Marine engineers are responsible for the design and construction of ships, the construction of ports and waterfront cargo facilities, and the operation of ships and support vessels. They design, construct and develop nautical equipments. They are the persons who are responsible for selecting the ships machinery, which may include diesel engines, steam turbines, gas turbines or nuclear reactors. They are also responsible for the design of mechanical, electrical, fluid and control systems throughout the vessel. They should also make sure of the safety of the ship while it is in the sea.

Public and private shipping companies are the main hirers of Marine engineers. Navy, engine production firms, ship building and designing firms, research bodies are some of the other firms where Marine engineers are highly in demand. Marine Engineers can take up employment in different foreign and Indian shipping companies and with the port and harbor departments. The latest developments in moving natural gas from ports to the pipeline, offer excellent opportunity for future graduates looking to work portside. They are in great demand in the oil and gas industry, where they have to design and build pipelines and other equipments.

The various posts offered in the field of Marine engineering are Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer, Fourth Engineer and Junior (Fifth) Engineer. In Merchant navy ships, the career path of a Marine engineer progresses periodically by undergoing several examinations conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India. After passing Class IV - Part A examination, a candidate with a four year BE course will be appointed as a Junior Engineer Officer as he is a beginner in this profession. After successfully completing Class IV - Part B examination, he becomes qualified to sail as Watch Keeping Engineer Officer. With experience, capability and job opportunities available, he can become second engineer and ultimately the Chief Engineer which is the highest post, within 6-7 years.

Chief Engineer would be in charge of supervision in which he should make sure the safe running of all engines, machinery and all other equipments on the ship. The second Engineer will take care of the daily work of engine room. As the third engineer is in charge of the main engine, the fourth engineer will be responsible for the generators and the small pumps. The junior Engineers are the trainees. The people who join with out a license is the other category called as engineering cadets.

Marine Engineers are also employed in the areas of designing, research and consultancy. They have opportunities in designing and building firms and even in the teaching or training profession. They can also opt for any job that a mechanical or electrical engineering graduate hunt for. 

Marine Engineers have lucrative career options abroad also. The American Bureau of Shipping, an internationally recognized organization, recruits freshers and trainees with almost no experience. The bureau deals with developing rules based on principles of naval architecture, marine engineering and related subjects. Other countries like France and U.K also recruit young marine engineers.