How to hire a licensed marine engineer

How to hire a licensed marine engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step licensed marine engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a licensed marine engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new licensed marine engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the licensed marine engineer you need to hire. Certain licensed marine engineer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A licensed marine engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, licensed marine engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of licensed marine engineers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Licensed Marine Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Licensed Marine Engineer	Marine engineers and naval architects design, build, and maintain ships from aircraft carriers to submarines, from sailboats to tankers. Marine engineers are primarily responsible for the internal systems of a ship, such as propulsion, electrical, refrigeration, and steering... Show more	$28-57
   Engineer	Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects... Show more	$31-62
   Marine Engineer	Marine engineers are licensed engineers who specialize in designing marine infrastructure. These marine infrastructure or vessels are usually naval ships, sailboats, cruise ships, tankers, or even submarines... Show more	$33-70

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • NRC
   • HVAC
   • Plumbing
   • CFR
   • Regulatory Issues
   • Nuclear Regulatory
   • Design Changes
   • Technical Specifications
   • Engine Room
   • Building Maintenance
   • Nuclear Power
   • CAD
   • Plant Systems
   • Amendment Requests

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the implementation of technology for better communicating and displaying radiological data used during emergency response.
   • Record routine readings of all HVAC and heating system, electric meters, gas meters, steam meter and water meter.
   • Operate and troubleshoot vacuum deposition machinery used in the development of anodes vital to the design of novel lithium-sulfur battery technology.
   • Operate and troubleshoot vacuum deposition machinery used in the development of anodes vital to the design of novel lithium-sulfur battery technology.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your licensed marine engineer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A licensed marine engineer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, licensed marine engineers' average salary in florida is 35% less than in texas.
   • Seniority. Entry-level licensed marine engineers 50% less than senior-level licensed marine engineers.
   • Certifications. A licensed marine engineer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a licensed marine engineer's salary.

   Average licensed marine engineer salary

   $84,167yearly

   $40.46 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level licensed marine engineer salary

   $59,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a licensed marine engineer job description

   A job description for a licensed marine engineer role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a licensed marine engineer job description:

   Licensed marine engineer job description example

   Maintain the vessel's engine room and equipment in a state of readiness to perform work for customers as needed. Perform start up and shut down, troubleshooting, and heavy maintenance of vessel power and propulsion systems. This job includes pulling heavy lines and hoses, working on oil and cargo barges, general vessel maintenance, and other tasks that may be assigned from time to time. Perform work as directed by Captain and/or Mate of vessel.
   Job Responsibilities and Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
   
   Engine Room Work:
   
   + Preventive maintenance and underway repairs on main engines and gears, pumps, motors, -plumbing, deck machinery (including towing winch(es), and auxiliary generator units.
   
   + Perform routine periodic maintenance about tug and on barge as needed.
   
   + Maintain proper liquid levels for tug operations.
   
   + Perform lubrication services.
   
   + Monitor and record operating condition of engine room equipment.
   
   + Maintain daily log with proper readings and times.
   
   + Wash down engine room weekly and at every decrew. Engine room must be kept clean and ready for operation at all times.
   
   + Fuel tug.
   
   Deck Work:
   
   + Make up all tows as directed by Captain or Mate.
   
   + Use the radio.
   
   + Knot tying, line/wire splicing, make up and handle heaving lines and messengers.
   
   + Make up and throw heaving lines.
   
   + Properly tie off barge tows.
   
   + Give proper direction and distance signals and information.
   
   + Paint inside and outside of tug on an on-going basis.
   
   Other Duties:
   
   + Loading supplies.
   
   + General cleanup of tugs and barges.
   
   + General cooking and galley duties as may be required.
   
   + Fill out material requisitions and work order forms.
   
   + Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs, paint, thinner, paint brushes/rollers, paint chipping tools, cleaning solvents, kitchen utensils/cookware, power cords.
   
   + Two years previous work experience on marine diesels necessary.
   
   + Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credential
   
   + Valid USCG DDE 4,000 License
   
   + Must be able to comprehend and respond and carry out specific orders from the Captain or Mate.
   
   + Ability to communicate effectively with Captain, Mate, co-workers, Dispatchers, and customers in English.
   
   + Ability to learn and make application of safety awareness, injury prevention, and firefighting.
   
   + Carry out essential job responsibilities and duties listed above with a minimum of direction.
   
   + Must be able to understand and use information contained in cargo information cards and material safety data sheets.
   
   + Operate all firefighting and lifesaving equipment aboard.
   
   + Must have valid CPR/First Aid/AED Training and Certificate
   
   + Must have valid HAZWOPER 24 Hour training and current certificate.
   
   + Valid driver's license.
   
   + Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, winches, mechanical tools for repairs, paint, thinner, paint brushes/rollers, paint chipping tools, cleaning solvents, kitchen utensils/cookware, power cords.
   
   + Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
   
   + Must not be afraid of heights.
   
   + Ability to live in confined spaces and get along with crew members for extended periods of time.
   
   + Must be able to perform the functions set forth in the attached job analysis and physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, climb onto barges and up and down ladders, and bending and twisting during boat/barge tie up.
   
   + Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours
   
   + Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night. Willing to take call outs.
   
   Centerline Logistics currently has companies operating across three US coasts in every major Jones Act marketplace providing world-class safe and efficient transportation. In an industry where the unexpected can arise at every turn, Centerline is committed to leading the charge by continually providing exceptional customer service, lowering its environmental impact and deepening its stewardship in the communities it serves.
   
   Centerline Logistics offers competitive benefit and compensation packages. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.
   
   ID: 2021-1816
   
   FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
   
   External Company Name: Centerline Logistics Corporation
   
   External Company URL: www.centerlinelogistics.com
   
   Street: 321 A Ave.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find licensed marine engineers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any licensed marine engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level licensed marine engineers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your licensed marine engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit licensed marine engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit licensed marine engineers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new licensed marine engineer

   Once you've selected the best licensed marine engineer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new licensed marine engineer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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