First Assistant Engineer - 139427

San Diego Supercomputer Center; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego’s SIO-based research vessel fleet seeks a skilled First Assistant Engineer to operate and maintain engine room machinery, stand watches, and support load and bunkering tasks on expeditions. The role demands deep diesel engine knowledge, advanced training, and the ability to direct junior crew in a dynamic marine environment.

Candidates should hold a U.S. Coast Guard license or equivalent, with STCW95, TWIC, and VPDSD credentials typical for marine engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and work experience.
• In-depth knowledge of proper operation and maintenance of diesel engines for propulsion and auxiliary power and related shipboard equipment and systems.
• Advanced experience with engineering department machines and tools.
• In-depth knowledge of university, state, federal and international maritime practices for ship operation and maintenance.
• In-depth knowledge of federal regulations relevant to maritime operations.
• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with diverse groups, and to provide work direction to junior crew.
• Advanced computer skills with good working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Advanced ability to interpret and use technical drawings and documentation.
• Advanced math skills
• Advanced seamanship skills (knots, line-handling, general shipboard maintenance and care, preparation / preservation of steel surfaces, operation of deck equipment, winches, etc.).
• Advanced critical thinking skills using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• In-depth knowledge of company / vessels safety management plans.
• Verbal and written command of the English language.
• Demonstrated skills operating, maintaining, and repairing engineering systems and emergency equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain engine room machinery and equipment
• Stand underway watches and security watches in port
• Maintain specialized fuel and water systems
• Provide work direction for other Marine Engineering staff
• Assist with loading stores and bunkering the ship
• Perform other duties as defined by a ship's senior officer during emergency situations

Skills

Engine operation

Diesel engines

Crew leadership

Safety compliance

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and work experience

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

CAD

Job description

Payroll Title FIRST ENGR AST

Department NIMITZ MARINE FAC

Hiring Pay Scale: $53.20 - $63.59 / Hour

Worksite Various

Appointment Type Career

Appointment Percent 100%

Union B6 Contract

Total Openings 1

Work Schedule Variable, Variable at Sea, Variable at Sea

#139427 First Assistant Engineer

Filing Deadline: Tue 9/22/2026

All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID U.S. PASSPORT AND WILLINGNESS TO WORK AT SEA 8-12 WEEKS AT A TIME.

Description

We're seeking a skilled and experienced First Assistant Engineer to join our team on one of our research vessels. As a key member of the crew, you'll be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of engine room machinery and equipment. Our research vessels are unlike other ships - they're equipped with state-of-the-art technology and instruments, and are crewed by a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and mariners who are passionate about exploring the world's oceans. Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) is one of the world's premier oceanographic research institutions. For over a century, SIO has been at the forefront of oceanographic research, education, and public service. Our mission is to seek, teach, and communicate scientific knowledge of the oceans, atmosphere, and Earth, and to use this knowledge to understand and address the challenges facing our planet. Working on a research vessel is a unique and rewarding experience. You'll have the opportunity to travel to remote locations, work on cutting-edge scientific projects, and be part of a close-knit community of professionals who are dedicated to advancing our understanding of the ocean. Our vessels are designed to support a wide range of scientific research, from studying the ocean's ecosystems to exploring the seafloor. As a member of the crew, you'll play a critical role in supporting the scientific mission of the vessel and ensuring the success of our research expeditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain engine room machinery and equipment
• Stand underway watches and security watches in port
• Maintain specialized fuel and water systems
• Provide work direction for other Marine Engineering staff
• Assist with loading stores and bunkering the ship
• Perform other duties as defined by a ship's senior officer during emergency situations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and work experience.
• In-depth knowledge of proper operation and maintenance of diesel engines for propulsion and auxiliary power and related shipboard equipment and systems.
• Advanced experience with engineering department machines and tools.
• In-depth knowledge of university, state, federal and international maritime practices for ship operation and maintenance.
• In-depth knowledge of federal regulations relevant to maritime operations.
• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with diverse groups, and to provide work direction to junior crew.
• Advanced computer skills with good working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Advanced ability to interpret and use technical drawings and documentation.
• Advanced math skills
• Advanced seamanship skills (knots, line-handling, general shipboard maintenance and care, preparation / preservation of steel surfaces, operation of deck equipment, winches, etc.).
• Advanced critical thinking skills using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• In-depth knowledge of company / vessels safety management plans.
• Verbal and written command of the English language.
• Demonstrated skills operating, maintaining, and repairing engineering systems and emergency equipment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• U.S. Coast Guard First Assistant Engineer license for related vessel
• U.S. Coast Guard Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW95) and lifeboat endorsement
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD)
• U.S. Passport
• Ability to pass physical examination and U.S. Coast Guard (DOT) regulations for Chemical Drug and Alcohol pre-employment screening and post-employment random testing

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $111,082 - $161,820 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $53.20 - $77.50

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace