Third Assistant Engineer - Trainee

Sealift Command; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sealift Command s MSC posting seeks a Third Assistant Engineer (in Training) to join civil service mariner personnel aboard naval auxiliaries and hybrid-manned warships worldwide, in peace and war. The role supports the joint warfighter with on-time logistics and strategic sealift.

U.S. citizens aged 18+ with a valid passport, TWIC/DOD CAC, USCG credentials, and engine-room experience or QMED ratings are required; extensive supervisory, maintenance, and leadership capabilities are valued, with

Qualifications

• Citizenship as U.S. citizen.
• US passport valid with 10+ months remaining.
• TWIC and/or DoD CAC with 10+ months remaining.
• USCG Medical Certificate without limitations and 10+ months remaining.
• USCG MMC with endorsements (O.S., Wiper, FH, etc.) with 10+ months remaining.
• Engineering certifications (EN/MM or QMED ratings) or equivalent naval experience.
• 5 years shipboard experience or 1,080 days engine-room service, with specific credit rules.
• Experience as front-line supervisor or team lead.
• Familiarity with engineering maintenance and shipboard operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Watchstanding

Engine room operations

Education

Maritime academy degree

Job description

Announcement opens from 10/05/2026 to 10/26/2026.

DUTIES

The Third Assistant Engineer (in Training) is a civil service mariner (CIVMAR) in a developmental training status, 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.

REQUIREMENTS

• **MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: **
• Must be a United States Citizen of at least 18 years of age.
• Possess and maintain a valid U.S. Passport with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration date.
• Possess and maintain a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) and/or Department of Defense (DOD) Common Access Card with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration date.
• United States Coast Guard (USCG) Medical Certificate without any Limitations/Restrictions, with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration date.
• United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner’s Credential (MMC), with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration date with the following endorsement(s): Ordinary Seaman, Wiper, Stewards Department (FH) with a minimum of ten (10) months remaining of expiration date.
• LICENSING AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
• Engineman (EN) or Machinist Mate (MM) with experience in operating, maintaining, and managing critical machinery to keep the vessel running in austere, high-stakes environments,
• OR
• QMED (Qualified Member of the Engineering Dept.) ratings in Oiler, Junior Engineer, Fireman/Watertender, Pumpman/Machinist, and Electrician/Refrigerating Engineer,
• OR
• Former or current U.S. Navy Engineman (EN) or Machinist's Mate (MM) or other branches of the Military with experience as Marine Engineering Officer, Watercraft Engineer or Naval Engineering; and Experience as a front-line supervisor, team lead, or work manager,
• OR
• E6 or senior at time of separation or application; and minimum of 3 years of cumulative sea duty including EITHER 1,080 days of engine-room service, including 720 days as a QMED (note: 90 days of deck service on vessels of 100 GRT or more is creditable),
• OR
• 1,080 days of service as an apprentice to the machinist trade engaged in the construction or repair of marine, locomotive, or stationary engines, including 360 days of engine-room service as an Oiler, Fireman/Watertender, or Junior Engineer. In all cases, the service must include 90 days within the past seven years, with at least 45 days on vessels of 4,000 HP or more (note: 90 days of deck service on vessels of 100 GRT or more is creditable)
• OR
• Five (5) years minimum shipboard experience; and Qualified in all of the following:
  • Engine Room Operator (or hull-specific equivalent)
  • Maintenance Person
  • Craftsman/Quality Assurance
• OR
• Experience in standing watch and operating the propulsion and auxiliary machinery of a vessel. Experience as a QMED-Oiler on a commercial ship, standing watch in the engine room, monitoring pressures and temperatures, recording readings in the logbook, and assisting the licensed engineers. Experience in performing repairs and overhauls on main engines and auxiliary machinery under the direction of the First Assistant Engineer. Experience in fabricating and performing precision repairs, not just replacing parts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualified as Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) (any power plant)
• Experience with shipboard maintenance documentation and diagnostics
• Familiarity with MSC platforms or hybrid-manned engineering systems
• Degree from an accredited Maritime Academy, or equivalent maritime education