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Tugboat Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY

Chief Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Tugboat or similar commercial marine engineering experience preferred Position Responsibilities Responsibilities include: * Responsible for the engine room and overall condition of the vessel ...

CORE Group

Port Engineer - ATB Fleet

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

ATB, tugboat, or tank-barge experience is highly desirable. * USCG engineering license or equivalent maritime engineering credentials is preferred. * Strong troubleshooting, organizational ...

New

Broussard Brothers Inc

Barge Engineer

Abbeville, LA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Barge Engineer Broussard Brothers, Inc. offers competitive pay, health, dental, and vision ... tugboat, or shore base on navigation, communication, and logistics. * Able to perform job in a safe ...

DeKalb Health

Licensed Engineer

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$85 - $92/hr

Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider ... The engineer has primary responsibility for the maintenance and operation of all machinery ...

Overstory

$98K - $134K/yr

Familiarity with compliance automation platforms (Drata, Vanta, Tugboat, etc.) * Experience leading or owning SOC 2 / ISO 27001 audits * Background in application or cloud security engineering

Moran Towing Corporation

Licensed Engineer

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$62.50 - $67.01/hr

Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider ... The engineer has primary responsibility for the maintenance and operation of all machinery ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Port Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$103K - $114K/yr

Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider ... POSITION SUMMARY: The Port Engineer is the lead engineer of the local Moran fleet reporting ...

Curtin Maritime

Dredge Port Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

This is a great opportunity for a tugboat Chief Engineer looking to transition to a shoreside position, but this is not required. The preferred candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience ...

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Tugboat Engineer information

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$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do tugboat engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for tugboat engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a tugboat engineer do?

A Tugboat Engineer is responsible for maintaining and repairing the mechanical and electrical systems on a tugboat. They ensure the engine, generators, pumps, and other essential equipment operate efficiently and safely. Regular inspections, troubleshooting, and emergency repairs are key parts of the job. Tugboat Engineers also monitor fuel and oil levels, maintain logs, and comply with maritime safety regulations. Their work is essential for keeping tugboats operational and assisting with towing and maneuvering larger vessels in harbors, rivers, or open waters.

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

Tugboat Engineers often work in rotating shifts, which may include nights, weekends, or extended periods at sea depending on the assignment and company. The work environment is primarily within the engine room of the vessel, which can be noisy, warm, and require vigilance for long stretches. Engineers collaborate closely with captains, deckhands, and other crew members to ensure the tug's machinery operates smoothly and safely. While schedules can be demanding, this structure allows for periods of time off between assignments and offers the opportunity to work in dynamic, team-oriented settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tugboat engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tugboat Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of marine diesel engines, mechanical systems, and general vessel maintenance, often supported by a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with engineering endorsements. Familiarity with engine room monitoring systems, diagnostic tools, and standard safety protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, clear communication, and attention to detail help set exceptional candidates apart. These skills are crucial to ensure the tugboat operates safely and efficiently while minimizing downtime and responding effectively to mechanical issues at sea.

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Tugboat Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tugboat Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Chief Engineer

MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY

Boston, MA • On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Boston Towing & Transportation is seeking a licensed Chief Engineer holding a USCG DDE Unlimited endorsement for a full-time position aboard one of our Boston-based towing vessels.

This is a local Boston Harbor position operating on a short-hitch, equal-time rotation, anticipated to be 1 week on / 1 week off. Our operation is primarily based in Boston Harbor, providing an opportunity for local mariners looking for a predictable schedule without extended hitches away from home.

This is a Teamsters Local 25 union position with overtime opportunities, holiday incentives, paid vacation, health benefits, and retirement benefits.

Minimum Qualification
  • Valid USCG DDE Unlimited endorsement
  • Valid MMC and medical certificate
  • Ability to meet applicable USCG and company requirements
  • Tugboat or similar commercial marine engineering experience preferred
Position Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

  • Responsible for the engine room and overall condition of the vessel's engineering spaces.
  • Operate, inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain main propulsion machinery, generators, auxiliary machinery, and vessel systems.
  • Ensure vessel equipment is maintained in accordance with company, USCG, and applicable ABS requirements.
  • Maintain accurate engineering logs, maintenance records, and other required documentation.
  • Identify machinery and system deficiencies and remedy them when practical.
  • Report machinery deficiencies and repair requirements to the Master and shoreside maintenance personnel.
  • Request and maintain appropriate engine-room spares, stores, lubricants, and supplies.
  • Serve as the designated Person in Charge for fuel-oil transfers and bunkering operations.
  • Conduct fueling, lubrication, potable-water loading, and other vessel servicing in accordance with company procedures and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
  • Ensure proper handling and discharge of bilge water, sewage, slops, and solid waste in accordance with vessel procedures and applicable regulations.
  • Perform preventative and corrective maintenance as required by the Master, Port Engineer, or Marine Superintendent.
  • Operate vessel machinery and engineering systems as operationally required.
  • Assist with line handling and deck operations when required.

The successful candidate will work closely with the vessel's Master and shoreside maintenance team to ensure the vessel remains safe, reliable, and ready for service.

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