Army MOS · Engineering
881A Marine Engineering Officer
Overview
A Marine Engineering Officer supervises the operation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of marine power plants, propulsion systems, heating and ventilation systems, and other ship and port equipment. The officer inspects ship machinery, monitors marine repair contracts, supervises the loading of fuel, water, and ballast, and prepares maintenance records and reports.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- marine engineering systems management
- maintenance planning and scheduling
- mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems oversight
- contract oversight and vendor management
- technical inspection and quality assurance
- maintenance documentation and reporting
- safety and environmental compliance
- logistics coordination for fuel and supplies
- team leadership and workforce supervision
- root cause analysis and reliability improvement
Civilian Software & Tools
- Apple macOS
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
Civilian Career Paths
- Mechanical Engineering
- Facilities Management
- Fleet Management
- Construction Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- National 1st Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine
- National 2nd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine
- National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine
- National Assistant Engineer (Limited) Steam/Motor/GT
- National Assistant Engineer (OSV)
Career Growth
- National Chief Engineer (Limited) Steam/Motor/GT
- National Chief Engineer/Assistant Engineer UFIV
- National Designated Duty Engineer Steam/Motor/GT
- STCW: Advanced Firefighting · Funded · STAR
- STCW: Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties/ Security Awareness · Funded · STAR
What the Work Involves
- Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
- Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
- Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
- Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
- Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
Related Occupations
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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