Summer Sea Term 2026 (Multiple Positions) - Engineering Training Officer/ Assistant Licensed Watch Engineer

 

DEPARTMENT:   Engineering Technology

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:  Maritime Vocational Lecturer

TIMEBASE/POSITION TYPE:  Full-time, Non-Tenure Track

APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE:   May 2026

ITINERARY: West Coast, Central and possibly South Pacific. More details forthcoming.

 

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:  The Department of Engineering Technology of the Cal Poly Maritime Academy invites applications for our temporary positions to serve as Engineering Training Officers/Assistant Licensed Watch Engineers for the 2026 Summer Sea Term. Applicants expecting to be considered for this position must complete their online application and submit the requested materials. This position will remain open until filled. The trip includes the possibility of visiting international ports. Position is paid on a monthly basis and the expected duration is approximately 65 days. 

Cruise Period: The operation of the TRAINING SHIP GOLDEN BEAR is primarily under management by students, with faculty and licensed officers acting in an advisory and safety capacity. First-year students perform elementary tasks, while third-year students perform the duties of ship’s officers - from loading the ship’s cargo of provisions and lighting off the plant, to navigating and providing power for the ship. Grades are assigned by faculty members based on actual performance, professionalism, and aptitude for life at sea as a licensed officer.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Applications received by close of business day on November 7, 2025 will receive priority consideration.

ABOUT CAL POLY MARITIME ACADEMY: Located on a compact but scenic waterfront campus in Vallejo, California (30 miles northeast of San Francisco), Cal Poly Maritime Academy is a unique and specialized campus of the 23-campus system. Serving a population of approximately 1000 undergraduate and 50 graduate students, we are one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States — and the only one on the West Coast. 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.  Please visit our website for more information about Cal Poly Maritime Academy .

Our programs focus on intellectual learning, applied technology, leadership development, and global awareness. Cal Poly Maritime Academy students participate in training cruises aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear or other international educational experiences - gaining a unique perspective on our increasingly global culture and economy. Cal Poly Maritime Academy is committed to being a leading educational institution recognized for excellence in the business, engineering, operations, security, and policy of the transportation industries of the Pacific Rim and beyond. We are equally committed to hiring and retaining diverse and dedicated faculty and staff who lead the way in helping our students expand their knowledge and potential.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The individual in the Engineering Training Officer/Assistant Licensed Watch Engineer position will be responsible for standing watches and/or instructing students. Other duties will include drills, standing in port watches, and conducting lectures (all course materials provided) for assigned courses.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Teaching experience at the college level
• Engineering License with significant medium-speed diesel experience
• Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in Engineeri