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Watch Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Report to the Engineering and Maintenance Supervisor, The Watch Engineer is responsible for the monitor, operation, and maintenance of the building's mechanical systems, including low-pressure boiler ...

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Location: 465 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115 Report to the Engineering and Maintenance Supervisor, The Watch Engineer is responsible for the monitor, operation, and ...

Watch Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Remain on-duty until properly relieved by next shift engineer. * Generate a pass-on report e-mail of all shift work performed and any abnormal conditions experienced during the shift, along with ...

Power Watch Engineer

Springfield, MA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

Responsibilities Eastman has an immediate opening for a Power Watch Engineer in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts. This position supports Power Plant Operations, a 24/7 co-generation plant providing ...

Power Watch Engineer

Springfield, MA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

Responsibilities Eastman has an immediate opening fora Power Watch Engineer in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts. This position supports Power Plant Operations, a 24/7 co-generation plant providing ...

Responsible for starting and ending the Child Watch program on time, as well as ensuring that the room is ready for programming. * Responsible for ensuring that the room is organized and cleaned at ...

Responsible for starting and ending the Child Watch program on time, as well as ensuring that the room is ready for programming. * Responsible for ensuring that the room is organized and cleaned at ...

Responsible for starting and ending the Child Watch program on time, as well as ensuring that the room is ready for programming. * Responsible for ensuring that the room is organized and cleaned at ...

Job Title: Senior Test Engineer Location: Bedford, MA Job Type: Full-time * Build the ... Watch ops‑support elements to CJADC2 mission threads and MR 2 exit criteria. * Define DT/OT ...

Job Title: Senior Aeronautical Engineer Location: Bedford, MA Job Type: Full-time * Platform ... Feed real-time design feedback to Nomad, Smith, and Watch IPTs and the Government architecture team.

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Watch Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$32

$39

$42

How much do watch engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for watch engineer in Massachusetts is $39.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.49 and $41.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a watch engineer?

A Watch Engineer is a professional responsible for monitoring and operating mechanical and electrical systems on ships, in power plants, or sometimes large buildings. Their main duties include checking equipment, performing maintenance, and ensuring that systems like engines, boilers, and pumps run safely and efficiently. They work in shifts, known as 'watches,' to provide 24-hour supervision. Watch Engineers play a crucial role in preventing breakdowns and responding to emergencies that may arise during their watch.

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

To thrive as a Watch Engineer, you need solid knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, HVAC, plumbing, and general building operations, usually supported by relevant technical certifications or licensure. Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help Watch Engineers excel in troubleshooting and coordinating with facility teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and uninterrupted building operations.

What are some common challenges faced by watch engineers during a typical shift?

Watch Engineers often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to unexpected equipment malfunctions, managing multiple systems simultaneously, and maintaining detailed logs under time pressure. The role requires vigilance, as equipment failures can occur at any hour, and effective communication with other engineering staff is essential to coordinate repairs without disrupting facility operations. Staying updated on building systems and safety protocols is crucial to troubleshoot issues efficiently and ensure smooth operations throughout their watch.

What is the difference between Watch Engineer vs Signal Technician?

AspectWatch EngineerSignal Technician
CertificationsTypically requires electrical or mechanical engineering certifications, specialized watchmaking or horology credentialsRequires electrical, electronics, or telecommunications certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in watch manufacturing, repair shops, or horology labsWorks in railway, transit systems, or transportation infrastructure
Industry UsageUsed mainly in horology, luxury watchmaking, and repairCommon in transportation, railway signaling, and communication systems

While both roles involve technical skills and maintenance, Watch Engineers focus on horology and watch repair, whereas Signal Technicians specialize in railway signaling and communication systems. The roles share certifications in electrical or mechanical work but differ significantly in work environment and industry focus.

How much does a watch engineer make?

A watch engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and employer, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Skilled professionals with certifications and specialized knowledge in horology or watch repair may earn higher wages or bonuses.

What does a watch engineer do?

A watch engineer designs, develops, and maintains timekeeping devices, including mechanical and electronic watches. They work with precision tools, understand horology principles, and may require certifications or specialized training to ensure accuracy and durability of watches.

What are popular job titles related to Watch Engineer jobs in Massachusetts?

For Watch Engineer jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Watch Engineer jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Watch Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:

What are popular job titles related to Watch Engineer jobs in MA?

For Watch Engineer jobs in MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Watch Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 85% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,199 per year, or $39 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Position Overview:

Report to the Engineering and Maintenance Supervisor, The Watch Engineer is responsible for the monitor, operation, and maintenance of the building’s mechanical systems, including low-pressure boiler plants, chiller water plants, cooling towers, air handlers, and all related equipment. This role ensures the continuous monitoring and adjustment of the building maintenance system to maintain the desired climate conditions across all areas of the museum.

Essential Functions:

Monitor and operate the chillers, hot water boilers, steam boilers, and cooling towers. Monitor and operate feed water pumps, chilled and hot water pumps, fans, air compressors and other auxiliary equipment. Operate the BMS to regulate temperature, relative humidity, and various equipment alarms.

Record temperatures and relative humidity in galleries, fuel consumption, maintain the boiler and chiller logs. Read and record utility (gas, water, electric and oil) meters.

Rebuild hydronic pumps and other mechanical equipment as necessary. Use machine tools, hand tools, and other equipment to perform repairs and maintenance tasks. Use toilet augers and plungers for routine maintenance of plumbing systems. Assist with plumbing, mechanical, and controls work as directed by the Engineering and Maintenance Supervisor.

Perform scheduled preventive maintenance as directed. Work from charts, specifications, manuals, written and verbal instruction. Use such tools and equipment such as staging, ladders, lifts, drill press, hand tools, hand power tools, and computers.

Respond promptly to emergency situations, including fire alarms, floods, leaks, temperature and humidity alarms, and other critical events. Assist in controlling emergency situations and mitigating any potential damage. 

Respond to various calls from the Command Center, including issues related to doors, elevators, climate systems, plumbing backups, etc. 

Communicate effectively with other departments during emergencies to coordinate and resolve issues.

Report all problems, deficiencies and shut downs to the Engineering and Maintenance Supervisor.


Secondary Functions:

Assist with various duties on all shifts as necessary. This includes but should not be limited to the following: replace lamps in fixtures; retrieve equipment for special events (extension cords, lighting, etc.). Respond to plumbing, electrical and safety issues. Respond to calls from SMFA at Tufts and the MFA Parking Garage as required.

Maintain necessary records. Move materials as necessary in performance of duties. Detect and report improper operation, faulty equipment, defective materials and unusual conditions to Supervisor. Maintain both East and West plants, Watch Office and equipment in clean, safe and orderly condition. Follow established MFA policies and regulations. Attend all required safety training sessions. 


Requirements and Characteristics:
  • 2nd Class Fireman’s License Required. Must have 5 years’ experience
  • Must have working knowledge of computers in a Windows environment, BMS systems, Schneider and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Facility Dude
  • Must have effective oral and written communications skills with the ability to read, write and comprehend the English language
  • Must be able to work professionally and tactfully with fellow employees, visitors and volunteers; deal with challenging people and / or stressful scenarios
  • Must be physically able to meet all job requirements; i.e.; standing long periods, climbing ladders and ability to lift and install equipment as needed
  • Valid US Driver’s license
  • Required to work indoors and outdoors in potentially cramped spaces, during inclement weather year round
  • Good interpersonal / communication skills are required
  • Essential role that requires reporting to work during adverse weather conditions.
  • Required shift overtime coverage as directed
  • Perform other related duties as required or directed by the Supervisor


The Museum reserves the right to change job descriptions. While this job description is intended to include essential duties, it is conceivable that job duties my change before the job description is officially revised.



Hourly Rate and Shift Information

Full-Time hourly, 40 hours per week

Sat/Sun; 2pm-10pm (2nd shift)

Monday-Wednesday; 10pm-6am (3rd shift)

$42.05 – $44.25, commensurate with experience and excluding shift differential. 


This position is a member of the Area Trades Council union


The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.