---
title: 'Licensed Assistant Engineer - Fishing Vessel at Glacier Fish'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/licensed-assistant-engineer-fishing-vessel-glacier-fish-washington-bayj81xfyd0e'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-13'
---

# Licensed Assistant Engineer - Fishing Vessel at Glacier Fish

- **Company:** Glacier Fish
- **Location:** Washington, DC
- **Compensation:** $140k–$200k
- **Employment:** contract
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2023-11-28
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-13
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/glacierfish/70de7944-2524-4ae0-98b7-4f8c89fbf239

## Job description

Glacier Fish Company is dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish products in the world. We accomplish our mission with a day-in-and-day-out commitment to quality, safety, consistent attention to detail and an on-going concern for the stability and health of the North Pacific fishery resource.

We are one of the largest producers of frozen at sea cod and pollock, and distributes seafood throughout the world. We manage two trawl catcher-processor vessels that operate in the Bering Sea and off the coast of Washington and Oregon. Come join us with one of the many exciting job opportunities available!

## Requirements

- Must hold an appropriate U.S. Coast Guard Assistant Engineer license of an uninspected fishing vessel: 3000 HP on the Northern Glacier and 6600 HP on the Alaska Ocean.
- 1 year experience as an Assistant Engineer preferred
- Work 12 hrs/day for 7 days/week in all weather conditions
- Repetitively lift and carry up to 50 lbs
- Self-motivated team-player
- Understand instructions and safety rules in English
- Must be able to provide 2 recent positive references from previous employers
- Capable of climbing and descending steep stairs and vertical ladders
- Share spaces with others including crew quarters, dining areas, and bathrooms

Job Duties and Responsibilities

- Responsible for managing 12 hour watch and coordinating activity of the engineering staff engaged in operation of vessel systems, ensuring all scheduled routine rounds and readings are taken and verifying normal operations of all equipment.
- Effectively coordinates with all vessel department heads to ensure safe, efficient operation of the vessel both at sea and in port.
- Ability to quickly and effectively recognize situations expanding outside realm of responsibility and communicate up chain of command.
- Enforce and implement effective & respectful communication among all Engineering staff, officers and production crew.
- Technical and operational understanding of vessel power generation and distribution, including but not limited to: Switchboard management, shaft generators, auxiliary generators, load distribution and prioritizing, emergency power isolation.
- Technical and operation understanding of all vessel auxiliary systems and their controls, theory of operation as well as practical Operation, including but not limited to: Purifiers, OWS, pumps, Sanitation system, Refrigeration plants, deck machinery LP hydraulic system, water makers, boilers, HVAC
- Performing and logging scheduled leak checks on all refrigeration equipment.
- Startup & shut down of all propulsion related engines & equipment; both normal & Emergency procedures.
- System specific electrical knowledge for trouble shooting of control systems and power generation systems. Knowledge of common basic electrical control circuits, PLCs, analog sensors and IO structure.
- Overview and implementation of correct regulatory documentation, including but not limited to: EPA logs, USCG oil record book, sewage discharge, maintenance logs and Vessel Engine Room log books, ensuring all relevant information is logged and communicated at watch changes.
- Monitor and ensure compliance of DNV class society and manufacturer recommended scheduled maintenance and inspection per operational hours or timed intervals on critical engine room equipment and surveyed machinery items.
- Effective Personnel management and communication; able to prioritize and designate duties at sea and while in shipyard periods for implementation of vessel work load as designated by Chief Engineer, Captain, Office personnel, or self-generated.
- Overview of Quality Control of all maintenance performed, ensuring thoroughness & attention to detail of all projects. Ability to teach correct procedures to junior engineers if deficiencies are found.
- Ability to recognize and solve potential risks to personnel and vessel safety, both in the Engineering and elsewhere on the ship.
- Ensures engineering spaces and tools are maintained in an organized and clean fashion in compliance with environmental regulations.
- Ensures compliance with applicable sections of the Safety Management System. Is knowledgeable and conversant on applicable policies and procedures contained in the SMS.
- Thorough understanding and implementation of Vessel Lock out/Tags Plus procedures

## Benefits

- Company travel policy agreement: successful completion of scheduled trips grants eligibility for airfare expenses between vessel and hometown to be paid by the company
- 401(k) and 401(k) matching
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Compensation has daily guarantee

Training Required

- OSHA Safety Compliance
- Lock Out/Tag Out
- Hazwoper
- Shipyard Competent
- EPA Section 608
- Ammonia Operator 1

Glacier Fish Company are Equal Opportunity Employers - Minority / Women / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age.

By signing below you are affirming that the statements that you make in this application, plus any additional written and oral information you provide us about yourself (such as an interview) are true, and that you have not omitted anything about yourself that might be important to us in deciding whether to hire you. You understand that any false statement or material omission is sufficient grounds for us to reject this application, or to terminate your employment without further consideration.

I AUTHORIZE INVESTIGATION OF ALL STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN AND THE REFERENCES LISTED ABOVE TO GIVE YOU ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONCERNING MY PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT AND ANY PERTINENT INFORMATION THEY MAY HAVE, PERSONAL OR OTHERWISE, AND RELEASE ALL PARTIES FROM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MIGHT RESULT FROM FURNISHING SAME TO YOU.

In addition, you understand that any offer of employment will be contingent upon our verifying your employment eligibility as required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT, IF HIRED, MY EMPLOYMENT IS FOR NO DEFINITE PERIOD AND MAY, REGARDLESS OF THE DATE OF PAYMENT OF MY WAGES AND SALARY, BE TERMINATED AT ANY TIME WITHOUT ANY PRIOR NOTICE.

## About Glacier Fish

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Glacier Fish Company is a privately held, family-founded seafood company specializing in the harvest and processing of frozen-at-sea groundfish, operating a fleet of catcher-processor vessels in the Bering Sea and off the U.S. Pacific coast.
- **Entity Type**: Private (founded 1982; not publicly traded)
- **Headquarters**: Seattle, Washington, USA
- **Founded**: 1982
- **Founders**: Erik Breivik (along with several other fishing families)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Fisheries – commercial fishing and onboard processing of groundfish (Alaska Pollock, Pacific Cod, Pacific Whiting/Hake).
- **Target customers**: B2B – global seafood distributors, quick-service restaurant chains, frozen food manufacturers, and retail packaged goods companies.
- **Mission**: “Dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish products in the world” – with a commitment to sustainability and the health of the North Pacific fishery resource.

## Products & Services
- **Frozen-at-Sea Fillets & Blocks**: High-quality fillet blocks, shatter pack fillets, IQF fillets, and mince used in fish sticks, sandwiches, and other value-added products.
- **Surimi**: Processed fish protein used in imitation crab and other seafood analogs.
- **Head & Gut (H&G) Products**: Whole fish headed and gutted for further processing onshore.
- **Fishmeal & Fish Oil**: Produced from processing waste, supplying animal feed and omega-3 oil markets.
- **Vessel Management**: Full management of four additional vessels under North Star Fishing Company (Arica, Cape Horn, Rebecca Irene, Unimak).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed.
- **Key Metric**: Private company; annual revenue not disclosed. Total funding rounds not applicable. Employee count (HQ) approx. 29 (LinkedIn, +10% YoY).
- **Notable Investors / Partners**:
  - Nippon Suisan USA, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Suisan Kaisha, one of the world’s largest marine products companies) – minority partner.
  - Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC) – 50% partner since 1998, representing 15 Alaska Native communities.
- **Growth Signals**: Acquired competitor Alaska Ocean Seafood in 2008, doubling quota holdings and adding the flagship vessel Alaska Ocean. Upgraded fishmeal production plant to process 40 metric tons fishmeal + 8,000 gallons fish oil per day. Long-standing, uninterrupted harvesting relationship with NSEDC. Many crew members have 20+ years tenure.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vertical Integration**: Full control from catch to frozen-at-sea processing, ensuring product quality and supply chain reliability.
- **Quota Ownership**: Holds substantial fishing quota shares in the rationalized Alaska Pollock fishery, providing a stable, long-term resource base.
- **Large, Modern Fleet**: The Alaska Ocean is one of the world’s largest catcher-processors, capable of freezing over 220 metric tons per day. Both vessels are equipped with Starlink internet for crew connectivity.
- **Strategic Partnerships**: Deep relationships with NSEDC (community development) and Nippon Suisan (global distribution and capital) create a strong competitive moat.
- **Sustainability & Legacy**: 30+ years of sustainable fishing practices, with the Alaska Ocean featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and on the History Channel’s Modern Marvels.

## Strategic Focus
- Continue to operate and optimize the current fleet of catcher-processors, maintaining high-quality frozen-at-sea production.
- Strengthen partnerships with NSEDC and Nippon Suisan while exploring further long-term cooperative agreements.
- Sustain and improve environmental stewardship, including full utilization of fish waste for fishmeal and fish oil.
- Develop next-generation leadership (CEO Michael Breivik, son of founder) to carry forward the company’s core operating principles.

## Why Work Here
- **Work Environment**: Onboard a factory trawler in the Bering Sea – physically demanding, wet, cold, with 16-hour shifts, 7 days a week for 2–4 months at a time. Crew-share pay (percentage of the vessel’s catch) provides strong earning potential linked to performance.
- **Benefits**: Health, vision, and dental insurance for crew and family; 401(k) with company match; employee assistance program; company-provided training; room and meals onboard; Starlink Wi-Fi/email access.
- **Career Progression**: Opportunity to start in entry-level roles (deck, factory, galley) and advance to higher-paying positions (engineer, officer, cook). Many crew members stay for 20+ years.
- **Culture**: Emphasis on teamwork, safety, and self-discipline. Zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy. Equal opportunity employer. The company values its diverse and talented crew as its greatest asset.
- **Remote/Hybrid Policy**: Not applicable – all crew positions are at sea. HQ roles in Seattle are likely office-based.
- **Vessel Departments**: Wheelhouse (Captain, Mates, Purser), Engineering (Chief, Assistant, Oilers), Deck (Deckhands), Galley (Steward, Cook, Housekeeper), Factory (Processing staff).

## Sources
1. [glacierfish.com/about](http://www.glacierfish.com/about/)
2. [glacierfish.com/employment](http://www.glacierfish.com/employment/)
3. [linkedin.com/company/glacierfishcompany](https://www.linkedin.com/company/glacierfishcompany)
4. [jobs.lever.co/glacierfish](https://jobs.lever.co/glacierfish)
5. [glacierfishcareers.multiscreensite.com](https://glacierfishcareers.multiscreensite.com/)

## Other roles at Glacier Fish

- [Licensed Mate - Fishing Vessel UNIMAK](https://feeny.ai/job/licensed-mate-fishing-vessel-unimak-glacier-fish-seattle-5ydjc861m21w) — Seattle, WA
- [Captain - F/T Northern Glacier](https://feeny.ai/job/captain-f-t-northern-glacier-glacier-fish-washington-nnnz3hvv26w8) — Washington, DC
- [Licensed Mate - F/T Northern Glacier](https://feeny.ai/job/licensed-mate-f-t-northern-glacier-glacier-fish-washington-5ghsrtpwndjm) — Washington, DC
- [Second Assist Engineer on Commercial Fishing Vessel - F/T Alaska Ocean](https://feeny.ai/job/second-assist-engineer-on-commercial-fishing-vessel-f-t-alaska-ocean-glacier-9e51zzexqh19) — Washington, DC
- [At Sea Processor - F/T North Star - Alaska](https://feeny.ai/job/at-sea-processor-f-t-north-star-alaska-glacier-fish-alaska-0g66628975bz) — Alaska
- [At-Sea Processor on the F/T UNIMAK - IN ALASKA](https://feeny.ai/job/at-sea-processor-on-the-f-t-unimak-in-alaska-glacier-fish-alaska-hrdgz21zddj7) — Alaska
- [Processor for At-Sea work on F/T Alaska Ocean](https://feeny.ai/job/processor-for-at-sea-work-on-f-t-alaska-ocean-glacier-fish-alaska-7h5nx1syh8rc) — Alaska
- [At-Sea Processor - F/T Alaska Ocean](https://feeny.ai/job/at-sea-processor-f-t-alaska-ocean-glacier-fish-washington-akm4wrxyrdzf) — Washington, DC
- [At-Sea Fish Processor - F/T Northern Glacier](https://feeny.ai/job/at-sea-fish-processor-f-t-northern-glacier-glacier-fish-united-states-cndrh0wjj255) — United States
- [Fishmeal Trainee - F/T North Star](https://feeny.ai/job/fishmeal-trainee-f-t-north-star-glacier-fish-washington-0rs8a65nz59e) — Washington, DC