What does a Marine Engineer do?

A Marine Engineer contributes to advancements in nautical design, developing innovative new systems that allow vessels to reliably perform their functions. They design the internal systems used by seafaring vessels, including electrical, navigational, propulsion, steering and refrigeration systems.

By successfully carrying out the duties included in a marine engineering job description, Marine Engineers ensure the construction of new vessels occurs on schedule, correctly and within budgetary constraints. The ongoing testing and inspections performed by a Marine Engineer reduce the risk of system failures and malfunctions and support the safety of the crew, cargo and passengers.

Marine Engineer skills and qualifications

A Marine Engineer job description typically details the skills and qualifications candidates need to succeed. Some characteristics you may want to list in this section of your job description of a Marine Engineer include:

• Advanced mathematical skills required for designing and testing maritime systems

• Extensive knowledge of electrical, mechanical and software engineering principles

• In-depth understanding of maritime systems and laws and regulations that govern the industry

• Computer skills to use computer-aided drafting, analytical and design software, spreadsheets and project management software

• Communication skills to write effective reports and collaborate with other engineers

• Analytical skills to successfully interpret data and conduct inspections and tests

• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and address systems errors and malfunctions

• Project management skills to create proposals and oversee projects’ completion

Marine Engineer experience requirements

Marine Engineers often work on teams consisting of entry-level and senior marine engineering professionals. If you’re hiring for an entry-level or training position with an established team, candidates without work experience may succeed in the role. However, if you’re hiring a new team, you might consider candidates with one or more years of experience for Marine Engineer-In-Training jobs. For senior positions, you may wish to specify that several years of experience is a requirement in your marine engineering job description.

Marine Engineer education and training requirements

Generally, a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering is the minimum education for a Marine Engineer position. In addition, a Marine Engineer usually needs a license to work independently in the field. If you need your new hire to work independently right away, you may want to specify that a valid, active license is necessary in your marine engineering job description.

States typically establish their own requirements, but most accept licensing from the United States Coast Guard or the Professional Engineer (PE) certification from the National Society for Professional Engineers (NSPE). The Coast Guard offers several levels of marine engineering licensing. Each has training and experience prerequisites and requires passing an examination. To obtain PE credentials, candidates must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and spend at least four years working as a Marine Engineer-in-Training.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description of a Marine Engineer isn’t the right fit for your needs, explore these related jobs:

• Electrical Engineer

• Mechanical Engineer

Marine Engineer job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Marine Engineer and a Naval Architect?

Both Marine Engineers and Naval Architects create schematics and plans for building ships, but they focus on different areas. A Naval Architect designs the overall structure of a ship, determining its layout, size, hull shape and other specifications. A Marine Engineer develops the internal systems that allow a ship to operate.

What’s the difference between a Marine Engineer and a Shipwright?

A Shipwright is a skilled technician who repairs the structure and systems of a seafaring vessel, while a Marine Engineer is the professional responsible for designing and troubleshooting systems. Shipwrights often perform the work Marine Engineers identify as necessary to correct system issues.

How can I attract attention to my marine engineering job description?

To set your Marine Engineer job description apart, mention the key benefits of working for your company in a bulleted list at the top. Describe the most appealing and unique perks, such as continuing education stipends or flexible working hours, to encourage candidates to apply.