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Ships Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Range

Growth Engineer, GTM

Mclean, VA · On-site

$130K/yr

They are seeking a Growth Engineer to own the technical infrastructure for their acquisition engine ... Build and ship landing page experiments, signup funnels, scheduling and lead routing. Write the ...

HII

ENGINEER INDUSTRIAL SKILLBRIDGE INTERN

Newport News, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/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 · 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 ...

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Ships Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$93.7K

$129.4K

How much do ships engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 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 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 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 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 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.

How do you become a ships engineer?

To become a ships engineer, you typically need to complete a maritime engineering program or a related degree, obtain relevant certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential, and gain practical experience through onboard training or apprenticeships. Licensing requirements vary by country but generally include passing exams and demonstrating technical skills in ship systems and safety procedures.

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.

What does a ships engineer do in a ship?

A ships engineer is responsible for maintaining and operating the ship's propulsion systems, engines, and auxiliary machinery to ensure safe and efficient vessel operation. They perform routine inspections, troubleshoot mechanical issues, and adhere to safety and environmental regulations, often working with specialized tools and certifications. Their role is vital for the vessel's performance and safety at sea.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,042 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Waterfront Engineer with Security Clearance

Norfolk, VA • On-site

MANTECH
IT Services • 5 - 10K employees

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 246 rated software companies

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about MANTECHexternal

$124K/yr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago

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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