Engineering Department

Yacht Engineer Jobs in Fort Lauderdale

Marine engineers are the hardest crew to find in the current market — full stop. Qualified chief engineers on 50m+ vessels can name their price. If you hold a Y4, Y3, or Y2 ticket and have sea time on large pleasure craft or commercial vessels, you are in a seller's market in Fort Lauderdale right now.

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Salary & Compensation

Vessel Size / RoleAnnual SalaryNotes
Junior Engineer / Engineer Trainee$48,000 – $66,000Working toward Y4; strong growth potential
Engineer (Y4 certified)$66,000 – $84,000Vessels up to 200 KW; solo engine room
Chief Engineer (Y3, 200–750 KW)$84,000 – $108,000Mid-size yachts 30m–50m
Chief Engineer (Y2, 750–3,000 KW)$108,000 – $140,00050m+ vessels; hardest role to fill
ETO (Electrotechnical Officer)$72,000 – $96,000Electronics, AV, comms specialist

Chief engineer shortages are acute. Vessels with complex stabiliser systems, water jet drives, or hybrid propulsion add 10–20% premiums. Day-work rates for Y2/Y3 engineers run $600–$900/day. Figures sourced from Dockwalk Salary Survey 2024–2025 and placement data.

Required Certifications

STCW Basic SafetyAll seafarers; 5-year refresh
ENG1 MedicalMCA-approved doctor; 2-year validity
MCA Y4 EngineerVessels up to 200 KW; entry certification
MCA Y3 EngineerVessels 200–750 KW propulsion power
MCA Y2 EngineerVessels 750–3,000 KW; superyacht standard
USCG Qualified Member of Engine Dept (QMED)US-flagged vessels
ETO CertificationSTCW A-III/6; electrical/electronics officers
Advanced FirefightingSTCW A-VI/3; required for chief engineers

Career Progression

  1. Engineer Trainee / Junior EngineerOn-the-job training under a chief engineer. Diesel generator service, bilge monitoring, fuel management. Y4 study undertaken.
  2. Engineer (Y4)Solo engine room responsibility on smaller yachts (under 200 KW). Preventative maintenance schedules, log keeping, yard liaison.
  3. Second Engineer (Y3)On mid-size vessels (200–750 KW). Shares watchkeeping with chief engineer. Systems troubleshooting, contractor management.
  4. Chief Engineer (Y3)Full engineering department ownership on 30m–55m vessels. Budget management, annual haul-out project management.
  5. Chief Engineer (Y2)Superyacht 50m+ with 750–3,000 KW propulsion. Team of 2–4 engineers. Most scarce and highest-compensated technical role in yachting.

Why Fort Lauderdale

  • Rybovich, Bradford Marine, and Lauderdale Marine Center — three of the world's largest superyacht refit yards, all within 5 miles
  • Year-round technical work during yard periods means engineering positions are the least seasonal crew role
  • Direct access to MTU, CAT, MAN, and Rolls-Royce Marine dealer networks for training and certification support
  • Proximity to the USCG district headquarters and MCA-approved training providers
  • Fort Lauderdale's refit calendar (Nov–Jan) drives consistent demand for contract and permanent engineers

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Also see:

Yacht Captain JobsYacht Chef JobsYacht Stewardess Jobs Placement fees Emergency hire