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Ships Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cascade (a16z speedrun)

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 ...

Jinba (YC W26)

Founding Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$152K/yr

... Engineer to build both frontend and backend systems. The role involves architecting systems ... We help regulated enterprises build and ship production-level AI agents as fast as startups.

Hirevouch

Founding Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$152K/yr

Ship quickly with customers; measure impact and refine. * Hold a high quality bar while executing ... Hands-on with DevOps, CI/CD, and containers. * Able to take products from 0→1, concept to ...

Paratus

Founding Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$152K/yr

They are hiring a founding engineer who will own the full product development lifecycle, working ... Can ship production quality code at a high frequency Preferred : • Experience working with ...

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All JobsShips Engineer JobsShips Engineer Jobs in California

Ships Engineer information

See California salary details

$93.3K

$128.8K

How much do ships engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for ships engineer in California is $126,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $127,300.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Ships Engineer jobs in California?

For Ships Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ships Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Ships Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Ships Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Ships Engineer job openings:

Ships Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ships Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,463 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

CRUDES Gas Turbine Engineer SME mid-grade and senior

Core Services Group

San Diego, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Responsive recruiter
Core Services Group is seeking an experienced Gas Turbine Engineer/SME with experience on U.S. Navy Cruiser and Destroyer (CRUDES) platforms 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 significant supervisory experience with main propulsion systems operation and maintenance processes on Navy CRUDES platforms, has experience as a shipboard Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW), and maintenance/training staff experience (e.g., ISIC, TYCOM, ATG).
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. A candidate located in Everett, WA or Pearl Habor, HI is less ideal but may be considered.
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 (Senior/Team Leader):
  • At least fifteen (15) years of supervisory experience in analyses, information system operations, and implementation of technical projects relevant to CRUDES gas turbine main propulsion systems.
  • Supervisory main propulsion experience with Navy surface ship maintenance processes.
  • Extensive experience as shipboard Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) on multiple ships.
  • Extensive experience in Navy Ship main propulsion engineering on multiple ships.
  • Maintenance/training staff experience (e.g., Immediate Superior In Charge (ISIC), Type Commander (TYCOM), or Afloat Training Group).
  • In-depth knowledge of Navy ship depot-level maintenance processes.
  • In-depth knowledge of the theory and workings of surface ship maintenance processes.
  • Undergraduate or associate's degree.
    • In lieu of an acceptable degree, seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in a management role may be considered.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Mid-Grade):
  • A minimum of 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
  • Direct operational and maintenance experience, within the last five 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.
  • Proficient with common productivity software, including the Microsoft Office suite.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and support fast-paced operational environments.
  • Excellent personnel management skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.

Additional Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • At least twenty-five (25) years of relevant experience is highly desirable.

Compensation: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Overview
A Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Core Services Group was founded in response to an emergent need for robust analytical evaluation of Navy tactical airborne electronic countermeasures systems. Core Services Group combines Naval and Joint Operational Expertise with the rigorous systems engineering methodologies of the Naval Aviation, Nuclear Power and Operational Evaluation communities to deliver quality and extremely cost effective analytical solutions to the Fleet and Systems Commands.
Website
Industry
Defense and Space Manufacturing
Company size
11-50 employees
Includes members with current employer listed as Core Services Group, Inc., including part-time roles
Headquarters
Virginia Beach, VA
Founded
2009
Specialties
Systems Engineering, Program Management, Operational test and evaluation design and analysis, Operational Support, Readiness Analysis & Reporting, and Doctrine Development

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