Marine engineer
Use your specialist skills to design, build and repair ships, boats and offshore energy platforms.
Also known as: subsea engineer
About the job
What it's like
As a marine engineer, you'lldesign, build and repair ships, boats and offshore oil and gas platforms. You’ll make sure their systems and machinery work effectively and safely.
You would design, build, test and repair:
boats
ships
underwater craft
remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)
offshore platforms
drilling equipment
You’ll use your technical knowledge of naval construction and mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering systems to work on systems and equipment in different marine industries.
If you worked in shipbuilding, boat-building and repair, you’ll work to design, develop, construct and maintain ships, boats and machinery.
The UK has a strong leisure boat industry. In the leisure boat field, you’ll help manufacture, maintain or repair a range of craft from canal barges to super yachts.
In an offshore energy industry, you'll design, build and operate offshore platforms, rigs, pipelines and equipment. For marine surveying, you’ll examine ships and offshore installations and look at their seaworthiness, safety and maintenance needs.
You could also join either the Merchant Navy or the Royal Navy. You’ll make sure engines, instruments and systems work safely and efficiently. In the Royal Navy, you could specialise in surface shipping, submarines or weapons systems.
You'll normally be responsible for a team of marine technicians and craftspeople. You’ll need to follow health and safely procedures. You need computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) skills and have to keep up to date with new developments in your field.
Hours
You'll work flexible hours, which may include shift work and weekends.
Environment
If you work in ship design or construction, you'll be based onshore.
You'll need good physical fitness, as outdoor work can sometimes be physically demanding.
Travel
You'll spend periods of time away from home – working on ships, submarines or offshore installations.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences Engineering and manufacturing Energy
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- mechanical engineering
- electrical engineering
- environment health and safety
- commissioning
- multiple activation key
- wiring diagram
- marine engineering
- hydraulics
- electrical equipment
- propulsion
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Environmental Science
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
A degree could be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects like:
Marine Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Naval Architecture
Electrical Engineering
To get into a Marine Engineering degree, you'll likely need National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at AAAB or above, or a relevant HNC/HND.
There are also Marine Engineering postgraduate qualifications available in Scotland. You'll need an honours degree in a relevant subject to qualify for a postgraduate course.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Marine Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Systems
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Engineering.
All qualifications or experience that show an understanding of the Navy, engineering, structural design and building, are useful. Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 4) is a good qualification to have when applying for courses.
Alternatively, you can gain qualifications while you work as a trainee engineer with the Merchant Navy or the Royal Navy.
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