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Ships Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR

$29 - $32/hr

MCPP - SHIPBOARD ENGINEER (CONSTRUCTION) EQUIPMENT MECHANIC Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR! THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA Program Summary The Marine Corps' Prepositioning (MCPP ...

Beacon Software Inc

Forward Deployed Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$141K/yr

We ship software, not slides. The deliverable is a running system. What You'll Do * Embed deeply ... Use the platforms our core engineering team is building, and extend them when they fall short.

Three Ships

Back End Engineer

Charlotte, NC

Three Ships is seeking an experienced developer to take on an instrumental role in back end and front end development projects for our mattress and sleep portfolio. As a member of the development ...

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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 Jul 22, 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 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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Ships Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ships Engineer jobs are:
Ships Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ships Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,141 per year, or $61.6 per hour.
Surface Ship Damage Control SME mid-grade and senior

Surface Ship Damage Control SME mid-grade and senior

Core Services Group

San Diego, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Responsive recruiter
Role Overview:
Core Services Group is seeking an experienced Mid-Grade and Senior Damage Control Engineer/SME with experience on U.S. Navy surface 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 extensive experience as a U.S. Navy shipboard Damage Control supervisor on multiple surface ships, including direct operational and damage control experience within the last five years.
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 surface ship damage control systems and processes.
  • Extensive Navy technical management experience on multiple ships.
  • Extensive experience as shipboard Damage Control supervisor on multiple ships.
  • Direct operational and damage control experience, within the last five (5) years, with experience and knowledge of advanced damage control practices and procedures currently in use by the Navy.
  • 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 experience as part of the damage control organization aboard a warship or military auxiliary. Direct operational and maintenance experience, within the last five years, with damage control systems and equipment currently in use by the Navy. Versed in current Navy damage control doctrine and procedures.

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.

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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