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Marine Engineer

Occupation Information table
Overview: Marine Engineers design power propulsion systems, heating & ventilating systems and other mechanical and electrical equipment for boats and ships. They use computers and mathematical calculations to create specifications and blue prints. They oversee installation and testing of their equipment.
Duties: They plan and design power systems for boats and ships based upon specifications for boat size, construction material, speed needed, cargo and expected weather and water conditions.

Plan and design all mechanical and electrical equipment such as heating, air conditioning, radar, etc. based upon owner's needs and requirements.

Work with mathematicians to finalize specifications. May conduct laboratory controlled experiments or computer simulations to test for ship performance with the proposed power systems.

Supervise the installation of the power systems and electro- mechanical equipment. Conduct test runs with newly installed equipment. They fine-tune systems before delivery to customer.
Degree(s): A.S. Engineering Science 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 9% to 13% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $46,000 to $51,000
Education Level: Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation.
Additional Training/Education: A bachelor's degree in marine engineering and architecture is the basic educational requirement for this occupation. Courses in mechanical engineering, mathematics and computer-aided design and drafting are essential. All states require registration of engineers in this field.
Recommended Skills:
  • Analyzing requirements for a new product or service and creating a design to satisfy those needs.
  • Identifying the most appropriate equipment and tools needed to get a job done.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.
Recommended Values:
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Create new ideas, programs, things, or anything else not previously developed by another person.
  • Doing something where you can physically see the results of your work.
  • Having a job where you can spend a significant amount of time outside.
  • Having the ability to work with equipment or material things.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.