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A Chief Engineer oversees the repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment in a range of settings. You might design and create new equipment to suit a particular purpose or make changes to existing engineering systems. Chief Engineers might supervise a team of workers and may specialise in a particular type of engineering such as mechanical, electrical or industrial.
Chief Engineers should have strong analytical and problem solving abilities. It’s important that you have excellent technical skills and keen attention to detail. A Chief Engineer should have strong leadership abilities and must be able to communicate well with people from a range of backgrounds. You may have to adapt your skills to suit a range of circumstances.
There are 7 courses available for people who want to become a Chief Engineer. These are the top 5 most popular courses.
Possible job outcomes:
The Master of Engineering Civil Structural will equip you with the necessary skills to address the demands of the structural engineering industry. Students with a background in civil, construction, transport, and systems engineering will especially benefit from this program as it prepares them for further career development in the structural engineering industry. Upon completion of this program, you will gain skills and knowledge in the latest and developing technologies in civil and structural engineering..
Average duration: 24 months.
The Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems), developed by electrical and renewable energy experts, will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the demands of the modern power industry. You will learn how to design the components of a power system including generation, transmission, distribution and the associated systems. The program will also cover the automation, protection and control components that contribute to the high level of reliability expected from modern power systems..
Graduates of the Doctor of Engineering (DEng) will be able to make original and significant contributions to the development, application, and evaluation of professional knowledge by engaging with practical problems of demonstrated importance to their employment context and the wider body of engineering and technical knowledge..
Average duration: 36 months.
This Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation) qualification is inspired and driven by industry, with a strong theoretical underpinning. Concept relevance and knowledge that is critical in this fast-moving work environment has propelled the program design process. Upon completion of this program, you will gain skills and expertise in the latest developing technologies in instrumentation, process control, and industrial automation..
In Australia, a full time Chief Engineer generally earns $1,350 per week ($70,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Employment numbers have remained stable in this industry in recent years. There are currently 1,900 people working in this profession in Australia and many of them specialise as a Chief Engineer. Chief Engineers may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If a career as a Chief Engineer interests you, consider enrolling in a Master of Engineering (Mechanical). This course would be ideal for students with a background in mechanical, instrumentation and control, electrical or industrial plant and systems engineering. A Doctor of Engineering, Master of Engineering (Civil: Structural), Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems) or Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation) may also be appropriate.
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Here are some potential career pathways within maritime. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Maritime
Assistant Shipwright
$960 weekly pay
Coxswain
$865 weekly pay
Deckhand
General Purpose Hand
Second Engineer
Boat Builder
$1,200 weekly pay
Chief Cook
$1,050 weekly pay
Chief Engineer
$1,350 weekly pay
Engineer Watchkeeper
Marine Engineer
$1,600 weekly pay
Marine Mechanic
$1,250 weekly pay
Marine Surveyor
$1,440 weekly pay
Sea Captain
Ship Mate
Shipwright
Watchkeeper Deck Officer
Master Mariner
Naval Architect
$1,730 weekly pay
Ship Master
Learn more about Chief Engineer courses in your area.