Synonyms: Marine Engineer, Ocean Engineer

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life of an Ocean Engineer
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become an Ocean Engineer
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Hannah

Quick Facts

What ocean engineers do:

Ocean engineers design, build, and maintain structures and equipment for marine environments, ensuring that these systems are safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.

Median income:

$146,868 annually or $71 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Ocean engineers experience a blend of dynamic outdoor work and administrative tasks. They work near water bodies and construction sites. The schedule can be demanding, and the fast-paced nature of the job involves extensive travel, sometimes requiring relocation to project sites for extended periods.

Education requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering, marine engineering, or a related field is typically required. Advanced positions may require a master’s degree or higher.

Job outlook:

The future for ocean engineers is bright. As infrastructure needs grow worldwide, particularly in coastal and maritime development, there is a consistent demand for professionals with expertise in designing, building, and maintaining structures in marine environments.

This is perfect for you if:

• You love working outdoors, especially near the ocean.
• You are interested in marine science.
• You are a problem-solver.
• You enjoy making contributions to infrastructure projects.

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Hannah Huezo to learn more about being an ocean engineer here!

Day in the Life of an Ocean Engineer

Schedule:

Standard full-time hours during regular business days, but the nature of their work often involves flexibility. Fieldwork can sometimes require longer hours.

Setting:

Ocean engineers work in outdoor settings near water bodies for fieldwork, including surveys and construction oversight. They may also work in an office to handle administrative tasks.

Tasks:

Conduct hydrographic surveys, prepare daily reports, and coordinate activities such as pipe laying, all of which are highly dependent on weather conditions. They also oversee project execution, ensure compliance with plans, and coordinate logistics like concrete pours and material deliveries.

Topics:

Marine technology, sustainable construction practices, environmental regulations, and innovative materials for marine structures.

Skills:

Proficient in hydrographic surveying and marine construction techniques, with expertise in environmental impact assessment and mitigation. They also have strong project management skills to lead complex projects effectively.

Tools:

Environmental monitoring tools, GPS equipment, sonar systems (like multi-beam and single-beam), depth sensors, and design software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Ocean engineers have good spatial awareness, which is crucial for designing and navigating marine structures. They also possess strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, adaptability, and an eagerness to learn.

Interests:

Marine technology, environmental conservation, research, exploration, and anything hands-on work and problem-solving, especially in outdoor settings.

Personality:

Ocean engineers typically have realistic, investigative, and conventional personality types. They are very practical, analytical, and detail-oriented.

Values:

Innovation, new technologies, the sustainable practices and protection of marine ecosystems in their work, professional growth, and the significant contributions they make to infrastructure, safety, and environmental protection in marine settings.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become an Ocean Engineer

Education requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in ocean engineering, marine engineering, or a related field is required. Getting a master’s degree for advanced or specialized roles, along with certifications and internships, is beneficial. Obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) licensure may also be required for certain roles. This typically involves gaining a few years of work experience, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and then passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.

Preferred majors:

Pursuing majors in ocean engineering, marine engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, coastal engineering, naval architecture, mathematics, physics, or a related field can be helpful.

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

Advice from Hannah

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Gain practical experience through internships or co-op opportunities first and when optimizing your resume, focus on highlighting relevant coursework, projects, and skills. Network with professional organizations like the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) or the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) to enhance your job search.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

Start gaining experience in land-based construction or related fields locally. This approach offers more immediate opportunities and less travel compared to marine engineering, which often requires proximity to major ports. Building experience in construction or similar roles, such as longshore work, provides a solid foundation before moving into maritime-focused positions.

Recommended resources:

Hannah recommends looking into the following universities to learn more about ocean engineering: 

Florida Atlantic University

• Construction Management Certificate Program
• Cost: Approximately less than $2,000
• Duration: 16 weeks (8 courses of 2 weeks each), fully remote

University of Washington

• Ocean Engineering Programs
• Construction Management Certificate Programs

California Universities

• Various programs offering Ocean Engineering and Construction Management certificates

What Hannah would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:

“It’s just as fun as you think it’s gonna be because I found what I love. My three passions: Jesus, people, ocean. Also, just don’t take everything too seriously. One of our VPs frequently says, ‘Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.’ We’ve figured it out before. You’re not alone.”

Watch the full interview with Hannah:

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