How to become a super-yacht engineer

I think Ken states the choices well. I don't know your experience around superyachts and if you yet have a good understanding for what an Engineer's job on one encompasses, much less the path to get there. Unlike aerospace where a good solid degree can jump you well into a career, all Yacht careers require building considerable experience at all levels.

Unless or until I was certain yacht engineering was for me, I'd keep all possible doors open. A good four year college degree, especially in a major like yours provides options. You could start some maritime training at least in the summers or even try to get a job crewing as a deck hand on a yacht just to get a feel.

A lot of the entry jobs in marine engineering are on commercial boats, a very different world from yachts but very good place to learn as well.

The engineering world in the marine industry is a very different profession than Aerospace Engineering is. It's far more hands on, working with equipment itself whereas Aerospace is more into theory and design. In some ways Naval Architecture is more similar to your current educational path.

Ken's first statement was "If you're mechanically inclined." Are you? Do you like working with your hands and getting hot, sweaty and dirty in less than comfortable environments? While things change some as you grow to Chief Engineer on a super yacht, the path there is not a white collar type job.

I copy this from your school's pages:

A majority of students entering the field of aerospace engineering desire to work on the design and analysis of aerospace vehicles. Most graduates are employed in the aerospace industry or in government positions related to aerospace. Specific careers in aerospace engineering include:

• aeronautical and space systems integration
• configuration development
• material and structural design
• propulsion engineering
• space mission design and analysis
• vehicle and component analysis using computer-aided tools
• vehicle design and performance
• wind tunnel and flight testing

Now for comparison I offer some "yacht engineering information." The job description of a junior engineer:

* Safety in the engine room
* Cleanliness and maintenance in the engine room
* Increasing knowledge of all systems on board
* Continued education and licensing
* Ready to help in any area of the yacht when needed

And then a Chief Engineer:

* Ultimate safety for engine room operations
* Maintain the yacht's entire engineering operations
* Ability to manage and supervise engine repairs and rehauls
* Manage and train other engineers and deck crew
* Engineering inventory
* Planned maintenance schedule for all major systems

Another note regarding yacht engineers:

Practical hands on experience repairing any variety of mechanical items such as jetskis, waverunners, air conditioners, refrigerators, diesel engines, generators, electrical wiring, plumbing, navigational equipment, etc. The Engineer is responsible for keeping the yacht in good mechanical order so that the vessel is safe to go to sea with guests and crew on board, and able to provide a first class hotel environment for the owners and their guests.

Good luck with whatever you decide, but I think you're looking at very different type careers, especially on the way up.

Course work too. Course, exams and assessments.

There are two types of programs there. First the traditional college that offers marine engineering programs. Most of those programs are tied closer to ship building and naval architecture than to preparing to be a boat engineer. MIT is an example as is New Orleans.

Then there are the military schools, such as the US Merchant Marine Academy, the Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Maine and Massachusetts Maritime Academies. These all come with military commitment too.

Either of these helps in your career. They may not shortcut you that much at the entry level but they will provide you a knowledge base that is extremely beneficial as you advance. They also carry respect if you change careers and I do feel important to remind you that most people change careers during their life.

Really you're looking for two components. A solid underlying engineering background and knowledge and direct training in all the equipment and tasks you'll deal with plus the other required areas for Yacht or Ship Engineering Licensing. I'd think of it somewhat like getting a college degree and getting a Masters too.

Now I speak as a boat owner and licensed captain and one in a hiring position but not as an engineer. Hopefully some engineers will comment. I employ two engineers. One went to MIT with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science and followed that up as an Indy Car Engineer before moving to his real love, yachting. The other went to work in a shipyard part time while still in high school. Then got a job on his first boat and worked his way up while taking various courses along the way. Very different paths but both successful.

CaptHolli would be a good one to wade in here as I think I read somewhere in one of his posts that he went through one of the US Maritime colleges.

Abenham I'd encourage you to look at the 6 state academies (plus USMMA) as a option for your future:
California, Great Lakes, Maine, Massachusetts, SUNY (New York), Texas and USMMA-aka "Kings Point" (United State Merchant Marine Academy ((also in NY)).

Olderboater- Not all State Maritime Academies come with mandatory military commitments. While it is an option upon graduation, it is not required. Serving aboard MSC (Military Sealift Command) vessels with your license is also an option at Kings Point for example- instead of becoming an officer in the armed forces. I don't believe the state maritime academies require military commitments when you graduate. At Kings Point you can enroll as a foreign citizen which certainly does not require a military commitment. My son is enrolled at MMA and is not currently a US citizen.

I thought you were automatically in the reserves upon graduation. Guess I was incorrect.

Good question which I don't know the answer to, but I will soon and report back. Thanks for pointing this out.

Hailing from Arizona and Colorado myself, I would recommend California Maritime Academy. The March issue Of Maritime Reporter has a big article in training simulation and it includes a nice write-up about the CMA program.
Disclosure: Proud Mom of a CMA alumnus.

Judy

Proud moms allowed.

Simulation is growing by leaps and bounds. With assessments now, gonna see lots more. I know MPT really expanding theirs. I like simulation because you can deal with things you might go years and never encounter or might never at anytime. But might just one day draw back on what you did in the simulation.

Your American Qualifications will be transferable for use on other flag vessels as long as they are for all oceans not an inland or near coastal type thing.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot I am a engineer who has extensive experience on the big yachts.