Junior Engineer Jobs
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What Is a Junior Engineer on a Ship?
Junior Engineer (JE, trainee engineer, additional engineer, 5th engineer) is the first officer rank in the Engine Department. The position stands between Engine Cadet Jobs and a regular Fourth Engineer (4/E).A cadet completes maritime education, obtains OICEW certification and joins the vessel as a junior engine officer to gain practical engine room watchkeeping experience under supervision of senior engineers.Onboard, the junior engineer reports to the Second Engineer (2/E) and Chief Engineer.
Main Duties of a Junior Engineer
- Engine Room Watchkeeping as OICEW
- Monitoring main engine parameters, generators, boilers and separators
- Planned maintenance through PMS systems such as AMOS, Star IPS, ShipNet and Danaos
- Maintenance of auxiliary systems, compressors, freshwater generators and steering gear
- BWTS, OWS, SCR/EGR and environmental compliance maintenance
- Participation in breakdown repairs and troubleshooting
- Preparation for SIRE 2.0, RightShip, PSC and Class inspections
- Basic OT cyber security awareness and ISM cyber risk procedures
Most western shipowners require Marlins Test results above 80–85% and completed CES Engine Test before joining.
Requirements for Junior Engineer Candidates
- OICEW Certificate (STCW III/1)
- Full STCW package
- Approved sea service as Engine Cadet
- Oil Tanker or Gas Tanker endorsements for tanker fleet
- Marlins Test 80%+
- CES Engine Test
- Working English level
Supervised Watchkeeping and Sea Service
For junior engineers, the first contract is important not only for salary but also for building sea service required for Management Level certification (STCW III/2 — Second Engineer).If a JE sails as additional staff without actual OICEW duties, some flag administrations may not fully recognize the sea service.Before signing the contract, verify:
- Supervised Engine Room Watchkeeping is provided
- Watchkeeping hours are recorded in the Training Record Book (TRB)
- Sea Service Letter confirms OICEW duties
Without these confirmations, the contract may not fully count toward future 2/E certification.
Vessel Types and Junior Engineer Career Paths
Bulk Carriers and Container Ships
The classic starting point for entry-level engineers.Junior engineers gain practical experience with:
- MAN B&W slow-speed engines
- Separators
- Boilers
- PMS systems
- Engine room watchkeeping
Contract length: 6–8 months
Salary: $2,200–3,200Bulk Carrier Jobs
Tanker Fleet
Crude oil, product and chemical tankers offer strong career growth and high market demand.Junior engineers participate in maintenance of:
- Cargo systems
- Inert gas systems
- Scrubbers
- Engine room systems for SIRE 2.0 inspections
Oil Tanker Endorsement is required.Salary: $2,800–3,800Tanker Jobs
LNG and LPG Fleet
The highest-paying segment for engine officers.Junior engineers work with:
- Dual-fuel engines (ME-GI, X-DF)
- GVU systems
- Cargo compressors
- BOG management systems
Gas Tanker Endorsement is required.Salary: $3,200–4,500LNG Fleet Jobs
Offshore Fleet
Supply vessels, PSV and AHTS vessels require knowledge of:
- DP systems
- Hydraulic systems
- High-speed engines
Rotation: 28/28 days
Salary: $2,800–4,000Offshore Jobs
Coastal and Small Tonnage Fleet
On coasters, the Junior Engineer position is less common because engineers often sail as single engineers.Global Vessel Database
Junior Engineer vs Fourth Engineer
Junior Engineer is an introductory officer position after receiving STCW III/1 certification.Fourth Engineer (4/E) is a fully assigned officer position with dedicated responsibilities and independent watchkeeping duties.The transition from JE to 4/E usually happens after 1–2 successful contracts.
Modern Trends for Junior Engineers
Modern junior engineers are expected to understand:
- Dual-Fuel Engines
- LNG fuel systems
- Scrubbers and BWTS
- Digital PMS systems
- OT cyber security
- Condition-Based Monitoring (CBM)
Modern shipping increasingly combines engineering with digital systems and environmental technologies.
Junior Engineer Salary
Approximate salary ranges for 2025–2026:
- Bulk carriers and container ships: $2,200–3,200
- Tankers: $2,800–3,800
- LNG/LPG fleet: $3,200–4,500
- Offshore vessels: $2,800–4,000
- Passenger fleet: $2,500–3,500
Junior Engineer Career Path
Typical career progression:Engine Cadet → Junior Engineer → 4/E → 3/E → 2/E → Chief EngineerAverage time from JE to Chief Engineer: 8–12 years.Maritime Mentors and Career Consultation
How to Choose Your First Officer Contract
- Choose your fleet type carefully
- Check main engine type
- Confirm supervised watchkeeping
- Verify digital PMS usage
- Update Marlins and CES tests
- Research shipowner reputation
Find Your First Engineer Contract Through JobMarineMan
- Verified shipowners
- All vessel types
- Daily vacancy updates
- No manning fees
- Direct contact with employers
FAQ — Junior Engineer Jobs
What is a Junior Engineer on a vessel?
A Junior Engineer is the first officer position in the Engine Department after obtaining STCW III/1 certification.
What certificates are required?
STCW III/1, full STCW package, Marlins, CES and tanker/gas endorsements depending on vessel type.
How much does a Junior Engineer earn?
Between $2,200 and $4,500 depending on fleet segment.
What is Supervised Watchkeeping?
Engine room watchkeeping performed under supervision of senior engineers with recorded TRB hours.
Is Marlins Test required?
Yes. Most western shipping companies require Marlins results above 80%.
How to apply quickly?
Related Engine Department Jobs
- Chief Engineer Jobs
- Second Engineer Jobs
- Third Engineer Jobs
- Fourth Engineer Jobs
- Single Engineer Jobs
- Gas Engineer Jobs
- ETO Jobs
- Engine Cadet Jobs
- Oiler Jobs
- Fitter Jobs
- Wiper Jobs