Job Summary
F3EA is seeking a qualified Third Engineer to support maritime operations aboard operational vessels supporting dynamic mission requirements. This position is responsible for assisting the Chief Engineer in the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of vessel propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, and engineering equipment.
The Third Engineer serves as a senior member of the engineering department and is responsible for leading maintenance activities, supervising engineering personnel, supporting operational readiness, and ensuring compliance with vessel safety and engineering procedures. Personnel in this role are expected to uphold F3EA operational standards while reinforcing a culture of professionalism, accountability, safety, and mission execution.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Assist the Chief Engineer in the operation, maintenance, and repair of vessel propulsion, auxiliary, and engineering systems
- Lead and supervise engineering maintenance activities in accordance with the Planned Maintenance System (PMS)
- Plan, assign, and coordinate engineering department maintenance and cleaning tasks
- Conduct engine room watches and monitor vessel engineering operations
- Perform daily, weekly, and monthly inspections of vessel machinery and engineering systems
- Manage engineering plant operations, monitor system performance, and record operational data
- Maintain engine room logs, technical reports, and required engineering documentation
- Coordinate spare parts management and procurement activities with the Chief Engineer
- Support budgeting, system documentation, and engineering administrative requirements
- Ensure compliance with maritime safety procedures, Permit to Work (PTW), and Safe Job Analysis (SJA) requirements
- Supervise overtime work and task execution within the engineering department
- Participate in emergency drills, safety meetings, and vessel readiness activities
- Support implementation of the vessel Safety Management System (SMS) and operational procedures
- Serve as training leader for engineering department personnel
- Support engineering casualty response and emergency preparedness operations
- Identify and report hazards, equipment deficiencies, and operational risks
- Promote effective coordination and communication between engineering, deck, and operational departments
- Perform additional duties as assigned in support of vessel operations and mission requirements
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Provides direct oversight and supervision of subordinate engineering personnel, including engineering ratings and assigned deck support personnel.
Required Qualifications and Education
- Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as First Assistant Engineer or equivalent appropriate to vessel requirements
- Valid STCW endorsements and required maritime certifications
- Experience supporting engineering operations aboard operational vessels
- Knowledge of marine propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, engineering maintenance procedures, and maritime safety practices
- Experience conducting engineering watches and managing engineering maintenance activities
- Knowledge of Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS), Permit to Work (PTW), and engineering safety procedures
- Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work rotational schedules in maritime environments
- U.S. citizenship required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance
Preferred Qualifications and Education
- Experience supporting government maritime operations or defense-related missions
- Prior experience aboard offshore support vessels, research vessels, or similarly complex platforms
- Familiarity with Dynamic Positioning (DP) vessel operations and FMEA requirements
- Experience operating in high operational tempo maritime environments
- Prior military or government-contracted maritime experience
Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
- Operational maritime and shipboard environment
- Exposure to varying weather conditions, vessel motion, machinery spaces, and engineering operations
- Ability to climb ladders, access confined spaces, and work in physically demanding environments
- Extended periods standing watch and conducting maintenance activities
- Ability to support rotational or extended underway operations as required
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement
F3EA, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. F3EA, Inc. makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.
F3EA, Inc.
Jun 10, 2026