3rd Engineer Jobs
3rd Engineer jobs are open across commercial shipping, offshore oil and gas, dredging, and inland waterways, from entry-level unlimited-tonnage to senior watch-standing roles, with specializations in propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, and electrical plant operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 60+ 3rd Engineer jobs
Maintenance of System
- Analyzes, assists and resolves work problems; may also include working with production and maintenance personnel
- Troubleshoots and corrects production equipment control problems so as to enable maximum productivity, product recovery and quality
- Diagnoses cause of electrical or mechanical malfunction or failure of operational equipment and will teach/train electricians and technicians to perform preventative and corrective maintenance
- Tests and inspects machines and equipment in manufacturing departments to eliminate production problems
- Provides production equipment support utilizing knowledge and understanding of the equipment control systems, programming, processes and components being utilized
- Diagnoses and resolves production equipment issues where control system components and/or programming may be a contributing factor
- Diagnoses and resolves control system performance and/or maintenance issues
- Maintains electrical and control system schematics and programming documentation such as to ensure that all electronic and hard copy versions are at current revision
- Maintains all plant floor and library copies of all control system schematics, documentation, process and motion controller programs, PLC and HMI programs and all other such equipment control related files and documentation
- Assures that all equipment control systems have current electrical and control system documentation in place
- Assures timely maintenance and repair of PLC, HMI, Process and Motion Control and all other control system and automation control hardware
Planning/Preparation/Implementation/Safety
- Plans, directs, and records periodic electrical testing and recommends or initiates modification or replacement of equipment which fails to meet acceptable operating standards
- Participates in the planning, engineering, and implementation phases of new equipment installation projects
- Participates and may be directly responsible for the planning, engineering and implementation of equipment modification projects
- Assists with development and implementation of standards for electrical and controls components for use within the facility and with suppliers
- Maintains maximum personal knowledge on all relevant controls related hardware and software.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- 4 year degree in Electrical Engineering preferred; or 2 year degree with 5 years additional experience
- 3-5 years of progressive experience in the area of controls, with knowledge of PLC’s and automation applications
- Computer proficient in Microsoft Windows, Project and Office
- Experienced and proficient with AutoCAD, RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, RSNetworx, RSLinx and RSView
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven Mechanical skills
- Must be able to prioritize
- Multi-task Oriented
- Strong follow-up skills
- Ability to make decisions quickly with little direction
- Cooperation
- Order
- Discipline
- Work Discipline
- Striving
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct: None
Indirect: None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- Sitting- to complete a task at lower levels
- Standing- to complete most all tasks
- Climbing- to get to parts department, when using ladder, on equipment
- Reaching- to perform activities, to get tools out of toolbox
- Kneeling- to perform work activities at low levels
- Crawling- to perform work activities under equipment
- Squatting
- Bending/stooping- to pick up tools or parts, to perform work tasks at lower levels or inside a machine
- Twisting- to perform work activities
- Pinch- to use tools, to manipulate wires
- Grasping/handling- using tools, manipulating parts
- Must be able to walk or stand on concrete floors, and climb ladders without difficulty or pain
- Must be able to use hands and fingers to work on projects with crews
JOB COMPETENCIES
- Ethics/ Integrity/ Trust
- Attitude and Commitment
- Diversity
- Customer Service
- Company Engagement
- Quality
- Cost Consciousness
- Problem Solving
- Initiative
- Analytical Thinking
- Teamwork
- Planning/ Organizing
Other
- Responsible for monitoring, record keeping and taking appropriate actions for specific Food Safety Plan and Food Quality Plan and pre requisite program requirements.
- Responsible to report food safety and quality issues to management.
Education
Preferred- Bachelors or better
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
Maintenance of System
- Analyzes, assists and resolves work problems; may also include working with production and maintenance personnel
- Troubleshoots and corrects production equipment control problems so as to enable maximum productivity, product recovery and quality
- Diagnoses cause of electrical or mechanical malfunction or failure of operational equipment and will teach/train electricians and technicians to perform preventative and corrective maintenance
- Tests and inspects machines and equipment in manufacturing departments to eliminate production problems
- Provides production equipment support utilizing knowledge and understanding of the equipment control systems, programming, processes and components being utilized
- Diagnoses and resolves production equipment issues where control system components and/or programming may be a contributing factor
- Diagnoses and resolves control system performance and/or maintenance issues
- Maintains electrical and control system schematics and programming documentation such as to ensure that all electronic and hard copy versions are at current revision
- Maintains all plant floor and library copies of all control system schematics, documentation, process and motion controller programs, PLC and HMI programs and all other such equipment control related files and documentation
- Assures that all equipment control systems have current electrical and control system documentation in place
- Assures timely maintenance and repair of PLC, HMI, Process and Motion Control and all other control system and automation control hardware
Planning/Preparation/Implementation/Safety
- Plans, directs, and records periodic electrical testing and recommends or initiates modification or replacement of equipment which fails to meet acceptable operating standards
- Participates in the planning, engineering, and implementation phases of new equipment installation projects
- Participates and may be directly responsible for the planning, engineering and implementation of equipment modification projects
- Assists with development and implementation of standards for electrical and controls components for use within the facility and with suppliers
- Maintains maximum personal knowledge on all relevant controls related hardware and software.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- 4 year degree in Electrical Engineering preferred; or 2 year degree with 5 years additional experience
- 3-5 years of progressive experience in the area of controls, with knowledge of PLC’s and automation applications
- Computer proficient in Microsoft Windows, Project and Office
- Experienced and proficient with AutoCAD, RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, RSNetworx, RSLinx and RSView
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven Mechanical skills
- Must be able to prioritize
- Multi-task Oriented
- Strong follow-up skills
- Ability to make decisions quickly with little direction
- Cooperation
- Order
- Discipline
- Work Discipline
- Striving
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct: None
Indirect: None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- Sitting- to complete a task at lower levels
- Standing- to complete most all tasks
- Climbing- to get to parts department, when using ladder, on equipment
- Reaching- to perform activities, to get tools out of toolbox
- Kneeling- to perform work activities at low levels
- Crawling- to perform work activities under equipment
- Squatting
- Bending/stooping- to pick up tools or parts, to perform work tasks at lower levels or inside a machine
- Twisting- to perform work activities
- Pinch- to use tools, to manipulate wires
- Grasping/handling- using tools, manipulating parts
- Must be able to walk or stand on concrete floors, and climb ladders without difficulty or pain
- Must be able to use hands and fingers to work on projects with crews
JOB COMPETENCIES
- Ethics/ Integrity/ Trust
- Attitude and Commitment
- Diversity
- Customer Service
- Company Engagement
- Quality
- Cost Consciousness
- Problem Solving
- Initiative
- Analytical Thinking
- Teamwork
- Planning/ Organizing
Other
- Responsible for monitoring, record keeping and taking appropriate actions for specific Food Safety Plan and Food Quality Plan and pre requisite program requirements.
- Responsible to report food safety and quality issues to management.
Education
Preferred- Bachelors or better
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 60 3rd Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find 3rd Engineer Jobs3rd Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
- Non-Profit & Social Services
- Investment & Asset Management
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in 3rd engineer jobs.
- Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with 3rd Assistant Engineer endorsement
- STCW Basic Safety Training certification current and in force
- Experience maintaining diesel propulsion and auxiliary machinery systems
- Ability to maintain an independent engineering watch on vessels of 1000+ horsepower
- Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems and engine room logs
- TWIC card or eligibility to obtain one before vessel assignment
Tips for Your 3rd Engineer Job Search
Tailor your STCW credentials to each posting
Hiring managers scan for specific endorsements, so list your STCW certificates, tankerman ratings, and any flag-state licenses with their exact issue dates. A vague line like 'holds all required certifications' costs you interviews that a detailed credentials block would win.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists 3rd engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Quantify your watch-standing and sea service hours
Vessel operators verify sea service down to the day, so your resume should state total sea time, vessel type, gross tonnage, and engine horsepower for each position. Vague tenure like '2 years at sea' gives reviewers nothing to verify against USCG minimums.
Target postings by vessel type, not just job title
Your experience on a container ship reads differently to a towing or OSV operator. Use vessel category keywords in your search and in your cover letter to signal that your auxiliary and propulsion background matches the specific machinery plant the employer operates.
Prepare for the practical skills interview, not just the oral
Many marine employers run a bench or simulator component alongside the standard interview, testing fuel oil purification sequencing, bilge system troubleshooting, or watchkeeping scenarios. Walk through your most recent stand-alone machinery repairs before each interview so the details stay sharp.
Negotiate your relief schedule before accepting an offer
Rotation length directly affects your effective compensation and rest time, but most postings don't publish it upfront. Ask about the on/off cycle, relief policy, and travel reimbursement in writing before you sign, because renegotiating after joining is rarely successful.
3rd Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most 3rd engineers?
The most active employers for 3rd engineers right now are Raytheon, CBRE, and ESFM, and the most openings are in Massachusetts, Indiana, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to be strongest with deep-sea shipping companies, offshore vessel operators, and inland waterway towing fleets.
How many 3rd engineer jobs are remote?
About 0% of 3rd engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on, vessel-based nature of most roles. The sub-areas with the most location flexibility are marine technical superintendent positions and shore-side engineering support roles that grow out of sea-going experience.
How do you become a 3rd engineer?
Start by completing an accredited maritime academy program or accumulating qualifying sea service hours in an unlicensed engine department rating. Once you meet USCG sea service and training requirements, pass the third assistant engineer written and oral examination to earn your Merchant Mariner Credential. Completing STCW Basic Safety Training and any vessel-specific endorsements your target employer requires rounds out the credential package before you apply.
Can you get hired as a 3rd engineer with little experience?
Some employers hire newly licensed third engineers directly out of maritime academies or after a first sea-service contract as a wiper or oiler. Your strongest asset at that stage is a clean credential record, strong simulator evaluations, and documented hands-on time with the specific machinery types the employer operates. Targeting smaller coastal or inland vessel operators first builds the documented watch-standing hours that larger deep-sea employers require.
What does the 3rd engineer interview process look like?
Most marine employers run a credential verification step first, confirming your MMC endorsements and STCW certificates are current. A technical interview follows, covering watchkeeping duties, emergency procedures, and troubleshooting scenarios drawn from the specific machinery plant on their vessels. Some operators add a practical or simulator component before extending a conditional offer, which is typically contingent on a medical exam and background check.
Where can I find and apply to 3rd engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to 3rd engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from companies across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your credentials and vessel experience, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 60 3rd Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find 3rd Engineer Jobs