Licensed Watch Engineer - Training Ship Golden Bear

Job Summary

The Licensed Watch Engineer (LWE) will sail and serve aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear as an engineering watch officer for the 2026 Summer Sea Term. This temporary position reports directly to the Chief Engineer of the Training Ship Golden Bear and is responsible for various watches, participating in drills, and supervising assistant watch engineers in their duties.

The Office of Marine Programs at Cal Poly Maritime Academy is responsible for Waterfront Operations, the Training Ship, and Summer Sea Term. The Training Ship is located on the waterfront of the campus and sails for 60+ days during the summer.

• Knowledge and experience in an engine department with planning, and performing engine, plumbing, and electrical work for the maintenance and upkeep of the training ship plant and housing facilities.
• Knowledge and experience with maintenance and repairs required for compliance with USCG and ABS standards.
• Knowledge of maintaining accurate shipboard maintenance records.

• Unlimited U.S. Coast Guard motor license
• All current STCW endorsements including an active medical certificate valid for STCW
• Valid TWIC card
• Valid Passport

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $8,500 - $9,000 per month. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected. Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable). Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees.

Cal Poly Maritime Academy is a campus of the California State University and is the only degree‑granting maritime academy on the West Coast. Located on the scenic Vallejo waterfront, the campus serves a student population of approximately 1,000 undergraduates and 50 graduate students.

Cal Poly Maritime Academy offers seven baccalaureate degrees in Business Administration, International Strategy and Security, Facilities Engineering Technology, Marine Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Transportation, and Oceanography. The undergraduate curriculum includes licensing programs for future merchant marine, coast guard, and naval reserve officers. Cal Poly Maritime Academy also offers a Master of Science in Transportation and Engineering Management degree, as well as a number of extended learning programs and courses.

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.

Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209, and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success.

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a…