H-1B Visa Marine Electrician Jobs
Marine Electrician roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering or a closely related field. Employers in shipbuilding, naval defense contracting, and offshore energy regularly file LCAs for this occupation. Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsors with active H-1B visa filing history.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary:
The ideal candidate is a technically skilled marine electrician with strong diagnostic abilities, capable of interpreting blueprints and electrical schematics, performing preventive and corrective maintenance, and ensuring vessel electrical readiness. This role requires strict adherence to safety procedures, attention to detail, and the ability to work in confined spaces, harsh marine environments, and operationally fast-paced conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on vessel electrical systems including generators, switchboards, breakers, batteries, chargers, transformers, motors, lighting, sensors, alarms, and wiring.
- Troubleshoot and repair AC/DC systems ranging from 12V DC to 480V three-phase marine power distribution.
- Diagnose faults in propulsion related electrical systems, including MTU 4000, John Deere gensets, Hamilton/MJP waterjet controls, and Cox 300 diesel outboard electronic systems.
- Maintain and repair automation and PLC based systems used for vessel control, monitoring, and alarms.
- Install, inspect, and upgrade wiring, raceways, conduits, terminals, connectors, and marine-rated components according to USCG and ABYC standards.
- Read and interpret complex blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and OEM manuals to resolve electrical issues.
- Maintain and troubleshoot navigation systems, communication systems, steering controls, fuel management panels, bilge alarms, and fire detection systems.
- Document all work in HELM, including corrective and preventive maintenance, component replacements, and system upgrades.
- Support dry-dock operations including electrical system inspections, panel testing, megger testing, and installation of equipment.
- Ensure compliance with USCG regulations, OSHA lockout/tagout procedures, and HMS PR safety policies.
- Assist in the development and execution of electrical upgrades and capital improvement projects for the fleet.
- Work safely in confined spaces, aloft, and in marine environments with high corrosion exposure.
- Collaborate with Port Engineers, vessel crews, and technicians to resolve fleet electrical issues.
- Support vessel operational readiness by ensuring all electrical equipment meets inspection requirements.
- Train and guide junior technicians in marine electrical troubleshooting and maintenance best practices.
- Remain true to and champion the Company’s RESPECT Values and Code of Conduct.
- Additional job duties as assigned.
Requirements & Qualifications:
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience as an electrician; marine electrical experience strongly preferred.
- Formal electrical training from technical school, maritime academy, or military equivalent preferred.
- At least 2 years of experience as an electrician; marine experience preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of marine electrical systems including AC/DC distribution, generators, switchboards, transformers, PLCs, sensors, alarms, navigation systems, and automation.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and OEM technical documentation.
- Strong understanding of electrical safety, including lockout/tagout and arc flash hazard mitigation.
- Ability to push/pull/lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, work aloft, and work in confined or hot spaces.
- Must pass USCG mandated drug and alcohol testing requirements.
- Experience documenting maintenance in a CMMS system such as HELM preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between sites as needed.
- Knowledge of NEC, ABYC, and USCG standards applicable to marine electrical systems.
The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.
Position Summary:
The ideal candidate is a technically skilled marine electrician with strong diagnostic abilities, capable of interpreting blueprints and electrical schematics, performing preventive and corrective maintenance, and ensuring vessel electrical readiness. This role requires strict adherence to safety procedures, attention to detail, and the ability to work in confined spaces, harsh marine environments, and operationally fast-paced conditions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on vessel electrical systems including generators, switchboards, breakers, batteries, chargers, transformers, motors, lighting, sensors, alarms, and wiring.
- Troubleshoot and repair AC/DC systems ranging from 12V DC to 480V three-phase marine power distribution.
- Diagnose faults in propulsion related electrical systems, including MTU 4000, John Deere gensets, Hamilton/MJP waterjet controls, and Cox 300 diesel outboard electronic systems.
- Maintain and repair automation and PLC based systems used for vessel control, monitoring, and alarms.
- Install, inspect, and upgrade wiring, raceways, conduits, terminals, connectors, and marine-rated components according to USCG and ABYC standards.
- Read and interpret complex blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and OEM manuals to resolve electrical issues.
- Maintain and troubleshoot navigation systems, communication systems, steering controls, fuel management panels, bilge alarms, and fire detection systems.
- Document all work in HELM, including corrective and preventive maintenance, component replacements, and system upgrades.
- Support dry-dock operations including electrical system inspections, panel testing, megger testing, and installation of equipment.
- Ensure compliance with USCG regulations, OSHA lockout/tagout procedures, and HMS PR safety policies.
- Assist in the development and execution of electrical upgrades and capital improvement projects for the fleet.
- Work safely in confined spaces, aloft, and in marine environments with high corrosion exposure.
- Collaborate with Port Engineers, vessel crews, and technicians to resolve fleet electrical issues.
- Support vessel operational readiness by ensuring all electrical equipment meets inspection requirements.
- Train and guide junior technicians in marine electrical troubleshooting and maintenance best practices.
- Remain true to and champion the Company’s RESPECT Values and Code of Conduct.
- Additional job duties as assigned.
Requirements & Qualifications:
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience as an electrician; marine electrical experience strongly preferred.
- Formal electrical training from technical school, maritime academy, or military equivalent preferred.
- At least 2 years of experience as an electrician; marine experience preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of marine electrical systems including AC/DC distribution, generators, switchboards, transformers, PLCs, sensors, alarms, navigation systems, and automation.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and OEM technical documentation.
- Strong understanding of electrical safety, including lockout/tagout and arc flash hazard mitigation.
- Ability to push/pull/lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, work aloft, and work in confined or hot spaces.
- Must pass USCG mandated drug and alcohol testing requirements.
- Experience documenting maintenance in a CMMS system such as HELM preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between sites as needed.
- Knowledge of NEC, ABYC, and USCG standards applicable to marine electrical systems.
The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.
See all 62+ H-1B Visa Marine Electrician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Marine Electrician
Verify your degree supports specialty occupation
USCIS requires your bachelor's degree to be in a directly related field, such as electrical engineering or marine systems technology. A general trades credential won't anchor an H-1B petition, so confirm your degree classification before targeting employers.
Target defense and naval shipyard contractors
Federal shipbuilding contractors and naval maintenance facilities are among the most consistent H-1B filers for electrical roles. Prioritize employers with active Department of Defense contracts, where specialized marine electrical work is harder to fill domestically.
Look up prevailing wages before accepting an offer
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing rate for your job zone and location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to find the correct wage level before negotiating, so you can flag a non-compliant offer early.
Search H-1B sponsors using Migrate Mate
Filter employers by LCA filing history for marine and electrical occupation codes on Migrate Mate. This shows you which companies have sponsored roles matching your background, saving you from cold-applying to employers who have never filed for this occupation.
Clarify who pays filing fees before signing
USCIS prohibits employers from passing the I-129 petition fee to H-1B workers. Confirm in writing that your offer letter or employment agreement covers all government filing fees before you sign, since this is a compliance requirement, not a negotiable term.
Get your international credentials evaluated early
If you trained outside the U.S., get a credential evaluation from a NACES-recognized evaluator before your employer begins the H-1B filing process. Delays in evaluation reports are a common cause of missed petition deadlines, especially for April cap filings.
H-1B Visa Marine Electrician: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Marine Electrician role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It depends on how the employer defines the position. A Marine Electrician role qualifies as a specialty occupation when it requires at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, marine electrical systems, or a directly related field as a minimum entry requirement. Roles that accept any technical background or substitute experience for a degree are harder to sustain under USCIS scrutiny. Your employer's job description and internal hiring standards carry significant weight in this determination.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Marine Electrician positions?
Naval shipyards, defense contractors, offshore energy companies, and commercial shipbuilding firms are the most active H-1B filers for marine electrical roles. Federal prime contractors often sponsor international talent when specialized skills in naval electrical systems, MIL-SPEC compliance, or high-voltage marine installations are required. Use Migrate Mate to identify employers with documented LCA filing history for electrical and marine occupation codes before you apply.
Can my employer file an H-1B for a Marine Electrician role that is mostly hands-on work?
Yes, but the filing requires the employer to demonstrate that the hands-on duties require theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge at the bachelor's degree level. Positions that are purely manual or trade-based without a degree requirement will face an RFE or denial. Employers typically strengthen the petition by tying specific job duties, such as designing electrical distribution systems or interpreting marine classification society standards, to degree-level knowledge requirements.
How does the H-1B prevailing wage requirement apply to Marine Electrician roles?
The DOL assigns prevailing wages to Marine Electrician positions based on the Standard Occupational Classification code and the work location. Your employer must certify on the LCA that your offered wage meets or exceeds the applicable wage level for your job zone and metropolitan area. You can verify the correct wage tier using the OFLC Wage Search before your employer submits the LCA. A wage below the certified level is a compliance violation that can trigger DOL investigation.
What happens to my H-1B status if my employer's shipyard contract ends or the project is cancelled?
If your employer terminates your employment before your H-1B period ends, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsoring employer, change to another visa status, or prepare to depart the U.S. A new employer can file an H-1B transfer petition, and you can begin working once that petition is filed, without waiting for approval. Project-based employment in marine contracting makes this scenario more common, so identifying backup employers with active H-1B filing history before your contract ends is a practical safeguard.