Make waves with a maritime engineering career working on or around the world’s oceans
If you’re fascinated by the vastness and mystery of the ocean, then maritime engineering skills are your ticket to hitting the high seas in style!
From designing sustainable solutions to help combat climate change to pioneering new technologies for underwater exploration, engineers are in demand on maritime projects around the world.
Imagine being part of a team that designs and constructs innovative structures like underwater turbines that harness the power of ocean currents to generate clean energy, or coming up with solutions to mitigate the impact of human activities on ocean environments. This could involve developing systems to clean up marine pollution or designing offshore structures that minimise disturbance to marine life.
Engineers also design and deploy instruments and equipment for oceanographic research, enabling scientists to study ocean currents, marine life and the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Plus, with the growing demand for sustainable transportation and shipping, the planet needs engineers to develop eco-friendly solutions for maritime transport. From designing more fuel-efficient ships to implementing innovative navigation and communication systems, engineers play a crucial role in making maritime transportation safer, cleaner and more efficient.
So dive in and discover the exciting world of engineering careers in maritime projects!
Role models
Joachim Lopez-Valoa – Apprentice marine technician
Joachim has always enjoyed learning the science behind how things work. Now, as an apprentice marine technician, his job involves fixing and maintaining marine equipment.
Tyler Ratcliff – Boat designer
Tyler has loved boats for as long as he can remember. Living on an island in Sydney’s Pittwater, sailing was not just a hobby; it was a way of life.
Vance Takiguchi – Electronics engineer
Vance was lucky enough to start working with robotics in Year 4 when he joined Macquarie University’s FIRST Robotics club. From there he was hooked, joining another robotics program and eventually landing a scholarship to do a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), with a specialisation in mechatronics at Macquarie.
Specialist pay
The average salary for a marine engineer in Australia is $105K*, with an average starting salary of $84K.
Skills you’ll need to float in this field
- Problem solving
- Creativity
- A love of being on the water
- Basic physics and maths
Start your career here!
Sail through study with these specialist degrees:
Bachelor of Maritime Engineering, (Specialisation) (Honours), Edith Cowan University
Bachelor of Maritime Engineering, (Specialisation) (Honours), University of Tasmania
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Naval Architecture), UNSW Canberra
Certificate IV in Engineering (Marine Craft Construction), Federation Academy
Jobs in the field:
Marine engineer / $62K–$107K
Marine surveyor / $51K–$120K
Navy mechanical engineer submariner / $113K
Naval architect / $66K–$152K
*Salaries sources from payscale.com, Indeed.com and adfcareers.gov.au
This article originally appeared in Careers with STEM: Engineering 2024.
Read more from this issue:
- 7 benefits of studying engineering via VET
- A woman’s place is in engineering
- 5 ways engineers use creativity
Keep up to date with all things engineering by signing up to the Careers with STEM e-newsletter!
