Also called: Propulsion Systems Engineer
Designs the engines, propellers, and electric drives that push ships through the water.
A propulsion engineer sizes engines for a new ferry, runs simulations of propeller efficiency, and tests hybrid battery systems for tugboats.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in marine or mechanical engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture.
Growing much faster than average (about 8% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 17-2121: Much faster than average (7% or higher).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Simulations get faster with AI; picking engines, props and hybrid drives for real ships stays engineering judgment.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Auto mechanics CTE class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2121.
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