Marine Engineering Careers

Marine engineering careers involve the design, construction, and maintenance of marine vessels. These job roles include off-site, administrative, technical, and testing responsibilities.

Marine engineers play an essential role in water transport. Important sectors like international trade, petroleum exploration, and underwater research cannot function without marine engineers.

Why Choose Marine Engineering?

Some reasons to choose a career in marine engineering include the following:

• A BLS report of 2021 shows that marine engineers earn an annual mean wage of $97,820, above the national mean wage of $58,260.
• Marine engineers have high job security since the job takes years of practice and qualifications to master.
• The skills of marine engineers are relevant in other forms of mechanical engineering, making it easy to pivot.
• You can choose a career that allows you to work offshore or onboard.

How to Start Your Marine Engineering Journey

Some of the skills necessary for marine engineers are purely practical, so you can start your journey by taking apprenticeship training.

Without formal training, you will only get low-paying contracts and short-term jobs. However, an associate degree in marine engineering would land you entry-level roles.

Managerial roles are primarily reserved for Bachelor's and Master's degree holders, while Ph.D. holders are more likely to work in education and government.

Education Requirements

Associate Degree

An associate degree in marine engineering usually takes one year to complete. Your training would include learning the basics of ship design, layout, and construction.

You would engage in sea service training, which equips you to work at the support level onboard ships.

Bachelor’s Degree

A four-year bachelor’s degree in marine engineering is a more thorough upgrade to the associate degree. A BSc in marine engineering involves lots of math and sciences courses.

You’ll learn some crucial subjects, like propulsion systems, naval architecture, engineering analysis principles, ship hull strength, and fluid mechanics.

Master’s Degree

You can pursue a Master's degree in marine engineering to gain more employment opportunities. In addition, an MSc in marine engineering allows you to explore a specific field of marine engineering deeply.

A Master’s degree in marine engineering usually takes around two years to complete. Areas of study include hydrodynamics, deep-sea mining and dredging, and offshore engineering.

Doctorate in Marine Engineering

A doctorate in marine engineering varies between institutions, with a typical length of three years. A Ph.D. program would significantly test and improve your problem-solving and research skills in marine engineering.

Most people with a Ph.D. in marine engineering work in the academic or government sectors.

Employment Prospects

The BLS report cited above projects that the marine engineering sector will grow by 4% in the next decade. The sector’s growth is in line with the national average.

In the period mentioned above, around 400 annual job openings would result from people switching occupations or retiring.

Marine Engineering Career Forecast

A marine engineering career offers relative stability and increased opportunities as you gain experience and upgrade your skills. Additionally, offshore job opportunities will increase for marine engineers as governments create wind turbines located offshore.

Marine engineers have an important role to play in emission reductions. Many developed countries need to update their ship and port facilities’ designs to meet new national and international standards.

Lucrative Marine Engineering Career Paths

Marine Chief Engineer

A marine chief engineer oversees the entire marine engineering department onboard a vessel.

Average Salary

The average annual base pay of a marine chief engineer is $111,689. However, the pay range varies widely depending on experience and certifications; it is between $72,000 and $161,000. Marine chief engineers also get additional pay and bonuses of up to $31,790.

Roles and Responsibilities

A marine chief engineer primarily responsible for the following:

• Operation and maintenance of engineering equipment onboard the vessel.
• Overseeing the marine engineering crew onboard the vessel.
• Provide job training and guidance to assistant engineers

Industries Employing Marine Chief Engineers

Marine Chief engineers typically work aboard merchant and cargo ships.

Marine Consultant

Marine consultants offer professional advice in various aspects of marine services.

Average Salary

Marine consultants earn an average annual salary of $74,926; the high earners make above $113,000, and the low earners make around $40,000. A marine consultant's yearly additional pay and bonuses are approximately $36,214.

Roles and Responsibilities

A marine consultant is primarily responsible for the following:

• Plan and design ports, shipyards, and terminals.
• Devise optimized trade routes.
• Supervise and train junior marine staff.
• Inspect marine equipment and machinery.

Industries Employing Marine Consultants

Industries that employ marine consultants include the following:

• Port authorities
• Shipping agencies

Marine Engineering Professor

Marine engineering professors teach marine engineering in colleges and universities.

Average Salary

Marine engineering professors earn a median annual salary of $95,060. The top 80% earn over $171,000, while the lowest earners make around $46,460.

Roles and Responsibilities

Some duties of a marine engineering professor include the following:

• Teach marine engineering courses in higher institutions.
• Suggest improvement of marine engineering syllabus and teaching methods.
• Participate in open events, seminars, sponsors meetings, and award ceremonies.

Industries Employing Marine Engineering Professors

The following industries employ marine engineering professors:

• Academic institutions
• Federal and state Departments of Education

Marine Project Manager

Marine project managers plan and oversee marine projects to completion.

Average Salary

Marine project managers earn an average annual pay of $92,999; the lowest 25% earn below $72,500/year, while the top 90% earn over $127,500/year.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job specifications of a marine project manager include the following:

• Analyze the financial and resource requirements for marine projects.
• Hire qualified staff for projects.
• Point of contact between project staff, vendors, contractors, and internal company personnel.
• Prepare and submit technical reports useful to sales personnel, engineers, and managers.

Industries Employing Marine Project Managers

The following industries can employ marine project managers:

• Construction firms
• Government agencies

Marine Operations Coordinator

Marine operations coordinators are responsible for organizing the operations of vessels.

Average Salary

The average annual base salary of a marine operations coordinator is $63,465. The top 10% earn over $145,000, while the bottom 10% make below $41,000. Marine operations coordinators can also make up to $14,000 in additional earnings.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job description of a marine operations coordinator include:

• Coordination of vessel movements.
• Supervise materials used in offshore operations.
• Oversee preparation of customs clearance documents.

Industries Employing Marine Operations Coordinators

The following industries can employ marine operations coordinators:

• Oil and gas
• Offshore drilling companies

Marine Mechanic

Marine mechanics maintain and repair onboard and outboard boat engines.

Average Salary

Marine mechanics earn an average annual salary of $52,414; the top 10% earn over $83,000, while the bottom 10% make below $31,000. Marine mechanics can earn additional income of up to $19,000 per year.

Roles and Responsibilities

A marine mechanic’s job description includes the following:

• Diagnose issues with boats and repair them.
• Maintain ships and ensure they meet government regulations.
• Consult and review schematics.
• Test engine and electrical performance.

Industries Employing Marine Mechanics

Marine mechanics can find employment in places like:

• Boat and cruise services
• Shipbuilding companies

Marine Propulsion Engineer

Marine propulsion engineers design and maintain the propulsion system of vessels.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a propulsion engineer is $87,284. The top 10% earn above $121,000, while the bottom 10% make below $67,000. Marine propulsion engineers might earn additional income of up to $14,000 per year.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job description of marine propulsion engineers include the following:

• Design of vessel propulsion systems.
• Maintain, repair, and service old propulsion systems.
• Research for improved propulsion systems.

Industries Employing Marine Propulsion Engineers

Marine propulsion engineers can work in industries such as:

• Shipbuilding companies
• Marine research centers

Marine Service Technician

Marine service technicians maintain ships and other marine equipment.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a marine service technician is $50,000. The top 10% earn above $72,000 while the bottom 10% make below $32,000. A marine service technician can earn up to $7,000 per year in additional income.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job description of a marine service technician include the following:

• Test engines, propellers, steering, and navigational equipment.
• Maintain the physical appearance of vessels.
• Replace rusted and rotted sections of vessels.

Industries Employing Marine Service Technicians

The following industries can employ marine service technicians:

• Boat and cruise services
• Ports authorities

Marine Structural Engineer

Marine structural engineers design and calculate the structure of marine vessels.

Average Salary

Marine structural engineers earn an average annual salary of $70,575. The top 10% earn over $102,000, while the bottom 10% make below $56,000. Marine structural engineers can earn up to $43,000 per year in additional pay.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job description of a marine structural engineer include the following:

• Provide structural calculation and design.
• Examine and validate structural models.
• Research and implement new design methods and concepts.
• Oversee ship production processes and test machinery.
• Apply regulatory standards to design entire ship hulls.

Industries Employing Marine Structural Engineers

The following industries can employ marine structural engineers:

• Shipbuilding companies
• The Navy

Marine Surveyor

Marine surveyors ensure that marine vessels are up to statutory code.

Average Salary

Marine surveyors earn an average annual salary of $73,063. The top 10% earn over $104,000, while the bottom 10% make $46,000. A marine surveyor can make up to $52,000 per year in additional pay.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job description of a marine surveyor include the following:

• Detailed assessment of vessels to ensure they meet safety standards.
• Submit inspection reports and findings to supervisors.
• Inform vessel owners of necessary safety upgrades.

Industries Employing Marine Surveyors

Marine surveyors can find employment in industries such as:

• Port authorities
• Government agencies
• Shipping agencies.

Maritime Safety Officer

Maritime safety officers ensure the safe and efficient operation and navigation of sea vessels.

Average Salary

Maritime safety officers earn an average annual pay of $72,274. The top earners make around $116,000, while the minimum expected salary is $45,000. Maritime safety officers can earn additional income of up to $11,600/year.

Roles and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of a maritime safety officer include the following:

• Oversee the maintenance of safety procedures by crew members.
• Ensure that other engineers follow safety operation standards.
• Provide safety training for crew members.
• Prepare and oversee emergency protocol.
• Design and maintenance of vessel safety systems.

Industries Employing Maritime Safety Officers

Maritime safety officers can find employment in industries such as:

• Boat and cruise services
• Shipping agencies

Naval Architect

Naval architects design and analyze the flotation systems of marine vessels.

Average Salary

Naval architects earn an annual average salary of $75,828. The highest 10% earn over $108,000, while the lowest 10% make below $58,000. Naval architects can make up to $68,000 per year in additional pay.

Roles and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities in naval architecture include the following:

• Prepare system layouts of entire vessels including cargo space and space for auxiliary equipment.
• Design and oversee the construction of marine vessels.
• Ensure that marine vessels meet the required naval standards.
• Building and testing prototypes that meet stakeholder expectations.

Industries Employing Naval Architects

The following industries can employ naval architects:

• Port authorities
• Shipbuilding companies
• The Navy

Ocean Engineer

Ocean engineers build systems that monitor and control coastal environments.

Average Salary

Ocean engineers earn an average annual salary of $81,497. The top earners make around $120,000, while the minimum pay is approximately $56,000. Ocean engineers can make up to $12,000 per year in additional income.

Roles and Responsibilities

The roles and responsibilities of an ocean engineer include the following:

• Detect and suggest solutions to issues caused by tidal waves, forces, and currents.
• Build dikes and flood control systems in coastal areas.
• Build power stations in the ocean.
• Build systems that harness the ocean’s resources.

Industries Employing Ocean Engineers

The following industries can employ ocean engineers:

• Research agencies
• Government agencies

Transportation Engineer

Transportation engineers oversee transport-related engineering projects.

Average Salary

Transportation engineers earn an average annual salary of $71,137. The top 10% earn over $94,000, while the bottom 10% make below $58,000. Transportation engineers can earn additional pay of up to $13,000 per year.

Roles and Responsibilities

The job duties of a transportation engineer include the following:

• Create design and construction schedules for transportation projects.
• Estimate project costs and ensure that operations stay within estimates.
• Analyze and report engineering data.
• Ensure timely completion of projects.

Industries Employing Transportation Engineers

The following industries can employ transportation engineers:

• Port authorities
• Government agencies
• Traffic

How to Boost your Marine Engineering Career

Marine engineers can boost their career by getting the right degree. Associate degrees and apprenticeships won’t get you high-paying roles. Work towards getting a bachelor’s degree if you don’t have one, and upgrade if you already do.

Experience matters significantly for marine engineers, so you must seize internship opportunities. New graduates with apprenticeship or internship experience are more likely to command higher pay.

Pros and Cons of Marine Engineering Careers

Below are some pros and cons to consider if you want to become a marine engineer.

Pros

• Long vacation time.
• A steadily increasing job outlook.
• Your skills are relevant in any other engineering field, giving you the option to switch careers.
• Good base salary and opportunities for additional pay.
• Variety of work settings– office, on deck, research, etc.

Cons

• Some marine engineering jobs involve long hours of work away from family.
• You might work in risky and unfavorable conditions.
• High barrier of entry.
• Some marine engineering jobs are physically demanding.

Skills You’ll Develop While Studying Marine Engineering

Studying for a career in marine engineering will cause you to develop some valuable skills.

Attention to Detail

A marine engineer works with powerful machines; therefore, lapses in concentration can be costly to them. Vessels also depend on your assessment and maintenance to sail safely. Therefore, marine engineers learn to pay attention to details for their safety and the vessel’s.

Computer Software Proficiency

Some marine engineering fields require marine engineers to be computer literate. For instance, naval architects design the basic characteristics of a ship using computer aided design (CAD) software. Naval architects apply knowledge of ship design on software like SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

Design Skills

Several marine engineering jobs would require you to have design skills. For example, design skills are helpful for drawing the schematics and architecture of vessels and engines. Therefore, a degree in marine engineering would cause you to have deep technical and engineering drawing skills.

Practical Science Application

Marine engineers would learn science subjects beyond their textbooks. Core subjects that determine their success include physics, mathematics, technical drawing, and geography. A marine engineering student would learn to apply these subjects in their career.

Problem-Solving Skills

Marine engineers learn to be proactive in preparing for issues onboard. However, you cannot plan for all problems on marine machinery. Therefore, marine technicians must learn to think on the go, calmly solving critical issues that might cause others to panic.

Teamwork

A marine engineer usually works in a team of engineers carrying out specialized functions. While the marine chief engineer oversees the entire crew of engineers, every member has an important role.

Sometimes, emergencies on board would require every member to fulfill a different role. Therefore, marine engineers must be well-versed in all aspects of his craft.

How to Prepare for a Marine Engineering Career

1. Start an Apprenticeship

Marine engineering apprenticeships don’t require a degree to begin. Apprentices work under the supervision of senior marine engineers to build valuable, practical skills and technical knowledge. You would perform tasks like support, boat handling, repair, and outfitting.

Apprenticeships prepare you for the concepts you’ll learn when you receive formal training..

2. Complete Your Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in marine engineering would provide in-depth knowledge of the field. You’ll also have access to several high-paying jobs.

Employers value work experience in marine engineers. Therefore, applying for internships while you pursue your bachelor’s degree will provide you with practical work experience.

3. Get the Necessary Certifications

Several certifications are only available to marine engineers who have worked a certain number of years. The only compulsory certification for all marine engineers is the Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE).

The stamp of approval from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) would get you into most entry-level roles.

Marine Engineering Resources to Help Your Career

Professional marine engineers have certifications to help their careers, such as::

Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE): An FE certification is compulsory for all marine engineers.

Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE): You can only get a PE certification after at least four years of practice. A PE certification makes you a licensed professional engineer.

Naval Engineering Certificate (NEC): An NEC is necessary for naval engineers.

How to Switch to a Marine Engineering Career

First, you need to strengthen your knowledge of science subjects like mathematics and physics. Then, strong SAT scores should help you gain admission to study marine engineering in a higher institution.

Specify the field of marine engineering on which you want to focus. Then, find the relevant skills employers demand from professionals in your chosen field by checking job sites like LinkedIn.

Finally, you must take action and apply for jobs; entry-level roles are your best bet. Beginning engineers gain knowledge in entry-level roles and can grow from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marine Engineering?

Marine engineering involves designing, constructing, and maintaining marine vessels and equipment. Marine engineers design propulsion systems, boiler room equipment, heating and ventilation systems, refrigeration equipment, and electrical distribution systems.

Marine engineers can also apply their skills to maintain offshore oil rigs, offshore and tidal power projects.

What certification do I need for a Marine Engineering career?

To be a practicing marine engineer, you need a Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification. Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) certification makes you a licensed professional engineer. The PE certification is only available for experienced engineers with at least four years in the field.

Can I get a marine Engineering degree online?

You can get a marine engineering degree online from several institutions. Ensure that your selected school has accredited programs from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Some online maritime academies would still require regular practical classes in person.

What fields can Marine Engineering professionals work in?

Marine engineers can work in office roles like naval architecture and marine operations coordinator. They can also get onboard roles like marine chief engineer and marine service engineer. Offshore job roles are available on alternative energy projects such as wind turbines.

A marine engineer can also pursue a career in academia as a marine engineering professor. Additionally, your skills are relevant in other mechanical engineering fields.

Is there a high demand for Marine Engineering majors?

Marine engineering majors are in high demand to fill several office and onboard roles. The BLS projects a 4% growth in the marine engineering industry between 2021 and 2031.

Final Thoughts

Starting a career in marine engineering is a tedious process involving long study hours and lots of practicals. However, engineers who clear the initial hurdles are set for a long and rewarding career.