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Marine Engineer Job Description

What does a Marine Engineer do?

A Marine Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, builds and maintains the mechanical and electrical systems of boats and ships. Their duties include overseeing the construction of various marine vessels; designing propulsion, steering, and power generation systems; conducting inspections and repairs of equipment; and ensuring that vessels meet industry regulations and safety standards. Marine Engineers also develop and implement plans for reducing fuel consumption, increasing efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. They usually work in shipyards, marine engineering consulting firms, or naval architecture firms. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and technical expertise are essential for success in this field.

Our Marine Engineer job description includes the Marine Engineer responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Marine Engineer Example


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If you need an example job description for a Marine Engineer download the one below, alternatively we have many other Engineering job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Marine Engineer do?

Marine Engineers are responsible for the design, development, maintenance and repair of the mechanical and electrical systems used on ships and other marine vessels. They work on a variety of components, from engines, motors and pumps to navigation systems, propulsion systems and electrical wiring. They must be able to read technical drawings, understand and interpret regulations, and carry out repairs and maintenance efficiently and safely. Marine Engineers must have an understanding of shipbuilding and the ability to work with a variety of materials including steel, aluminium, wood and plastic. They must be able to work in a team environment, as well as alone, and have excellent communication and problem solving skills.

Marine Engineer Role Purpose

The purpose of a Marine Engineer is to design, develop, construct, install, test and maintain machinery and equipment used in the marine industry. This includes propulsion systems and equipment, pumps, compressors, motors, generators, steering and control systems, navigation systems, communications systems and other components related to the operation of ships, offshore platforms and other marine vessels. Marine Engineers are also responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, as well as ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Marine Engineer Role

Marine Engineers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of a ship's propulsion and other systems. They create and install systems, ensure safety and efficiency, diagnose and repair problems, and keep records and documentation.

Marine Engineer Duties

  • Maintaining, servicing and repairing marine engines, propulsion systems and auxiliary equipment
  • Carrying out scheduled maintenance and inspections on marine engines and related systems
  • Troubleshooting and problem-solving mechanical and electrical issues
  • Installing and commissioning new equipment
  • Travelling to vessels for maintenance and repair work
  • Assisting in the preparation of engineering plans and reports
  • Complying with health and safety regulations

Marine Engineer Requirements

  • Ensure efficient operation of marine vessels and associated equipment
  • Carry out maintenance and repairs on engines, steering gear, pumps, boilers and other mechanical and electrical equipment
  • Conduct performance tests, inspect vessel systems and components, and evaluate sea trial performance
  • Monitor and adjust engine and other machinery controls
  • Advise on technical aspects of vessel design, construction and repair
  • Maintain records of maintenance activities and report on operational performance

Marine Engineer Skills

  • Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
  • Strong technical and engineering abilities
  • Knowledge of engine maintenance, operation and repair
  • Ability to design and implement new systems
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings and schematics

Marine Engineer Personal Traits

  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Ability to work under pressure

How to write a Marine Engineer Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Marine Engineer Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Marine Engineer Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Marine Engineer Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Marine Engineer

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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