Deck Engineer Machinist

Sealift Command; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sealift Command is seeking a Deck Engineer Machinist (CIVMAR) to maintain and operate deck and UNREP machinery aboard MSC vessels. You will oversee hydraulic and mechanical systems, support shipboard operations, and perform certified watchstand duties with a focus on safety and compliance.

The role requires QMED Deck Engineer, Machinist or Pumpman/Machinist qualifications, 6+ months sea experience, and RFPEW/Able Seafarer Engine credentials. US citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) Deck Engineer; Machinist or Pumpman/Machinist.
• At least 6 months sea experience directly related to Deck Engineer Machinist.
• STCW RFPEW endorsement and Able Seafarer Engine credential.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and operate deck machinery, UNREP machinery, and material handling equipment.
• Perform QA on work by yard or shore side personnel and assist with drills.
• Proficient in machine shop work, welding, and associated safety procedures.
• Participate in emergency drills and shipboard damage control activities.

Skills

QMED Deck Engineer

Machinist

Pumpman/Machinist

Education

RFPEW STCW

Able Seafarer Engine

USCG MMC

Tools

Lathes

Milling machines

Drill presses

Welding equipment

Job description

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

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 Deck Engineer Machinist 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 Deck Engineer Machinist is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and operating deck machinery, Underway Replenishment (UNREP) machinery, and material handling equipment. This includes but is not limited to the hydraulic systems, cargo fluid systems (piping and pneumatic systems), internal combustion engines, material handling equipment (fork trucks, pallet jacks, etc.), cargo handling equipment (cranes, booms, winches, etc.), ship’s boats including engines, associated machinery, davits and winches, hull structure (bulkheads, decks, bulwarks, railings), mooring machinery and UNREP machinery.

The Deck Engineer Machinist must also be proficient in the use of machine shop equipment (lathes, milling machines, drill presses, arbor presses, etc.), hand tools, hand held power tools, burning, brazing, and welding procedures (Oxy-Acetylene cutting and brazing systems, carbon arc, stick welding) and welding systems. The incumbent will assist, observe and perform “Quality Assurance” on work done by shipyard or other shore side repair personnel, as directed. The incumbent must be proficient in the performance of fire, boat, and damage control drills, taking initiative to perform emergency drills as required. The Deck Engineer Machinist is directly responsible to the First Assistant Engineer and works under the supervision of the Second Assistant Engineer (Cargo).

Everything in this Position Description is considered to be an essential function of this position. Perform 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 (`0) months of expiration date.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) with a minimum of ten months remaining of expiration date.
• United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC), with a minimum of ten months remaining of expiration date.

Position Specific Requirements: Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) Deck Engineer; Machinist or Pumpman/Machinist; OR QMED Any Engine Rating (“Any” indicates Mariner holds all unlicensed Engine Department ratings; AND At least 6 month’s sea experience that is directly related to a Deck Engineer Machinist (such as military or maritime duties on ships or small boats), OR At least 6 month’s work experience in an engineering field (i.e. welder, machinist, electrician, HVAC, outside machinist, pump mechanic, industrial electronics, industrial diesel engine mechanic, industrial hydraulic mechanic or shipyard pipefitter).

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