Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
What is a Marine Engineers and Naval Architects?
Marine engineers and naval architects are specialized professionals who design, construct, and maintain ships, submarines, offshore platforms, and other marine vessels and structures. Marine engineers focus primarily on the engineering systems and machinery components of marine vehicles, including propulsion systems, electrical systems, and hydraulic systems. They are responsible for ensuring that these systems are efficient, safe, and environmentally compliant. On the other hand, naval architects concentrate on the overall design and structural integrity of the vessels. They analyze hydrodynamics, stability, and the vessel’s capability to navigate various aquatic environments. Both professions require a deep understanding of physics, mathematics, and materials science, and they often collaborate closely on projects. Their work not only plays a crucial role in the shipping and naval defense industries but also contributes to advancements in sustainable practices and innovations in marine technology.
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software
- Ansys Fluent
- MAYA Nastran
- Tension Technology International OPTIMOOR
- The MathWorks MATLAB
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Video conferencing software
- Zoom
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Computer aided design CAD software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- PTC Creo Parametric
- The Napa Group NAPA
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Spreadsheet software
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
- Microsoft Excel
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Project management software
- Microsoft Project
- Oracle Primavera Systems
Tools Used
- Notebook computers
- Plotter printers
- Microcontrollers
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Hard hats
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Safety glasses
Knowledge
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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.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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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.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Work Activities
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Detailed Work Activities
- Design structures or facilities.
- Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
- Review technical documents to plan work.
- Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
- Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$76860.0 - $156630.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.