Engineer - Unlicensed

American Cruise Lines; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Travel, room and board

Job summary

American Cruise Lines is seeking an Engineer for onboard operations across its fleet, focusing on propulsion, auxiliary, and electrical systems. You will respond to technical issues within 24 hours, coordinate with Port Engineers, and advance maintenance schedules to ensure safe performance and guest comfort.

The role requires experience with shipboard machinery, TWIC, and ability to work extended voyages, including 7 days per week on board and 4 weeks on/4 weeks off rotation.

Qualifications

• Experience with diesel machinery, hydraulics, and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of shipboard machinery and auxiliary systems.
• Strong work habits, self-discipline, and attention to grooming.
• TWIC – Transportation Worker Identification Card.
• Pre-employment drug test and ongoing random testing.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot all shipboard machinery, including propulsion, auxiliary, and electrical systems.
• Conduct regular inspections and provide 24-hour response for technical issues and emergencies.
• Support vessel docking, logistics, and operational maintenance as needed.
• Implement maintenance schedules to keep equipment in optimal condition.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, maritime regulations, and safety standards.
• Document maintenance, repairs, liquid transfers, and inventory.
• Execute emergency procedures for technical incidents such as engine failures, fires, or flooding.
• Promote safety culture and supervise crew adherence to protocols.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for passengers and crew.
• Oversee contractor repairs on machinery and systems.
• Collaborate with Hotel Officers and Service Crew to support five-star guest service.

Skills

Diesel machinery

Hydraulics

Electrical systems

Job description

Engineer – Unlicensed

American Cruise Lines is seeking Engineers for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 guests.

The Engineer is responsible for the overall technical operation, maintenance, and safe performance of the ship, ensuring the efficient functioning of propulsion, auxiliary, and onboard systems in full compliance with maritime regulations. Engineers provide 24-hour response to machinery and system issues and oversee the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all vessel equipment, including pumps, motors, engines, electrical and plumbing systems, water makers, marine safety devices, elevators, electronics, launches, rescue craft, and other critical systems.

Engineers report directly to the ship’s Captain regarding daily vessel operations and maintenance, while coordinating repairs, professional development, scheduling, training, and mentoring in collaboration with Regional Port Engineers.

At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot all shipboard machinery, including propulsion, auxiliary, and electrical systems.
• Conduct regular inspections and provide 24-hour response for technical issues and emergencies.
• Support vessel docking, logistics, and operational maintenance as needed.
• Implement maintenance schedules to keep equipment in optimal condition.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, maritime regulations, and safety standards.
• Document maintenance, repairs, liquid transfers, and inventory.
• Execute emergency procedures for technical incidents such as engine failures, fires, or flooding.
• Promote safety culture and supervise crew adherence to protocols.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for passengers and crew.
• Conduct daily Deck Security Watch.
• Optimize fuel consumption to reduce costs and environmental impact.
• Manage spare parts, supplies, and liquid transfers.
• Oversee contractor repairs on machinery and systems.
• Collaborate with Hotel Officers and Service Crew to support five-star guest service.
• Maintain exemplary grooming, uniform appearance, and professional conduct.

Qualifications

• Experience with diesel machinery, hydraulics, and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of shipboard machinery and auxiliary systems.
• Strong work habits, self-discipline, and attention to personal grooming.
• Good communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow technical procedures and assist with maintenance and troubleshooting.
• TWIC – Transportation Worker Identification Card.
• Pre-employment drug test and participation in ongoing random testing.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Work Schedule

• 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
• Year-round Season rotation 4 weeks on: 4 weeks off.
• This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Functions

• Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
• Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
• Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
• Ability to stand for your entire shift.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
• Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive daily rate.
• Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
• Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer

American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits.

• Job sites across the nation.
• This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.