Also called: Ship designer, Marine engineer
Designs warships, submarines, and other vessels, balancing stability, speed, and strength.
Naval architects use 3D modeling to design hulls, test models in giant water tanks, and solve problems during construction at shipyards like Newport News or Bath Iron Works. Navy shipbuilding is a major employer.
BLS marine engineers and naval architects, May 2024.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in naval architecture or marine engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). BLS projects little change, though Navy shipbuilding demand is strong.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Design software and AI optimize hull shapes; engineering judgment on ship design stays human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Drafting / CAD.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2121.
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