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Tug Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... an engineer on tug, barge, or crane. Curtin Maritime pays for all professional development and training for its employees, and encourages growth and upward movement for all crew. We're looking to ...

... engineer on tug, barge, or crane. Curtin Maritime pays for all professional development and training for its employees, and encourages growth and upward movement for all crew. Were looking to hire ...

Deckhand Trainee

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

... an engineer on tug, barge, or crane. Curtin Maritime pays for all professional development and training for its employees, and encourages growth and upward movement for all crew. We're looking to ...

Effectively trouble shoot and diagnose installation and programming issues. * Identifies, schedules ... haul, tug, or move objects and materials between locations * Regularly required to lift, raise ...

Maintenance Technician

Hayward, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC) systems (Siemens, Allen Bradley, Omron). SCADA ... Using upper extremities to exert force to draw, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion. Lifting.

Fire Alarm Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$46.80 - $54.60/hr

Effectively trouble shoot and diagnose installation and programming issues. * Identifies, schedules ... haul, tug, or move objects and materials between locations * Regularly required to lift, raise ...

Effectively trouble shoot and diagnose installation and programming issues. * Identifies, schedules ... haul, tug, or move objects and materials between locations * Regularly required to lift, raise ...

Showing results 21-34

Tug Engineer information

See California salary details

$21.1K

$79.6K

$161.1K

How much do tug engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for tug engineer in California is $79,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,273.00 and $106,735.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a tug engineer?

To thrive as a Tug Engineer, you need strong mechanical and electrical engineering skills, a deep understanding of marine propulsion systems, and relevant marine engineering qualifications or licenses. Familiarity with engine monitoring systems, maintenance tools, and certifications such as STCW Engineering Watchkeeping or Merchant Mariner documents are commonly required. Effective problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication skills with crew members and captains are essential soft skills. These qualifications are crucial to ensure tugboat safety, operational reliability, and efficient teamwork during demanding marine operations.

What is a tug engineer?

A Tug Engineer is responsible for maintaining and repairing the mechanical and electrical systems on a tugboat. They ensure the vessel's engines, generators, pumps, and other critical equipment operate efficiently and safely. The role involves conducting routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, and performing necessary repairs to prevent operational downtime. Tug Engineers work closely with the captain and crew to support safe and efficient vessel operations.

What are the typical work hours and environment like for a tug engineer?

Tug Engineers often work in shifts, which can include nights, weekends, and extended periods onboard, depending on the nature of towing assignments and port schedules. The work environment is primarily onboard a tugboat, in engine rooms and other confined spaces, and can involve exposure to noise, heat, and variable weather conditions. Tug Engineers collaborate closely with the vessel’s captain, deck crew, and shore-based maintenance teams to ensure all systems are operating safely and efficiently. Adaptability and a proactive approach are valuable as tasks may range from routine maintenance to urgent troubleshooting in dynamic maritime situations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tug Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Tug Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Tug Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Tug Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Tug Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,630 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Deckhand Trainee

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$16.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 hours ago


Job description

Curtin Maritime is looking for the next generation of seafaring innovators!


Paid training for your career development!

Work 6 months a yearwhile earning$80,000k+once you reach Deckhand/Mate/Captain Level! As your experience grows, so does your pay. Many of our crew members make well over $100k each year (while working only part of the year).


Who we are:

Curtin Maritime is an industry disruptor creating great changes by our core values of; efficiency, innovation and integrity. We are a young company experiencing a rapid growth that is looking to expand while still maintaining our small company values. We are known as a industry leader with high quality and well maintained tugs, barges, and cranes. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the great opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing locations on earth.


What we're looking for:

Curtin Maritime is committed to creating a high paying career path for our entry level employees. Due to the diverse nature of our work, new employees can purse a career on a tug boat, from deckhand to captain, operating cranes and equipment (offshore and shoreside), welding and building equipment, or as an engineer on tug, barge, or crane. Curtin Maritime pays for all professional development and training for its employees, and encourages growth and upward movement for all crew. We're looking to hire the best and the brightest talent, folks that are looking for long term career, not a job.


Where we work:

Our headquarters are in the Port of Long Beach, and most entry level employees are based there. Entry level employees work Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Our crews have the great privilege of serving our customers from some of the greatest locations, primarily: the Pacific Northwest, the Gulf of Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, the coast of California, and the remote islands of the Pacific Rim. Some of our crew work a set schedule of 30 days on, 30 days off, others work Monday-Friday, MUST be ready to travel as needed.


A Disclosure:

The work is hard, the hours are long. The travel (while exciting at first) can be draining. A career at Curtin Maritime will be the most demanding thing you've ever done. It will also be the most rewarding and fulfilling.


What we offer:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous benefits package including:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Short-term Disability
    • AD&D/Life Insurance
    • 401k (with company match)
    • Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.


Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.


Next Steps:

If you're up to the challenge, apply below. The application has some questions, applicants that do not answer, or provide single word answers will not be considered. Our team tries to read every application within 24 hours and reply. (If we decide not to move forward with your application, don't feel discouraged. Our hiring needs are constantly evolving, apply again later) If we like what we see, we will set up a phone screen or interview (if we really are interested, we may just cold call you). We try and perform panel-style interviews with folks from different departments involved. We generally make an employment decision within 24 hours of the interview and get a written job offer over within a week. From there, our People Services department will handle the pre-employment process.


Good Luck!