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Ships Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

HII

$15.75 - $20.50/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 ...

Leidos

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Arlington, VA

Working at Irving Shipbuilding's engineering facility and shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this role supports the successful testing and integration of complex naval systems to ensure operational ...

Leidos

Combat Systems Test Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Working at Irving Shipbuilding's engineering facility and shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this role supports the successful testing and integration of complex naval systems to ensure operational ...

Delphinus Engineering

Engineer

Norfolk, VA

In this role, you'll contribute to the design, analysis, and improvement of shipboard systems supporting both HM&E and habitability functions. Working as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team ...

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All JobsShips Engineer JobsShips Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Ships Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$93.7K

$129.4K

How much do ships engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for ships 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 ships engineers?

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.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Ships engineers, especially senior or chief engineers on large vessels, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually with experience, overtime, and bonuses. High-paying engineering roles in other industries, such as petroleum, aerospace, or specialized consulting, may also reach this level, often requiring advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

What does an engineer do on a ship?

A ships engineer is responsible for maintaining and repairing the ship's mechanical and electrical systems, including engines, generators, and pumps. They ensure the vessel operates safely and efficiently, often working with specialized tools and following safety protocols during their shifts. Certifications such as STCW are typically required for this role.

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.

How much do engineers on ships make?

Ship engineers, also known as marine engineers, typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and the type of vessel. Entry-level engineers may start at lower salaries, while senior engineers or chief engineers can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and benefits. Certifications such as STCW and experience with ship systems influence earning potential.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain senior software engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and may involve leadership responsibilities or working in high-demand sectors.

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 Virginia? For Ships Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ships Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Ships Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ships Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Ships Engineer job openings:
Ships Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ships Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,042 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
Waterfront Engineer with Security Clearance

Waterfront Engineer with Security Clearance

MANTECH

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$124K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

ManTech rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 245 rated software companies

Job description

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Waterfront Engineer to join our team in Norfolk, VA. This is an onsite position. The Surface Maintenance Engineering, Planning, Program (SURFMEPP) maintains, monitors, and refines Class-wide and Individual-Ship Maintenance Plans for all non-nuclear surface ships to ensure material readiness for the projected service life, develop life-cycle strategies to address system upgrades, and fully implement the Class Maintenance Plan into each surface ship's maintenance schedule and availability planning process. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Provide on-site support (physical presence) in all Fleet Concentration Areas (FCA) to maintain relationships and communications pipelines with Regional Maintenance Center (RMC), Type Commander (TYCOM), Fleet and numbered fleet commander staff in each FCA.
* Manage Baseline Availability Work Package (BAWP) for assigned surface ships throughout the recurring deployment, repair, and training cycles
* Conduct ship visits to assess, evaluate, and monitor key platform and system condition and maintenance issues.
* Collaborating with government personnel and stakeholders to provide engineering oversight for system upgrades and modernization initiatives
* Generate a BAWP Tracker containing all Mandatory Technical Requirements (MTR) status: document and report risk to MTR completion. Organize and execute milestone stakeholder meetings and participate in applicable Maintenance Team meetings.
* Represent the Class Maintenance Plan with the Maintenance Team and stakeholders advocating for the planning, execution, and completion of all MTRs.
* Attend and assist with off ship maintenance team meetings such as Planning Board for Maintenance (PB4M), Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Availability Planning, and Total Ships Readiness Training (TSRA) to enhance tracking the life cycle health of each surface ship. Minimum qualifications: * 7+ years of Naval Ship experience
* Direct experience related to U.S. Navy surface ship operations or maintenance planning
* Experience drafting briefs and presentations related to maintenance or modernization of US Navy ships
* Experience with governing documents related to husbanding of ships throughout a maintenance cycle and Navy Correspondence
* Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications (Power Point, Word, Excel) Preferred Qualifications: * 10+ years of Naval Ship experience
* Planning, execution or management of US Navy Ship maintenance, onboard US Navy Ships, at a Regional Maintenance Center or US Navy Planning Activity
* Conducting work specification or technical review in planning and execution of depot level maintenance
* Familiarity with MS Project
* Knowledgeable skills with Navy Maintenance databases (VSB, NMD, 3-M, M&SWP, NDE) to plan, track and review maintenance and maintenance scheduling Clearance Requirements: * Must be a US Citizen and possess a current or active Secret Security Clearance Physical Requirements: * Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50%.
* Must be able to visit ships and shipyards
* Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
* Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.
* Often positions self to maintain computers in the lab, including under the desks and in the server closet.
* Frequently communicates with co-workers, management and customers, which may involve delivering presentations. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

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