Marine engineer
Design, build and repair ships, boats and offshore oil and gas platforms. Make sure their systems and machinery work effectively and safely.
Also known as: subsea engineer
About the job
What it's like
You would design, build and repair ships, boats and offshore oil and gas platforms. You’d 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’d 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’d work to design, develop, construct and maintain ships, boats and machinery.
The UK has a strong leisure boat industry: in this field you’d help to manufacture, maintain or repair a range of craft from canal barges to super yachts.
In the offshore oil and gas industry you would design, build and operate offshore platforms, rigs, pipelines and equipment.
For marine surveying, you’d examine ships and offshore installations and look at their seaworthiness, safety and maintenance needs.
You could join either the Merchant Navy or the Royal Navy. You’d 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 would normally be responsible for a team of marine technicians and craftspeople. You’d 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
Environment
Travel
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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 February 2024 to February 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.
You would need:
a Marine Engineering Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7)
or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8)
or a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (SCQF level 9/10)
or an Engineering degree and Marine Engineering postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11).
You can enter a Marine Engineering Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) with National 4/5 qualifications and one Higher or a NC in Maritime Operations.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of 4 Highers at AAAB or above, or a relevant HNC/HND. To enter a Postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an Honours Degree in a relevant subject.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the navy, engineering, structural design and building such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCFQ level 4) could be useful when applying to 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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