Ship Captain Jobs
Ship Captain jobs are open across commercial shipping, cruise lines, ferry services, and offshore energy, at every level from mate and pilot to senior master and fleet commander, with specializations in deep-sea cargo, passenger vessels, and towing operations. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Ship Captain JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 71+ Ship Captain jobs
Position Description & Qualifications
We are seeking an experienced Senior 3D Ship Design & Technical Integration Section Manager to provide technical leadership, program oversight, and team management in support of the U.S. Navy's FFX (Frigate) Program, PMS 325, TAO, TAGOS, NOAA, PMS 347, PMS 385, BBGX, NOMARS and many more programs.
The ability to obtain/ maintain/ transfer a US Department of War Secret clearance.
This position will lead and coordinate a multidisciplinary team responsible for the review, analysis, development, and integration of 3D ship design products across multiple Navy program offices and technical organizations. The individual will serve as a critical interface between government stakeholders, Serco technical teams, and shipbuilder design and engineering organizations, ensuring effective collaboration, technical alignment, and the successful resolution of design and production-related issues.
The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in naval ship design, 3D product development, shipbuilding processes, and technical program management, with the leadership skills necessary to organize and direct technical resources in a complex government acquisition environment.
In this role, you will;
Technical Leadership and 3D Model Review
- Lead the review, assessment, and analysis of 3D ship design products to identify technical discrepancies, design deficiencies, integration challenges, and constructability concerns.
- Provide technical oversight and guidance in resolving design and engineering issues encountered throughout the design, development, and construction phases.
- Support the development and refinement of future ship requirements, technical specifications, acquisition strategies, and related program documentation.
- Evaluate 3D model development and deliverables to ensure technical consistency, design maturity, and alignment with government requirements and shipbuilding objectives.
- Identify opportunities to improve design quality, model accuracy, production readiness, and overall design integration.
- Manage and lead the overall technical team, ensuring the appropriate skill sets, experience, and resources are available to support current and emerging program requirements.
- Establish priorities, assign technical resources, and coordinate team activities to ensure timely and effective support of government reviews and program deliverables.
- Identify resource gaps, anticipate future staffing needs, and develop strategies to maintain the right technical talent in support of evolving program demands.
- Mentor and develop team members while fostering accountability, collaboration, and a culture of technical excellence.
- Serve as a primary technical liaison between government program offices, Serco technical teams, and shipbuilder engineering and design organizations.
- Identify and assess issues associated with production and non-production design applications, tools, and processes.
- Lead the development and implementation of practical solutions to address application limitations, workflow challenges, and technical integration issues
Onsite location, Arlington, VA, potenital of REMOTE depending on experience
To be successful in this role, you will have;
- The ability to obtain a U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering OR
- High School diploma/ GED 15 years of expereince OR
- Associate of Applied Science or Engineeringing 12 years of experience
- A minimum of 10 years of relevant Professional experience in naval ship design, shipbuilding, marine engineering, 3D product development, engineering integration, or a closely related discipline
- A minimum of 3 years of management or team leadership experience, including oversight of technical personnel and multidisciplinary teams
- The ability to travel 10%
Additional desired experience and skills:
- Technical Certificate in CADD
- 10 years of US Navy experience
- 5 years of management experience of 10 or more direct reports
If you are interested in supporting and working with our military and a passionate Serco team. Submit your application now for immediate consideration. It only takes a few minutes and could change your career!has context menu
Company Overview
Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco’s 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.
To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: careers@serco-na.com or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.
Candidates may be asked to present proof of identity during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.
Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email Agencies@serco-na.com.
Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Pay Transparency
Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance—so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits – Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role):
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
- 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
- Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
- Employee Assistance Plan
To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.
Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco’s external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: careers@serco-na.com.
Position Description & Qualifications
We are seeking an experienced Senior 3D Ship Design & Technical Integration Section Manager to provide technical leadership, program oversight, and team management in support of the U.S. Navy's FFX (Frigate) Program, PMS 325, TAO, TAGOS, NOAA, PMS 347, PMS 385, BBGX, NOMARS and many more programs.
The ability to obtain/ maintain/ transfer a US Department of War Secret clearance.
This position will lead and coordinate a multidisciplinary team responsible for the review, analysis, development, and integration of 3D ship design products across multiple Navy program offices and technical organizations. The individual will serve as a critical interface between government stakeholders, Serco technical teams, and shipbuilder design and engineering organizations, ensuring effective collaboration, technical alignment, and the successful resolution of design and production-related issues.
The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in naval ship design, 3D product development, shipbuilding processes, and technical program management, with the leadership skills necessary to organize and direct technical resources in a complex government acquisition environment.
In this role, you will;
Technical Leadership and 3D Model Review
- Lead the review, assessment, and analysis of 3D ship design products to identify technical discrepancies, design deficiencies, integration challenges, and constructability concerns.
- Provide technical oversight and guidance in resolving design and engineering issues encountered throughout the design, development, and construction phases.
- Support the development and refinement of future ship requirements, technical specifications, acquisition strategies, and related program documentation.
- Evaluate 3D model development and deliverables to ensure technical consistency, design maturity, and alignment with government requirements and shipbuilding objectives.
- Identify opportunities to improve design quality, model accuracy, production readiness, and overall design integration.
- Manage and lead the overall technical team, ensuring the appropriate skill sets, experience, and resources are available to support current and emerging program requirements.
- Establish priorities, assign technical resources, and coordinate team activities to ensure timely and effective support of government reviews and program deliverables.
- Identify resource gaps, anticipate future staffing needs, and develop strategies to maintain the right technical talent in support of evolving program demands.
- Mentor and develop team members while fostering accountability, collaboration, and a culture of technical excellence.
- Serve as a primary technical liaison between government program offices, Serco technical teams, and shipbuilder engineering and design organizations.
- Identify and assess issues associated with production and non-production design applications, tools, and processes.
- Lead the development and implementation of practical solutions to address application limitations, workflow challenges, and technical integration issues
Onsite location, Arlington, VA, potenital of REMOTE depending on experience
To be successful in this role, you will have;
- The ability to obtain a U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering OR
- High School diploma/ GED 15 years of expereince OR
- Associate of Applied Science or Engineeringing 12 years of experience
- A minimum of 10 years of relevant Professional experience in naval ship design, shipbuilding, marine engineering, 3D product development, engineering integration, or a closely related discipline
- A minimum of 3 years of management or team leadership experience, including oversight of technical personnel and multidisciplinary teams
- The ability to travel 10%
Additional desired experience and skills:
- Technical Certificate in CADD
- 10 years of US Navy experience
- 5 years of management experience of 10 or more direct reports
If you are interested in supporting and working with our military and a passionate Serco team. Submit your application now for immediate consideration. It only takes a few minutes and could change your career!has context menu
Company Overview
Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco’s 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.
To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: careers@serco-na.com or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.
Candidates may be asked to present proof of identity during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.
Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email Agencies@serco-na.com.
Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Pay Transparency
Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance—so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits – Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role):
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
- 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
- Tuition reimbursement program
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
- Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
- Employee Assistance Plan
To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.
Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco’s external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: careers@serco-na.com.
See All 71 Ship Captain Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Ship Captain JobsShip Captain Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Technology & Software
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in ship captain jobs.
- USCG Master Mariner license at the appropriate tonnage and route endorsement
- Current STCW certification including medical, proficiency, and safety training elements
- Minimum years of sea service as officer of the watch or chief mate
- Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential for vessels operating in U.S. waters
- Experience with vessel navigation systems, ECDIS, and bridge resource management protocols
- Drug and alcohol compliance history consistent with USCG and company zero-tolerance standards
Tips for Your Ship Captain Job Search
List your credentials front and center
Put your USCG Master license, tonnage endorsements, and radar certifications in a dedicated credentials block at the top of your resume. Hiring managers screen for license class before reading anything else, so don't bury those details in a summary paragraph.
Tailor your sea service documentation
Each opening specifies vessel type and gross tonnage. Match your sea service record to those exact parameters in your application materials, pulling the right voyages from your discharge book or sea service letters to reflect the tonnage and route class the employer needs.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists ship captain openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target operators running your vessel class
Narrow your search by vessel type, whether container, tanker, offshore supply, or passenger ferry. Operators consistently hire captains with direct experience on their class of vessel, so a focused application to the right fleet outperforms a broad one every time.
Prepare for scenario-based bridge assessments
Many employers, especially those operating on regulated domestic routes, use simulator assessments or oral board panels before the final interview. Review your COLREGS, emergency muster procedures, and cargo stability scenarios so you can walk through decisions in real time without hesitation.
Negotiate your rotational schedule clearly
Rotation terms, hitch length, and relief captain arrangements vary widely between operators. During the offer stage, confirm the schedule in writing before signing, because discrepancies between verbal offers and contract language are a common friction point for newly placed captains.
Ship Captain Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most ship captains?
MK Consulting, Serco, and Amazon are hiring the most ship captains right now, with openings concentrated in Virginia, Florida, and Washington, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Fleet size and seasonal cargo demand drive most of the hiring volume at these operators.
How many ship captain jobs are remote?
About 35% of ship captain openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of the role. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or shore-based work include fleet operations management, marine superintendent roles, and training or simulator instructor positions where active vessel command is not required.
How do you become a ship captain?
You start by accumulating sea service hours as a deck officer, typically progressing through third mate, second mate, and chief mate licenses, each requiring documented sea time and passing the relevant USCG examination. Once you meet the sea service and examination requirements, you apply for your Master Mariner license through the National Maritime Center. Maintaining current STCW endorsements and completing periodic revalidation training keeps your license active and your career advancing.
Can you get a ship captain job with limited experience?
Entry-level captain roles do exist, most commonly on inland waterways, harbor vessels, small passenger ferries, and dinner cruise operations, where lower tonnage licenses are accepted. Building hours on those vessels while upgrading your license class is a proven path. Some operators running smaller fleets will hire a newly licensed master if your sea service record on the specific vessel type is clean and your references from prior officers are strong.
What does the ship captain interview process look like?
Most operators begin with a credentials review and a phone or video screening focused on your license class, sea service record, and familiarity with the vessel type. A technical interview or oral board follows, covering bridge watchkeeping, emergency procedures, cargo or passenger operations, and regulatory compliance. Larger companies and union operators may add a simulator assessment. A formal offer typically follows a background check and drug screening.
Where can I find and apply to ship captain jobs?
You can find and apply to ship captain jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your license class, vessel type, and preferred route, then apply directly to each listing that fits your experience and schedule.
See All 71 Ship Captain Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Ship Captain Jobs