Ability to express engineering issues in layman's terms to ship's crew and shore support
  • Experienced in the use of hand and power tools
  • Basic computer skills
  • Able to fabricate, weld and repair ship's structure and support systems.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  • High school graduate is required
  • Current/valid state driver's license

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
  • At least 3 years of maritime experience in the engineering department or military equivalent preferred
  • USCG Designated Duty Engineer certificate preferred
  • STCW endorsement preferred
  • Advanced firefighting preferred
  • Must have a Current/valid US passport
  • EPA 608 Refrigerant and Recovery certification preferred
  • TWIC card

CORE JOB SUMMARY
The Ship Engineer 2 supervises operations, maintenance and/or repair of vessel machinery, support systems and structural integrity while in port or at sea. The Ship Engineer 2 supervises the crew mates assigned to engineering duties aboard the vessel. In addition, the Ship Engineer 2 is responsible for representing, enforcing, and preserving University interests, policies and procedures to the crew, clients, sub-contractors, and duly authorized authorities as directed by the Master.
CORE JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Ensures all engineering systems aboard the F.G. Walton Smith are operational
2. Maintains and repairs essential mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, plumbing systems and structural integrity of the vessel
3. Oversees related work of such systems while vessel is in the shipyard or in port
4. Performs constant checks on pressures and temperatures, fuel consumption, fluid levels, and conditions of operating machinery ensuring safe, economical, and efficient operation.
5. Operates shipboard equipment such as pumps, winches, engines, hydraulic systems, refrigeration equipment, air compressors, cranes, sewage systems, watermakers, and piping/tank systems
6. Supervises individuals/ outside contractors performing engineering related tasks
7. Overseas fuel bunkering operations and machinery parts inventory
8. Maintains documentation and logbooks of engineering department activity
9. Analyzes needs, plans and performs preventive maintenance and upgrades for systems and successfully implements and administers the ship's planned maintenance.
10. Supervises and manages the crew mates who are assigned duties in the engineering spaces aboard the vessel
11. Develops and maintains a budget for the engineering department
12. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.
CORE QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent/relevant experience, certification or license
Experience:
Minimum 3 years of relevant experience required
Certification and Licensing:
Refer to department description for applicable certification requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
  • Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
  • Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

This is a core job profile description and is not reflective of all duties that may be assigned to a specific position in each individual department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and primary responsibilities of this core job profile. Specific duties and tasks may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.
The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation's premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.
With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.
We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.
Job Status:
Full time
Employee Type:
Staff

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About University of Miami

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Miami, located in the beautiful Coral Gables, Florida, is a comprehensive, private research institution in the United States. Operating within the higher education industry, the institution offers a multitude of degree programs spanning over 180 majors and program through its 12 colleges. The University was founded in 1925 with the mission to disseminate knowledge, transform lives, and change the world - a mission it has held faithfully to this day. Notably, the University of Miami has gained global recognition for its commitment to research and innovation, with over $324 million in research and sponsored project funding awarded annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Coral Gables, FL, US

Year founded

1925