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Occupation AtlasMarine Engineers and Naval Architects

O*NET · 17-2121.00

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.

Also called Architect Specialist · Automation Engineer · Boat Designer · Consulting Marine Engineer · Engineer · Engineering Specialist · Marine Architect · Marine Civil Engineer
23 more

Marine Consultant · Marine Design Engineer · Marine Engineer · Marine Engineering Consultant · Marine Equipment Design Engineer · Marine Equipment Engineer · Marine Equipment Research Engineer · Marine Equipment Test Engineer · Marine Service Engineer · Marine Structural Designer · Marine Surveyor · Naval Architect · Naval Architect Specialist · Naval Engineer · Naval Marine Engineer · Navigation Engineer · Piping Designer · Project Engineer · Propulsion Machinery Service Engineer · Ship Equipment Engineer · Ship Surveyor · Structural Designer · Structural Engineer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code RIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Mechanical Engineers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.74
  • I Investigative5.71
  • C Conventional4.31
  • E Enterprising3.26
  • A Artistic2.62
  • S Social1.27

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent5%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate16%
  • Some College Courses11%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
  • Bachelor's Degree53%
  • First Professional Degree11%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (32%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (26%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (37%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Complex Problem Solving4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Speakingbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Listeningbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Mathematicsbasic3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Sciencebasic3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Active Learningbasic3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Time Management3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Operations Monitoring3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
Show the other 23
  • Coordination3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Systems Evaluation3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Monitoringbasic3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Quality Control Analysis3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Systems Analysis3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.03.8Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Operation and Control3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Analysis3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Instructing2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Troubleshooting2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Service Orientation2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Persuasion2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Material Resources2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate an annual uniform service contract for delivery drivers
  • Negotiation2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Equipment Maintenance2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Management of Financial Resources2.52.9Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Repairing2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Equipment Selection2.32.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Programming2.31.6Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Installation1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner

Tasks

23 core · 7 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.4.1
  2. Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.4.0
  3. Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.3.9
  4. Maintain contact with, and formulate reports for, contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.3.9
  5. Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.3.9
  6. Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.3.8
  7. Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure repairs and alterations are at minimum cost and consistent with safety.3.8
  8. Design layout of craft interior, including cargo space, passenger compartments, ladder wells, and elevators.3.7
  9. Prepare, or direct the preparation of, product or system layouts and detailed drawings and schematics.3.7
  10. Prepare technical reports for use by engineering, management, or sales personnel.3.7
  11. Evaluate performance of craft during dock and sea trials to determine design changes and conformance with national and international standards.3.6
  12. Inspect marine equipment and machinery to draw up work requests and job specifications.3.6
Show the other 18
  1. Evaluate operation of marine equipment during acceptance testing and shakedown cruises.3.5
  2. Conduct analytical, environmental, operational, or performance studies to develop designs for products, such as marine engines, equipment, and structures.3.5
  3. Establish arrangement of boiler room equipment and propulsion machinery, heating and ventilating systems, refrigeration equipment, piping, and other functional equipment.3.5
  4. Prepare plans, estimates, design and construction schedules, and contract specifications, including any special provisions.3.4
  5. Investigate and observe tests on machinery and equipment for compliance with standards.3.4
  6. Design and oversee testing, installation, and repair of marine apparatus and equipment.3.3
  7. Conduct environmental, operational, or performance tests on marine machinery and equipment.3.2
  8. Determine conditions under which tests are to be conducted, as well as sequences and phases of test operations.3.1
  9. Analyze data to determine feasibility of product proposals.3.1
  10. Confer with research personnel to clarify or resolve problems and to develop or modify designs.3.0
  11. Review work requests and compare them with previous work completed on ships to ensure that costs are economically sound.3.0
  12. Supervise other engineers and crew members and train them for routine and emergency duties.3.8
  13. 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.3.6
  14. 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.3.6
  15. Maintain records of engineering department activities, including expense records and details of equipment maintenance and repairs.3.6
  16. Maintain and coordinate repair of marine machinery and equipment for installation on vessels.3.6
  17. Procure materials needed to repair marine equipment and machinery.3.5
  18. Schedule machine overhauls and the servicing of electrical, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, and sewage systems.3.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Engineering and Technology4.35.5Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Mechanical4.25.5Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Design4.15.3Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • English Language4.04.7Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Transportation3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Building and Construction3.65.2Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Mathematics3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Physics3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics3.54.6Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Customer and Personal Service3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Education and Training3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Administration and Management3.24.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Chemistry2.83.7Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Public Safety and Security2.83.9Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Economics and Accounting2.72.8
  • Administrative2.63.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Law and Government2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Production and Processing2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.42.8
  • Sales and Marketing2.22.7
  • Telecommunications2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Communications and Media1.92.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Foreign Language1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Biology1.82.3Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Geography1.72.6
  • Psychology1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Therapy and Counseling1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.41.1Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Fine Arts1.2—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.35.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering4.04.6
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Category Flexibility3.84.5Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Visualization3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Near Vision3.63.8
  • Originality3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Speech Clarity3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Flexibility of Closure3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Fluency of Ideas3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Far Vision3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Speech Recognition3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Number Facility3.33.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Selective Attention3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Speed of Closure3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Memorization2.82.8
  • Time Sharing2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Auditory Attention2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control Precision2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Depth Perception2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Finger Dexterity2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Extent Flexibility2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Manual Dexterity2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Reaction Time2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Spatial Orientation2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Gross Body Coordination2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Multilimb Coordination2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Response Orientation2.12.3Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Stamina2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static Strength2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Sound Localization2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Explosive Strength1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Peripheral Vision1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Rate Control1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Night Vision1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Getting Information4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Working with Computers4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.95.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.85.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Processing Information3.85.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.84.7Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Thinking Creatively3.74.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.65.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Training and Teaching Others3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.04.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.93.7Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Developing and Building Teams2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.93.9Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.83.9Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.73.3Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.72.7
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.73.7Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.42.8
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.43.0Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.23.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.22.6
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.12.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Telephone Conversations4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.3
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.1
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.1
  • Contact With Others4.0
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled3.9
  • Freedom to Make Decisions3.8
  • Consequence of Error3.7

Technology

40 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (5)

  • Autodesk AutoCADhot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • McNeel Rhinoceros 3D

Hot (9; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Zoom
Other tools (26)
  • AeroHydro MultiSurf
  • ANSYS AQWA
  • ANSYS ASAS
  • Ansys Fluent
  • Autodesk Algor Simulation
  • Bentley STAAD
  • Creative System GHS
  • Herbert Software Solutions HECSALV
  • HydroComp NavCad
  • IBM Lotus 1-2-3
  • Intergraph SmartMarine 3D
  • MAYA Nastran
  • MSC Software Nastran
  • Oracle Primavera Systems
  • Proteus Engineering FastShip
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • PTC Pro/Pipe
  • Seasafe Marine Software Seasafe
  • Seaworthy Systems Shipboard Automated Maintenance Management SAMM
  • ShipConstructor
  • Siemens NX
  • Siemens Solid Edge
  • Strand7
  • Structural Dynamics StruCAD*3D
  • Tension Technology International OPTIMOOR
  • The Napa Group NAPA

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Ship Engineers
  2. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
  3. Aerospace Engineers
  4. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  5. Mechanical Engineers
  6. Industrial Engineers
  7. Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  8. Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  9. Civil Engineers
  10. Electrical Engineers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.