USCG Licensed Assistant Engineer 2026

O'Hara Corporation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 156,825 - 313,650; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

401(k) with employer match

Meals provided on board

Job summary

A maritime engineering company is looking for Assistant Engineers to operate and maintain vessel systems under the Chief Engineer's guidance. This role demands physical stamina, with responsibilities ranging from system maintenance to emergency procedures. Candidates must hold a USCG 3rd Assistant License and have a high school diploma. Exposures to challenging environments and various equipment are common, along with extensive shifts. Competitive daily compensation is offered, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• 24 months of relevant verifiable work experience required.
• Ability to understand and communicate in English is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in operation, maintenance, and repair of operating systems.
• Prepare department records and reports as required.
• Ensure all crew are trained on job hazards.

Skills

Diesel engines

Electrical equipment

Hydraulic equipment

Safety procedures

Inventory control

Education

USCG 3rd Assistant License Unlimited

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

Assistant Engineers work under the direction, guidance, and training of the Chief Engineer to assist in operation, maintenance, and repair of the vessel's operating systems: diesel engines, generators, refrigeration, electrical and hydraulic equipment, water making and sanitary equipment, deck machinery, factory equipment, pumps, cooling, and conveyor systems during the portion of their shift scheduled in the engine room. Assistant engineers may maintain the engine room and other logs as required by the company or other agencies, and also assist in fueling the vessel and transferring fuel onboard.

Essential Duties

• Work under the direction, guidance, and training of the chief engineer
• Assist in operation, maintenance, and repair of the vessel's operating systems (diesel engines, generators, refrigeration, electrical and hydraulic equipment, water making and sanitary equipment, deck machinery and fish hauling equipment, factory equipment, pumps, cooling, and conveyor systems)
• Perform work assignments under the direction of the chief engineer
• Assist in transfer of bulk petroleum products
• Maintain an inventory control system
• Under oversight of the chief engineer, prepare department records and reports as required by the company, USCG, OSHA and other agencies
• Oversee a safety program
• Ensure all engineering crew are trained and fully cognizant of the job hazards
• Ensure LOCK OUT-TAGS PLUS procedures are communicated, followed, and enforced
• Resolve technical problems as they occur
• Give specific directions in the case of an emergency

Work Schedule

• Assistant engineers work at least 13 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Work hours may be extended as necessary, which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.
• Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled breaks are prohibited except in health or safety related incidents.

Work Environment

• Perform duties in extremely remote and austere locations, often days away from land or dock facilities.
• Employees are expected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and, as required, hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver, and survival suit.
• Employees will be exposed to various species of fish, wet, humid and freezing conditions; fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets and aluminum pans.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually loud; vessels in the ocean produce varying degrees of motion.
• Engineers are regularly exposed to moving machinery, vibration, and risk of electrical shock.

Requirements

Education, Experience

• USCG 3rd Assistant License Unlimited or higher
• Engine room experience on a catcher processor vessel preferred
• Earned High School Diploma or GED. Education verification will be required prior to hire.
• 24 months or more of relevant verifiable work experience in the last 4 years. Work history must be provided during the application process. No exceptions.
• Ability to understand and communicate in English for emergency, safety, and training purposes is required.

Physical Demands

• Board and exit the vessel by gangplank or Jacob's ladder without assistance.
• Board or exit a skiff without assistance in all weather conditions.
• Ascend and descend steep stairways and ladders in all temperatures.
• Work at least 16½ hours per day, 7 days per week for the duration of the contract.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
• Stand and walk; lift weights up to and over 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly.
• Use fingers, hands and arms to push, pull and reach.
• Bend and twist.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Work long hours in all kinds of weather.
• Work in a cold and wet environment.
• Don life jacket, life vest and/or survival suit without assistance.
• Must be able to pass pre‑employment and random drug tests per USCG regulations. This job is designated by O'Hara Corporation to be Safety Sensitive, and a pre‑employment drug screen is part of the hiring process.

Mental Activities

• Hear, understand, and follow instructions, directions, safety rules and procedures in English.
• Use interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Live and work with others in close quarters.
• Be away from medical care and supervision for 3+ months at a time.
• Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
• Discern between various shades of color for identifying and sorting various fish species as well as for safety signs, alarms, and warnings.

Benefits

• Medical, vision and dental insurance is offered to employees and qualified dependents, if elected.
• 401(k) with employer match after one year of employment, if elected.
• Meals, snacks, and beverages provided including diverse cuisine options while at sea. (Additional at‑sea store available for specialty items to purchase and have deducted from paycheck).
• O'Hara will book and pre‑pay flight and lodging from Point of Hire‑ Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK.

Compensation

• $850–$1700 a day DOE.

Equal Employment Opportunity

O'Hara Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.