Navy Officer Subspecialty · Engineering
5801 Ships Systems
An officer subspecialty earned alongside a primary designator, marking advanced education or experience in this field.
Overview
Ships Systems officers oversee the design, operation, maintenance, and modernization of systems aboard ships. They work across propulsion, electrical power, auxiliary machinery, damage control, and other vessel engineering functions.
Core Skills
- shipboard systems integration
- marine engineering analysis
- propulsion systems management
- electrical power systems
- maintenance planning
- casualty response
- technical inspections
- configuration management
- engineering team leadership
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
- Electrical Engineering
- Facilities Management
- Project Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- NCCER Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
- Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Career Growth
- Professional Engineer (PE) License
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
Also Common
- Six Sigma Green Belt
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
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Aerospace Engineers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Similar Specialties
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.
Report an error on this page