Inboard Diesel Technician - Marine Diesel Mechanic
About this role
Summary: Barden's Boat Yard in Marion, MA is hiring a full-time Inboard Diesel Technician to service, commission, and repair marine diesel engines (Yanmar, Cummins, Westerbeke, Volvo Penta, Caterpillar), paying $58,000–$79,000/year plus benefits.
Job Description
Barden's Boat Yard, a family-owned marina and boatyard operating on Sippican Harbor since 1927, is hiring a full-time Inboard Diesel Technician for our Marion, Massachusetts location. This role is the backbone of our engine department — you'll commission engines in the spring, keep them running reliably all season, and decommission and winterize them in the fall, working across the major inboard diesel brands our customers rely on: Yanmar, Cummins, Westerbeke, Volvo Penta, and Caterpillar.
Beyond engine work, you'll support the broader systems that keep a boat running — plumbing, electrical, and rigging — making this a well-rounded marine mechanic role for someone who likes variety and wants to build deep expertise across multiple engine platforms rather than just one.
This is steady, in-demand work: boat owners always need their diesel engines serviced, and a skilled technician who can diagnose problems correctly the first time is one of the most valued people in any boatyard.
What You'll Do
Commission inboard diesel engines each spring (fluids, filters, belts, cooling systems, sea trials)
Diagnose and repair diesel engine issues across Yanmar, Cummins, Westerbeke, Volvo Penta, and Caterpillar platforms
Decommission and winterize engines each fall (fuel stabilization, cooling system prep, fogging, lay-up procedures)
Service fuel, cooling (raw water and heat exchanger), and exhaust systems
Perform routine and preventive maintenance (oil/filter changes, impellers, belts, zincs)
Troubleshoot and service related onboard systems including plumbing, electrical (12V/24V), and rigging as needed
Keep clear, accurate service records for each vessel and communicate findings to the shop manager and customers
Required Skills & Qualifications
Solid, hands-on experience with diesel engine maintenance and repair (marine or heavy equipment/automotive diesel background considered)
Ability to diagnose mechanical, fuel, cooling, and exhaust system issues on inboard diesel engines
Comfortable working in tight engine compartments and confined spaces aboard boats
Basic electrical troubleshooting skills (12V/24V marine systems)
Own hand tools appropriate for marine diesel work
Reliable, safety-conscious, and able to work both independently and as part of a shop team
Willingness to work seasonal overtime during peak commissioning (spring) and decommissioning (fall) periods
Preferred (Nice to Have)
Factory training or certification on Yanmar, Cummins, Westerbeke, Volvo Penta, or Caterpillar marine engines
ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council) certification or working knowledge of ABYC standards
Experience with marine plumbing, DC/AC electrical systems, or rigging
Prior boatyard, marina, or marine service background
Compensation & Benefits
Pay: $58,000–$79,000/year, based on experience
Health insurance (50% employer-paid)
401(k) plan
Seasonal bonuses (mid-season and year-end)
Life insurance
Paid vacation and sick time
About Barden's Boat Yard
Barden's Boat Yard is a historic, family-owned full-service marina and boatyard that has served Sippican Harbor in Marion, Massachusetts since 1927. Nearly a century in, we're still driven by the same commitment to hands-on craftsmanship, customer service, and community that started the yard — and we're looking for skilled tradespeople who share that pride in the work.