USCG 1st Assistant Engineer

CORE Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

CORE Group seeks a highly experienced USCG 1st Assistant Engineer for a deepwater offshore drillship operating in the Gulf. You will lead technical operations, oversee major maintenance, and ensure reliable performance of diesel-electric power, propulsion, thrusters, pumps, and HVAC in a demanding offshore environment.

Candidates must hold USCG 1st Assistant Engineer Unlimited MMC, STCW III/2, and offshore certifications (BOSIET/FOET/THUET, RigPass/SafeGulf).

Qualifications

• Experience as USCG 1st Assistant Engineer in offshore drilling or DP environments.
• Valid offshore certifications: MMC, STCW III/2, medical certificate.
• Proven ability to lead maintenance, troubleshoot, and supervise repairs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee condition, maintenance, and repair of machinery aboard the rig.
• Lead planned maintenance, major repairs, and equipment overhauls per OEM standards.
• Troubleshoot failures and supervise repairs to minimize downtime.
• Provide direction to junior engineers and monitor work quality.
• Maintain logs and documentation for maintenance activities.

Skills

Offshore drilling experience

Technical leadership

Maintenance planning

Troubleshooting

Documentation & logs

Education

USCG 1st Assistant Engineer MMC

STCW III/2 endorsement

USCG Medical Certificate with STCW

Tools

Computerized maintenance systems

Job description

USCG 1st Assistant Engineer

Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly experienced USCG 1st Assistant Engineer for a critical role aboard a deepwater offshore drillship operating in the Gulf. This senior engineering position offers the opportunity to lead technical operations, oversee major maintenance activities, and ensure the reliable performance of complex machinery essential to drilling operations. The ideal candidate will bring strong offshore drilling experience, technical leadership skills, and a proactive approach to maintaining safety and operational excellence in a challenging environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the condition, maintenance, and repair of machinery and equipment across the rig.
• Lead and coordinate planned maintenance, major repairs, and equipment overhauls, ensuring compliance with OEM procedures and safety standards.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and supervise repairs to minimize downtime.
• Provide technical direction to junior engineers and technical personnel, monitoring work quality and progress.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and documentation related to maintenance activities.
• Manage spare parts and materials inventory to support ongoing operations.
• Communicate equipment status and technical issues effectively to senior leadership.
• Act as deputy to the Technical Section Leader, supporting overall technical department functions.
• Ensure machinery and systems, including diesel-electric power generation, propulsion, thrusters, pumps, compressors, fuel and lube oil systems, HVAC, hydraulics, and electrical equipment, are maintained to OEM standards.
• Support safety and operational protocols to ensure a safe and reliable drilling environment.

Requirements

• USCG 1st Assistant Engineer Unlimited MMC or higher.
• Appropriate STCW III/2 engineering endorsement.
• Valid USCG Medical Certificate with STCW.
• Extensive offshore drilling or comparable DP environment experience, with drillship background preferred.
• Strong knowledge of diesel-electric power generation, propulsion, thruster systems, and auxiliary machinery.
• Proven experience in maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair activities.
• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting expertise.
• Proficiency with computerized planned maintenance systems.
• Current BOSIET, FOET, or THUET.
• Valid RigPass or SafeGulf certification.
• TWIC card and U.S. Passport.
• Ability to obtain foreign flag-state endorsement.
• Must meet all offshore medical, training, and pre-employment requirements.