Chief Electrician

Sealift Command; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

Sealift Command is seeking a Chief Electrician (CIVMAR) to maintain and repair ship electrical systems and related equipment aboard navy vessels worldwide. The role involves supervising other electricians, conducting drills, and ensuring safety and quality across repairs and maintenance.

The position requires US citizenship, MMC endorsements, RFPEW certification, and Able Seafarer Engine credentials, with readiness for shipboard duty and on‑call work. Overtime and fleet deployments are possible.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain security clearances.
• MMC endorsement in Engine Department or equivalent mariner rating may be required.
• STCW certification as RFPEW and Able Seafarer Engine are required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, operate and repair the ship's electrical system, machinery and equipment.
• Supervise any Second Electricians assigned to the ship.
• Perform quality assurance on work by shipyard or shore side personnel.
• Prepare work lists and job orders for subordinates; assist Chief Engineer in voyage repair requests.
• Maintain accurate machinery history reports in the SAMM system.

Skills

Electrical systems

Supervise personnel

Quality assurance

Emergency drills

Tools

Power tools

Hand tools

Drill presses

Pedestal grinders

Job description

Announcement opens continuously from 10/01/2025, with periodic cut-offs.

Average Annual Salary: $165,993 + up to a $52,254 BONUS

This is the average annual salary not the base pay featured in the job opportunity announcement. All calculations include CIVMAR total take-home pay (including overtime, penalty, etc.).

DUTIES

The Chief Electrician is a Civil Service Mariner (CIVMAR) employed by the Navy to serve the Military Sealift Command (MSC) onboard naval auxiliaries and hybrid-manned warships worldwide, in peace and war. MSC exists to support the joint warfighter across the full spectrum of military operations. MSC provides on-time logistics, strategic sealift, as well as specialized missions anywhere in the world, contested or uncontested environments.

The Electrician is responsible for maintaining, operating and repairing the ship's electrical system, machinery and equipment. This includes but is not limited to the ship's service generators, emergency generators, main and auxiliary switchboards, emergency switchboards, lighting and power distribution panels, power and control transformers, motor controllers and soft start controllers, dial telephone and sound powered phone systems, 1MC and associated loudspeaker and hailing systems, internal and external lighting circuits, general alarm systems and batteries, ground detection systems, metering and monitoring circuits and the various electric motors found onboard. The Electrician must be proficient in the use of common power tools and light machine shop equipment such as drill presses, pedestal grinders and arbor presses, etc.; and in the performance of fire drills and damage control drills, and in taking initiative to perform emergency drills as required. When assigned to a ship the Electrician must have a thorough understanding of special characteristics of each ship's electrical system and special features that may be present for use in emergencies. The Electrician is also responsible for supervising any Second Electricians that may be assigned to the ship. The Electrician assists, observes and performs Quality Assurance on work done by shipyard or other shore side repair people, as directed. The Electrician is proficient and skilled in the use of all common shipboard hand tools such as but not limited to; wrenches, pliers, chisels, hammers, saws, hand grinders, files, pneumatic and hydraulically powered tools, chain hoists and hydraulic jacks, etc. The Electrician effectively uses these tools in the repair, maintenance and installation of new parts to shipboard electrical equipment and machinery. The Electrician is capable of researching part's information and using the ship's supply system to obtain any repair parts required to complete the job. The incumbent prepares work lists and job orders for subordinates and assists the Chief Engineer in drafting voyage repair requests. The Electrician maintains accurate machinery history reports in the shipboard SAMM system. Carries out EEO policies and communicates support of these policies to subordinates. Ensures continuing application and compliance with EEO laws, regulations and policies. Performs all other duties as assigned. Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

Everything in this Position Description is considered to be an essential function of this position. Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:Must be a United States citizen of at least 18 years of age and possess and maintain:

• U.S. Regular Passport (also referred to as a tourist or blue passport) with minimum of ten (10) months of expiration date.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration.
• United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner's Credential (MMC), with a minimum of ten months remaining of expiration date.

Position Specific Requirements:

• MMC endorsement(s): Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED): QMED - Electrician QMED - Electrician/Refrigeration EngineerOR QMED - Any Engine Rating (Any indicates mariner holds ALL Unlicensed Engine Department Ratings i.e. Fireman/Watertender, Oiler, Junior Engineer, Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer AND Pumpman/Machinist))

STCW Certificate endorsed as: Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW). Able Seafarer Engine