Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.

What you'd actually do

• Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
• Supervise other engineers and crew members and train them for routine and emergency duties.
• Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
• Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
• Oversee construction and testing of prototype in model basin and develop sectional and waterline curves of hull to establish center of gravity, ideal hull form, and buoyancy and stability data.
• Evaluate performance of craft during dock and sea trials to determine design changes and conformance with national and international standards.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of marine engineers and naval architects are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, analytical and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Environmental Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Electrical Engineers
• Industrial Engineers
• Engineers, All Other
• Civil Engineers

Quick questions

How much does a marine engineers and naval architect make?

The median pay is $53.96 per hour — roughly $112,000 a year, with the real range running from about $39.91/hr (10th percentile) to $83.33/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a marine engineers and naval architect?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a marine engineers and naval architect actually do all day?

Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy. Supervise other engineers and crew members and train them for routine and emergency duties. Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.