First Assistant Engineer

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking a First Assistant Engineer for the R/V Atlantis, starting in December 2026.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the First Assistant Engineer is responsible for the proper operation, maintenance, and safety of all engine department machinery, equipment, and spaces; the conduct and performance of engine personnel; and the economical use of consumable supplies and stores.

Responsibilities

• Plans, assigns, and supervises work of engine department personnel.
• Assists the Chief Engineer in planning maintenance and repair schedules with regard to the ship's schedule, ensuring periodic machine inspections and major repairs are accomplished in port.
• Reports condition of engine department equipment, machinery, and personnel; unusual developments; and repair progress.
• Maintains a machinery log of repair dates, spare parts, and consumable supplies.
• Monitors engine department stores and prepares requisitions.
• Maintains HVAC systems, checks refrigeration plant, and ensures safety devices are in proper working condition.
• Stands engine room watch, supervises Oiler, and ensures watches are stood properly and orders carried out.
• Keeps a log of all watch operations and conditions, including unusual occurrences and emergency signals.
• Supervises and assists, while in port, with maintenance and repair of engine room equipment and spaces, and in loading freshwater bunkers.
• Performs other duties as required.

Skills

Proficiency in the following areas is required:

• Diesel engines
• Electrical maintenance and troubleshooting
• Electronics
• Hydraulics
• Reading of both hydraulic and electrical schematics
• HVAC equipment
• Air compressors

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited sea service academy and four years’ sea duty as an engineering officer; in the absence of a formal degree, equivalent work experience.
• Computer literacy in word-processing, inventory and database management, ship's stability, and electronic mail programs.
• U.S. Coast Guard license, preferably First Assistant Engineering Unlimited Horsepower, Motor Vessels. Minimum licensing for R/V Neil Armstrong and R/V Atlantis requires an unlimited Horsepower, Motor Vessels, Oceans.
• All applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95).
• Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential and Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Unexpired Passport.
• Good communication and personnel management skills.
• In-depth understanding of the proper operation and maintenance of ship's engines and related equipment.
• Demonstrated good safety practices and procedures.
• Ability to pass a DOT Pre-employment drug screen.
• Unexpired USCG medical certificate (STCW expiration date).

Physical Requirements

• Work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Work at sea for three to five months continuously.
• Live and work in cramped quarters, frequently in bad weather and with violent ship motion.
• Pass examinations for visual acuity, color sense, and hearing as established in Title 46 CFR Parts 10 and 12.
• Pass a physical evaluation as described in the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Articles 6-89.
• Climb steep and vertical ladders, and enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills up to two feet high.
• Participate in emergency drills and in launching lifeboats and life rafts.
• Perform physical labor, climb, and handle moderate weights and equipment over 50 pounds.

Physical Capability Examples

• Balance: Work in confined and unstable areas.
• Bend, kneel, squat: Clean, maintain, and inspect equipment.
• Climb: Reach work areas, equipment, and stores by ladder and stairs.
• Crawl: Crawl through bilge pockets, and under ladders and winch beds.
• Feel: Touch objects where sight is limited.
• Finger: Manipulate nuts, bolts, tools, and cleaning gear.
• Handle: Handle equipment and stores with sure grip.
• Hear, talk: Communicate with people.
• Lift, carry: Load stores over 50 pounds.
• Push, pull: Move equipment over 50 pounds.
• Reach: Up, over, and under equipment and stores.
• See: Read labels, menus, logs, charts, and gauges in poor lighting.
• Sit: Operate crane, Avon, lifeboat, and life raft.
• Stand: Work on equipment.
• Walk: Perform rounds at sea.
• Write: Maintain logs.

Working Conditions

• Confined areas: Store rooms, engine spaces, and tanks.
• Potential allergens and irritants: Fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases.
• Adverse weather: On deck in rough seas during equipment maintenance.
• Extreme temperatures: On deck in tropics and high latitudes; in engine room.
• Potential hazards: Being at sea; slippery and uneven surfaces; moving parts and objects; climbing ladders; and working aloft.
• Noise: Constant and loud engine room noise, blowers, exhaust fans.
• Schedule: Protracted and irregular working hours.
• Vibrations: Ship's engines and chipping hammer.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $57.87. The hourly rate reflects the set base pay for new hires. Annual compensation will be based on this hourly rate and the number of hours worked, in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws.

Benefits

In addition to hourly pay, eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package.