Marine Technician Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Marine technicians maintain and repair marine vessels, equipment, and systems, work that often qualifies for H-1B visa sponsorship when it requires specialized technical knowledge. Most positions require marine engineering or related technical degrees, with employers filing LCAs under engineering or mechanical technician classifications. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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INTRODUCTION
Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group’s portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group’s premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group’s Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually 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 maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group’s global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group’s additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada.
Position Summary
The Marine Technician position is a shore side-based position. The qualified candidate supports a comprehensive program of maintenance and repair of the passenger vessels in the City Experiences' fleet of vessels. These vessels range in size and construction, are USCG inspected, and powered by mostly diesel engines. This position is based in Charlestown, Massachusetts for the Boston and North of Boston based fleet, and Quincy, Massachusetts for the Boston and South of Boston based fleet.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform preventative maintenance on diesel engines and other machinery found on passenger vessels. This includes but may not be limited to diesel main engines, diesel auxiliary generators, water jet propulsion equipment, marine reduction gears, hydraulic systems for steering, cranes, and thrusters.
- Ability to perform heavy machinery maintenance and repair work including engine valve gear timings, injector changes, cylinder head and liner overhauls. This may also include machinery rigging in and out of vessels.
- Perform water jet maintenance and repair while the vessel is in the water or in dry dock.
- Perform vessel and dockside plumbing repairs to pipes, valves, tanks, and pumps.
- Perform vessel electrical troubleshooting and repair of generators, motors, control systems, sensors, and related wiring. Also, low voltage and battery powered starting, control, electronic control, and monitoring systems.
- In dry dock repairs at the shipyards of the vessel drive lines, water jets, couplings and shafts supporting shipyard personnel and/or the Port Engineer.
- Documentation and monitoring of maintenance and repair work through the company web based and structured maintenance and repair program.
- Participate in computer-based monitoring and input of maintenance tasks, work hours, and company training and documentation programs.
- Work the hours and shifts assigned by the Port engineer.
- Other marine maintenance and repair work either dock side or on the vessels that the Port Engineer may require.
- Participate in achieving the maintenance division goal of consistent vessel reliability through proper maintenance and repair practices.
- Additional job duties assigned.
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Unlicensed engine room machinery technicians if having prior training and experience on motor vessels such as work boats, tugs, fishing vessels, passenger vessels, or vessels of the U.S. Armed forces.
- Diesel or heavy machinery mechanics from a trades institution, U.S. Armed forces, or other industries that require hands on repair of engines and engine related systems.
- Basic computer skills as well as excellent communication skills.
- Strength and agility to safely lift over 50 lbs., and move about a moving passenger vessel, work in often tight spaces and around moving machinery. Also, must be able to work outside at times in uncomfortable weather conditions.
- Be able to wear personal safety clothing and equipment such as hard hats, gloves, masks, life vests etc. as necessary for safe work practices.
- Will be required to be available for work weekends and on all major holidays.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Marine Technician
Target maritime employers with federal contracts
Defense contractors, Coast Guard suppliers, and Navy shipyards frequently sponsor visas because they have ongoing staffing needs and established immigration processes for technical roles.
Emphasize specialized marine systems knowledge
Highlight expertise in specific marine technologies, propulsion systems, navigation equipment, or underwater robotics, that demonstrates the specialized knowledge H-1B requires.
Consider marine engineering firms over general maintenance
Engineering consultancies and marine surveying companies are more likely to sponsor than basic boat repair shops because their work requires higher-level technical expertise.
Document your technical certifications clearly
Marine certifications from recognized bodies strengthen your H-1B case by proving specialized knowledge that general mechanics don't possess. Include them prominently in applications.
Look beyond traditional shipyards
Offshore wind companies, marine research institutions, and underwater construction firms increasingly need marine technicians and may have less competition for sponsored positions.
Apply for senior or specialized technician roles
Entry-level marine mechanic positions rarely qualify for H-1B, but roles requiring design input, system diagnostics, or complex troubleshooting are more likely to meet specialty occupation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do marine technician jobs qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Marine technician positions can qualify for H-1B visa when they require specialized engineering knowledge and a relevant degree. Roles involving complex marine systems, underwater technology, or vessel design are more likely to meet USCIS specialty occupation requirements than basic maintenance work.
How to find Marine Technician jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Marine Technician jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsored positions. Focus on maritime companies, offshore oil platforms, shipping corporations, and marine engineering firms that frequently sponsor H-1B, TN visa, or skilled worker visas for technical maritime roles requiring specialized maintenance and repair expertise.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a marine technician?
Most sponsored marine technician positions require a bachelor's degree in marine engineering, mechanical engineering, naval architecture, or related technical fields. Some employers accept marine technology degrees from specialized maritime academies. The degree field must directly relate to the technical work performed.
Which marine employers are most likely to sponsor H-1B visas?
Defense contractors, marine engineering firms, offshore energy companies, and research institutions sponsor most successfully. Large shipyards with government contracts and specialized marine technology companies have established sponsorship processes, unlike smaller boat repair operations which rarely sponsor.
Can marine technicians get green cards through employment?
Yes, marine technicians can pursue employment-based green cards, typically through EB-2 or EB-3 categories. Engineers and those with advanced degrees may qualify for EB-2, while technicians with bachelor's degrees usually file under EB-3. PERM labor certification is required for most cases.
Do I need marine industry certifications for visa sponsorship?
While not legally required, marine certifications from organizations like ABYC, NMEA, or specialized manufacturer training programs strengthen H-1B petitions. They demonstrate the specialized knowledge USCIS looks for and help differentiate technical roles from general mechanical work that doesn't qualify.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Marine Technician jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.