Marine Engineer

Answer 1

Marine engineers are responsible for the design, function, and maintenance of many sea going vessels and marine facilities. Marine engineers often work with the designers of ships to develop means propulsion and other vital systems of the vessels. Marine engineers can specialize in the design and implementation of specific equipment, such as pumps, engines, or gears; while others concentrate on particular phases during the development and construction of a ship, such as cost analysis. Other fields of marine engineering are concerned with a built ship’s functions, such as maintenance of the ship’s system of propulsion. Marine engineers may also be inspectors.

The last fields that employ marine engineers consist of inspection, installation of equipment and consultation. Marine engineers that work in inspection are involved in checking and re-checking a ship’s vital systems before it is released for full usage. It is also common for these engineers to be involved in the installation of equipment; they often serve as supervisors for crews of builders. Lastly, some marine engineers work companies, consulting firms or independently as a consultant. Consultants in this field help companies to solve problems, such as a malfunctioning propulsion system, for a fee.

The minimum requirements to become a marine engineer are to earn a bachelor’s degree in either marine engineering or a related field such as chemical or mechanical engineering. Positions involving research or management typically require a graduate degree. Applicants that have practical knowledge and experience gained from an internship are looked upon favorably.

The job outlook for the marine engineer is below average. However, there will always be a need for these engineers due to the retirement of older engineers and the constant need for production of sea going vessels and marine facilities. Marine engineers earn salaries that are considered average amongst the engineering specialties, but high for bachelor’s programs in general; starting salaries for a marine engineer are typically around $50,000 to $55,000, one of the highest for any bachelor’s level program. On average, workers in the field earn from $70,000 to $75,000.