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Vessel Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Balance of Plant Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

... vessel built to our nuclear-ready standards, and will provide end-to-end sustainment in our planned nuclear lifecycle dockyard. We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new ...

Nuclear Fuels Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

... vessel built to our nuclear-ready standards, and will provide end-to-end sustainment in our planned nuclear lifecycle dockyard. We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new ...

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Certification * Stationary Engineer certification * Boiler Operators License for Low Pressure Boilers * Class 1 Power Engineer * 7 to 10+ years of experience in ...

Engineer -1st Class

Washington, DC · On-site

$57.40 - $63/hr

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Certification * Stationary Engineer certification * Boiler Operators License for Low Pressure Boilers * Class 1 Power Engineer * 7 to 10+ years of experience in ...

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Certification * Stationary Engineer certification * Boiler Operators License for Low Pressure Boilers * Class 1 Power Engineer * 7 to 10+ years of experience in ...

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Certification * Stationary Engineer certification * Boiler Operators License for Low Pressure Boilers * Class 1 Power Engineer * 7 to 10+ years of experience in ...

DC City Cruises - Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

... and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systems Hornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and ...

... Vessel Harvesting system. Endoscopic radial artery harvesting is strongly preferred. * Flexible ... Demonstrates technical expertise in the operating room * Excellent communication and teamwork

Showing results 41-60

Vessel Operator information

What does a vessel operator do?

A vessel operator oversees various aspects of a ship’s operations including voyage planning, crew management, payments, and paperwork. As a ship operator, your job duties include holding meetings with stevedores, contractors, agents, and crew members; preparing productivity reports; identifying ways to increase productivity; arranging necessary service or maintenance; and handling bills of lading, letters of indemnity, and manifests. You must be a good problem solver, able to handle a variety of tasks. As a vessel operator, you may work on a cargo ship, tanker, or another type of vessel.

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

To thrive as a Vessel Operator, you need a solid understanding of maritime regulations, vessel logistics, and port operations, often supported by relevant maritime certifications or a degree in maritime studies. Familiarity with vessel tracking systems, shipping management software, and international documentation processes is typically required. Strong organizational skills, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with crews, clients, and authorities. These competencies ensure efficient vessel operations, regulatory compliance, and safe, timely movement of cargo in the maritime industry.

What are some common challenges a vessel operator faces when coordinating shipments, and how can these be managed effectively?

Vessel Operators often encounter challenges such as unexpected port delays, last-minute changes to cargo manifests, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders across different time zones. Effective management involves proactive communication with agents, shippers, and crew, as well as closely monitoring vessel schedules and operational updates. Utilizing digital tools for real-time tracking and maintaining strong relationships with port authorities can also help resolve issues quickly and keep shipments on track.

What is the difference between Vessel Operator vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectVessel OperatorMarine Deckhand
Required CertificationsSTCW certifications, licenses for vessel operationSTCW certifications, basic safety training
Work EnvironmentBridge or control room, vessel operationDeck, exterior of vessel, cargo handling
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, maritime industryMaritime, fishing, cargo transport
Job FocusNavigation, vessel control, safetyDeck maintenance, cargo, mooring

While both roles are essential in maritime operations, Vessel Operators focus on navigating and controlling vessels, requiring specific licenses and certifications. Marine Deckhands assist with deck work, cargo, and maintenance. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the maritime industry.

What is a vessel operator?

Vessel operators are professionals responsible for managing the daily operations of ships or vessels, ensuring they run efficiently and safely. Their duties include coordinating shipping schedules, communicating with ports and cargo handlers, monitoring compliance with maritime regulations, and handling any issues that arise during voyages. Vessel operators play a key role in the logistics and shipping industry, working closely with ship owners, crew, and logistics partners to oversee cargo movements and maintain optimal vessel performance.

What are popular job titles related to Vessel Operator jobs in Washington?

For Vessel Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vessel Operator jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Vessel Operator jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Vessel Operator jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Vessel Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Vessel Operator jobs in WA?

For Vessel Operator jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Vessel Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Balance of Plant Engineer

Ocean Atomics LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

The ocean is the largest undeveloped frontier on earth - and the next chapter of abundant energy will be written at sea. We're building the infrastructure to power it.
About Ocean Atomics (OA)
Ocean Atomics is an American company designing, licensing, and assembling a standardized nuclear electric power plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants on any vessel built to our nuclear-ready standards, and will provide end-to-end sustainment in our planned nuclear lifecycle dockyard. We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive application at sea. To move fast and to lead the creation of this new market, we are leveraging the compact, proven systems enabled by water-cooled reactors.
Our mission
Scale nuclear energy. Power generations.
Our vision
A maritime commons thriving with abundant, economical, modern, and safe nuclear-powered activity - built, serviced, and staffed by re-industrialized American shipyards and people.
Role Summary
Designs and analyzes the balance of plant (BOP)-turbine, generator, condenser, feedwater heaters, condensate/feedwater systems, and related equipment-that converts nuclear steam into electricity, optimizing cycle performance within the ship's space, weight, and operating constraints.
What You'll Do
  • Design and analyze BOP systems, including the turbine-generator, condenser, feedwater heaters, deaerator, and condensate/feedwater systems.
  • Develop and optimize the thermal cycle and heat balance to maximize plant efficiency, output, and ramp rates across operating conditions.
  • Size and specify BOP equipment and define system requirements, interfaces, and operating limits.
  • Coordinate with thermal-hydraulics, layout, and construction teams to integrate BOP systems within shipboard space, weight, and installation constraints.
  • Document system designs, performance analyses, and as-built configurations, and support design reviews and acceptance testing.

What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or nuclear engineering required (advanced degree preferred).
  • Experience designing or analyzing power conversion / balance-of-plant systems.
  • Proficiency with heat balance and thermal cycle modeling tools.
  • Strong grounding in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and rotating equipment.
  • Familiarity with steam turbine-generator systems and associated auxiliaries.
  • Nuclear and/or navy experience preferred

Don't meet every bullet? We'd still like to hear from you. If you're excited by the mission and most of this resonates, apply.
Export control notice
This role involves access to information subject to U.S. export control laws, including unclassified nuclear technology governed by the U.S. Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. Depending on a candidate's status, access may require DOE authorization, which Ocean Atomics may apply for. Any offer is contingent on your ability to work in compliance with these requirements. We evaluate all applicants regardless of citizenship or national origin, except where required by law.
Why this matters
Every industry on Earth needs scalable, clean energy, and the ocean is the ideal place to unlock it. Joining Ocean Atomics means building real, lasting infrastructure - the kind that powers generations. The world needs abundant energy. Let's make it happen.
Ocean Atomics LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to a workplace free of discrimination and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations; if you need an accommodation during the application process, contact info@oceanatomics.com.