Engineering Department
Yacht Engineer Jobs in Fort Lauderdale
Salary & Compensation
| Vessel Size / Role | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Engineer / Engineer Trainee | $48,000 – $66,000 | Working toward Y4; strong growth potential |
| Engineer (Y4 certified) | $66,000 – $84,000 | Vessels up to 200 KW; solo engine room |
| Chief Engineer (Y3, 200–750 KW) | $84,000 – $108,000 | Mid-size yachts 30m–50m |
| Chief Engineer (Y2, 750–3,000 KW) | $108,000 – $140,000 | 50m+ vessels; hardest role to fill |
| ETO (Electrotechnical Officer) | $72,000 – $96,000 | Electronics, 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
- Engineer Trainee / Junior EngineerOn-the-job training under a chief engineer. Diesel generator service, bilge monitoring, fuel management. Y4 study undertaken.
- Engineer (Y4)Solo engine room responsibility on smaller yachts (under 200 KW). Preventative maintenance schedules, log keeping, yard liaison.
- Second Engineer (Y3)On mid-size vessels (200–750 KW). Shares watchkeeping with chief engineer. Systems troubleshooting, contractor management.
- Chief Engineer (Y3)Full engineering department ownership on 30m–55m vessels. Budget management, annual haul-out project management.
- 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
Looking for this role? Or hiring for it?
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