Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$0.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$0.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$0.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
63,650
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
74,330
+1,068 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
5,487
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Professional Engineer
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Desktop computers
- Hard hats
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Plotters
- Programmable logic controllers PLC
Technology
- ANSYS ASAS
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- AeroHydro MultiSurf
- Autodesk Algor Simulation
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Creative System GHS
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- HydroComp NavCad
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
- Intergraph SmartMarine 3D
- MSC Software Nastran
- McNeel Rhinoceros 3D
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
- test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare reports
- prepare safety reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- erect machinery in marine or maritime setting
- assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
- order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- develop plans for programs or projects
- direct personnel in support of engineering activities
- direct personnel in support of engineering activities
- delegate authority for engineering activities
- delegate authority for engineering activities
- supervise engineering managers or staff
- assign work to staff or employees
- lead teams in engineering projects
- lead teams in engineering projects
- coordinate engineering project activities
- coordinate engineering project activities
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- advise clients or customers
- advise clients or customers
- advise clients regarding engineering problems
- advise clients regarding engineering problems
- evaluate product design
- evaluate product design
- estimate cost for engineering projects
- estimate time needed for project
- estimate time needed for project
- convert design specifications to cost estimates
- plan testing of engineering methods
- plan testing of engineering methods
- plan construction of structures or facilities
- conduct performance testing
- conduct performance testing
- inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
- maintain repair records
- explain complex mathematical information
- explain complex mathematical information
- work as a team member
- work as a team member
- compile numerical or statistical data
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- develop tables depicting data
- use creativity in graphics
- design construction projects
- design engineered systems
- design electronic equipment
- design machines
- design power equipment
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- develop mathematical simulation models
- develop mathematical simulation models
- use creativity in designing interior spaces
- design office layout
- analyze engineering design problems
- analyze engineering design problems
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- evaluate costs of engineering projects
- evaluate costs of engineering projects
- evaluate engineering data
- evaluate engineering data
- provide analytical assessment of engineering data
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
- analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
- analyze test data
- analyze test data
- analyze engineering test data
- analyze engineering test data
- communicate technical information
- communicate technical information
- use basic carpentry techniques
- use concrete fabrication techniques
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use field notes in technical drawings
- use government regulations
- use government regulations
- use graphic arts techniques
- use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
- use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
- use scientific research methodology
- use technical regulations for engineering problems
- use technical regulations for engineering problems
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use project management techniques
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand construction specifications
- understand government construction contracting regulations
- recognize construction industry codes or symbols on blueprints
- confer with research personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- develop or maintain databases
- draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
- draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
- write product performance requirements
- write product performance requirements
- calculate engineering specifications
- use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
- resolve engineering or science problems
- resolve engineering or science problems
- select ship repair method
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect scientific or technical data
- read blueprints
- read blueprints
- read technical drawings
- read technical drawings
- obtain information from individuals
- perform safety inspections in transportation setting
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.
- Establish arrangement of boiler room equipment and propulsion machinery, heating and ventilating systems, refrigeration equipment, piping, and other functional equipment.
- 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.
- Prepare plans, estimates, design and construction schedules, and contract specifications, including any special provisions.
- Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.
- Design layout of craft interior, including cargo space, passenger compartments, ladder wells, and elevators.
- Evaluate operation of marine equipment during acceptance testing and shakedown cruises.
- Act as liaisons between ships' captains and shore personnel to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained, and that ships are operated safely and efficiently.
- Conduct environmental, operational, or performance tests on marine machinery and equipment.
- Inspect marine equipment and machinery to draw up work requests and job specifications.
- Prepare, or direct the preparation of, product or system layouts and detailed drawings and schematics.
- Investigate and observe tests on machinery and equipment for compliance with standards.
- Maintain records of engineering department activities, including expense records and details of equipment maintenance and repairs.
- Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure repairs and alterations are at minimum cost and consistent with safety.
- Design and oversee testing, installation, and repair of marine apparatus and equipment.
- Prepare technical reports for use by engineering, management, or sales personnel.
- Procure materials needed to repair marine equipment and machinery.
- Schedule machine overhauls and the servicing of electrical, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, and sewage systems.
- Maintain contact with, and formulate reports for, contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.
- Maintain and coordinate repair of marine machinery and equipment for installation on vessels.
- Confer with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems and to develop or modify designs.
- Conduct analytical, environmental, operational, or performance studies to develop designs for products, such as marine engines, equipment, and structures.
- Determine conditions under which tests are to be conducted, as well as sequences and phases of test operations.
- Review work requests and compare them with previous work completed on ships to ensure that costs are economically sound.
- Analyze data to determine feasibility of product proposals.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Bridge: Sea Grant Ocean Sciences Education Center
The Bridge is a growing collection of the best marine education resources available online. It provides educators with a convenient source of accurate and useful information on global, national, and regional marine science topics. As a resource center K12 teachers can find marine education resources such as marine science information, lesson plans and classroom activities.
Learn MoreCornell University's Shoals Marine Laboratory: Marine Environmental Science
Marine Environmental Studies focus is on coastal marine habitats, with an emphasis on issues as they relate to global habitats and concerns. Laboratory exercises and field work include explorations along Appledore's rocky intertidal zone, and excursions to neighboring islands to observe harbor seal and seabird colonies.Foundamental scientific research methods and equipment are introduced, and each student has the opportunity to be involved in group research projects while earning 4 Cornell credits.
Learn MoreEngineers (Intro)
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreMarine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center
The Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center provides you with information on educational and professional development opportunities including technology-rich curriculum materials that includes a listing of materials and summer institutes have you working with employers and working technicians to give you a better understanding of the type of work.
Learn MoreRochester Museum and Science Center Bathysphere Underwater Biological Laboratories (BUBL) Voyage
Participate in and explore the underwater world of Lake Ontario in a virtual underwater experience that is exciting, educational and adventurous.
Learn More
