ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Third Assistant Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

T-Solutions, Inc.

Port Engineer

San Diego, CA

S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) or higher with a minimum of two years sea time as a USCG licensed merchant marine engineer. License may be active or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsThird Engineer JobsThird Assistant Engineer JobsThird Assistant Engineer Jobs in California

Third Assistant Engineer information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$87.6K

$132.7K

How much do third assistant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for third assistant engineer in California is $87,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a third assistant engineer?

A Third Assistant Engineer (3AE) is an entry-level licensed officer in a ship's engineering department. They are responsible for monitoring and maintaining various mechanical and electrical systems, including the engine room, boilers, pumps, and generators. They assist senior engineers in troubleshooting technical issues and ensuring the vessel's machinery operates efficiently and safely. The 3AE typically stands watch, performing routine inspections and responding to any mechanical alarms or malfunctions. This role is essential to the overall operational efficiency of the ship and requires mechanical expertise, problem-solving skills, and adherence to safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a third assistant engineer?

To thrive as a Third Assistant Engineer, a solid background in marine engineering, mechanical systems, and an appropriate engineering license (such as STCW or USCG endorsement) are essential. Familiarity with engine room equipment, shipboard safety systems, and maintenance management software is typically required. Exceptional teamwork, communication, and a strong attention to detail help candidates stand out in this supportive engineering position. These skills ensure the safe, efficient operation of vessel machinery and contribute to smooth onboard collaboration and regulatory compliance.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for a third assistant engineer?

As a Third Assistant Engineer, your role forms the foundation for advancing to more senior engineering positions on board, such as Second Assistant Engineer, First Assistant Engineer, and eventually Chief Engineer. Demonstrating reliability, technical competence, and leadership in this entry-level licensed role can lead to promotions as you gain more sea time, experience, and additional certifications. Many employers also provide training and mentorship programs to help engineers develop their skills and progress within maritime engineering. Advancement often comes with greater responsibilities, higher pay, and the opportunity to oversee larger engineering teams and more complex systems.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Third Assistant Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Third Assistant Engineer job openings:

Third Assistant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Third Assistant Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,592 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Engine Utility

Crowley Maritime Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Overview

Overview

As a privately held, U.S.-owned and operated company, Crowley provides services to 36 nations and island territories. Our purpose is to bravely advance what's possible to elevate people and planet, with our core values of Integrity, Sustainability and Drive guiding everything we do.

By expanding and innovating our services, we have expanded our footprint in services within the Logistics, Land Transportation, Shipping, Wind and Fuel industries. Crowley and its affiliated companies have generated more than $3.5 billion in annual revenue through our people's focus on excellence and a culture that values everyone's voices and collaboration. 

To continue laying the groundwork and challenge what's possible for our business, we seek to partner with individuals ready to elevate their careers with us

ABOUT US: A key role with the largest Jones Act employer with a diverse fleet of vessels. 

All employees have the opportunity to join the Mariner Employee Resource Group; which is focused on creating a safe, inclusive, and diverse workforce.


Responsibilities

Responsibilities: Crowley is actively hiring a Utility Engineer on our ship assist tug in San Diego. This position requires membership with Seasfarers International Union. 


Qualifications

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications and Credentials:

  • STCW endorsements to match license including but not limited to OICEW, RFPEW, BT, PSC, Adv FF, VPDSD 
  • Designated Duty Engineer 
  • Candidate must have all medical and regulatory training requirements/classes satisfied 
  • Current and valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential 
  • Current and valid Passport - must be able to travel internationally with no felonies, DUI, or other convictions which would restrict entry into Canada or other nations 


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Chief Engineer Unlimited, Chief Limited, First Assistant Engineer, Second Assistant Engineer, Third Assistant Engineer, or Assistant Engineer Limited  
  • Electo-Technical Officer 
  • Caterpillar, ABB and Corvus electrical equipment experience (job requires candidate to operate and maintain the systems aboard the fully electric ship assist tugboat eWolf after a reasonable training period) 

Minimum Experience

  • Experience as an Engineer aboard towing vessel  
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current electronically controlled engines and control system 
  • Experience and ability to troubleshoot and make repairs to ships operating systems such as main engine, propulsion, generator, hydraulics, pumps and electrical 
  • Basic skill level operating a Windows computer 
  • Safety minded self-starter, able to work independently as well as with other crew members 
  • Take pride in craftsmanship and in maintaining their vessel to high company standards 

Expectation:

  • Must have the ability to report to work within 2 hours of notification while on call 
  • Training competencies and assessments as set forth by port cap/eng 

Probation: 90 workings days  

Compensation: As per CBA 

Geographic Area: San Diego Harbor 

Qualifications:

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications and Credentials:

  • STCW endorsements to match license including but not limited to OICEW, RFPEW, BT, PSC, Adv FF, VPDSD 
  • Designated Duty Engineer 
  • Candidate must have all medical and regulatory training requirements/classes satisfied 
  • Current and valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential 
  • Current and valid Passport - must be able to travel internationally with no felonies, DUI, or other convictions which would restrict entry into Canada or other nations 


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Chief Engineer Unlimited, Chief Limited, First Assistant Engineer, Second Assistant Engineer, Third Assistant Engineer, or Assistant Engineer Limited  
  • Electo-Technical Officer 
  • Caterpillar, ABB and Corvus electrical equipment experience (job requires candidate to operate and maintain the systems aboard the fully electric ship assist tugboat eWolf after a reasonable training period) 

Minimum Experience

  • Experience as an Engineer aboard towing vessel  
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current electronically controlled engines and control system 
  • Experience and ability to troubleshoot and make repairs to ships operating systems such as main engine, propulsion, generator, hydraulics, pumps and electrical 
  • Basic skill level operating a Windows computer 
  • Safety minded self-starter, able to work independently as well as with other crew members 
  • Take pride in craftsmanship and in maintaining their vessel to high company standards 

Expectation:

  • Must have the ability to report to work within 2 hours of notification while on call 
  • Training competencies and assessments as set forth by port cap/eng 

Probation: 90 workings days  

Compensation: As per CBA 

Geographic Area: San Diego Harbor 

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply