Over the better part of a century, thousands of job seekers have applied the vocational insights of the Strong Interest Inventory (SII) to find careers that leverage their preferences. The process for reaping its benefits is relatively simple: First, the job seeker answers a series of questions that assess priorities in a broad range of areas, from the enjoyment of subject areas to their preferred work environment characteristics. Then, the Strong Interest Inventory cross-references these responses with a database of completed SII Assessments from professionals already employed in hundreds of fields. Finally, the Strong Interest Inventory provides the job seeker with particular careers and career categories that may be a good fit based on the similarity of responses. For example, the SII might recommend an Investigative career, such as Marine Engineers and Naval Architects, to a job seeker who enjoys amassing and evaluating vast amounts of information, facts, and figures.

Marine Engineers and Naval Architects are responsible for designing, developing, and evaluating marine vessels, including ship machinery, power supply, propulsion systems, and other related equipment. Many of these responsibilities are highly technical and vary depending on the specific needs of their employer and their team. An example of a project may include designing a complete hull and superstructure in accordance with legal requirements, test data, and client specifications and then ensuring that the final design conforms to safety standards and efficiency requirements.

Such projects are massive undertakings that involve many sub-steps, including drafting initial designs, studying design proposals and characteristics, and considering attributes like size, speed, and displacement. After a design has been approved, Marine Engineers and Naval Architects oversee the construction and testing of a prototype, typically in a model basin, to ensure that the design is feasible. Buoyancy and stability data are also collected at this stage. Once the vessel construction is finished, the craft’s performance must be evaluated during dock and sea trials. Furthermore, automatic controls and alarm systems must be tested, interior furnishings must be installed, and other operational and performance tests must be conducted as needed. Even once a craft is fully approved, it will need to be monitored and inspected regularly to ensure it complies with international regulations and standards, such as emitting low pollution levels and carrying the appropriate life-saving equipment.

Skills, Knowledge, and Education

Some Marine Engineers and Naval Architects may have supervisory responsibilities, including overseeing other engineers and crew members and training them for routine tasks and emergencies. They may also act as liaisons among ships’ captains and shore personnel to ensure that the vessel is operated efficiently and safely and that all schedules and budgets are followed. Documentation is critical for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects. Recording everything from expenses and equipment maintenance to hours worked and clock-in/clock-out times is necessary for communicating with other team members and in case of a government or client audits.

To be successful, Marine Engineers and Naval Architects must have strong computer, technology, and engineering skills. In addition to mastering standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), they need to be able to use analytical and scientific software (e.g., MathWorks MATLAB, Tension Technology International OPTIMOOR), computer-aided design (CAD) software (e.g., The Napa Group NAPA, AutoCAD), enterprise resource planning software (e.g., SAP), and facilities management software (e.g., Seaworthy Systems Shipboard Automated Maintenance Management). In addition to these technologies, engineering tools such as hardhats, computers, and ladders are also needed. That said, the most important thing for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects is the ability to master new tools and technologies when they become relevant to their job.

Salary and Pay

Most Marine Engineers and Naval Architects hold a Bachelor’s degree. The median salary for this career is $95,440 annually, which comes to $45.89 as an hourly rate. As with any career, there is some variation in average salary in different parts of the country. For example, wages tend to be slightly higher on the coasts since the demand for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects is higher due to the proximity to large bodies of water. Similarly, salaries are higher near major ports and naval bases, such as Los Angeles and New York. Currently, there are 9,800 Marine Engineers and Naval Architects employed in the United States. This number is expected to grow slowly over the next ten years, with a projected increase of 1%-5%, or 500 positions.

Below are some employment trends for Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

• Median Salary: $95,440 annually
• Employment: 9,800 employees
• Projected growth (2020-2030): Slower than average (1%-5%)
• Projected job openings (2020-2030): 500

[Information retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections]

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References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2012-2022 employment projections Onetonline.org