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7237 Career Guide

Navy

7237: Engineering Technician (Submarine)

Career transition guide for Navy Engineering Technician (Submarine) (7237)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7237 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Mechanical Engineering Technician

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)Specific industry knowledge (e.g., manufacturing, aerospace)

Electrical Engineering Technician

$68K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PLC programmingCircuit design softwareNational Electrical Code (NEC) knowledge

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ certificationGD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)Statistical process control (SPC)

Facilities Engineer

$75K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

HVAC systems knowledgeProject managementOSHA safety standards

Technical Trainer

$62K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional designAdult learning principlesPlatform-specific certifications (if applicable)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7237 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an Engineering Technician (Submarine), you maintained a deep understanding of the complex systems within the submarine, predicting how different components would interact and how changes in one area would affect others. This included understanding electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems and their interdependencies.

This ability to understand and predict system behavior translates directly to the civilian world, where you can analyze and optimize complex processes in various industries, understanding the knock-on effects of changes.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Submarine Engineering Technicians are trained to maintain functionality and troubleshoot problems under pressure and with limited resources, keeping essential systems running even when equipment fails or damage occurs.

Your experience in maintaining complex systems even when equipment fails or damage occurs means you can maintain essential functions in crisis situations.

Procedural Compliance

Strict adherence to protocols and safety regulations is paramount on submarines. You consistently followed detailed procedures to ensure the safety and operational readiness of the vessel.

Your dedication to safety and following procedures makes you an ideal candidate for industries where safety and regulatory compliance are essential.

Situational Awareness

As a submarine Engineering Technician, you constantly monitored the environment and the status of various systems to anticipate potential problems and react quickly to changing conditions.

Your ability to maintain awareness of complex systems means you're well-equipped to handle complex tasks by monitoring environments and system status.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Power Plant Operator

SOC 51-8013.00

You've been working with complex systems and maintaining operational readiness under pressure. Power plant operation requires similar skills in monitoring equipment, responding to anomalies, and adhering to strict safety protocols.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041.00

You've developed a deep understanding of mechanical and electrical systems on submarines. This translates well to maintaining and repairing industrial machinery, where you'll troubleshoot problems and keep equipment running smoothly.

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3012.00

You've maintained complex systems on submarines, including environmental control, power distribution, and plumbing. You're well-prepared to coordinate the maintenance and repair of buildings and their infrastructure, ensuring everything runs efficiently and safely.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Nuclear Power Training Command, Goose Creek, SC

2,600 training hours65 weeksUp to 60 semester hours recommended in lower-division engineering and technology courses.

Topics Covered

  • Mathematics and Physics
  • Reactor Principles
  • Thermodynamics and Fluid Systems
  • Electrical Theory
  • Chemistry and Material Science
  • Reactor Plant Operations
  • Quality Assurance and Safety

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Engineering Technician (CET)70% covered

Study specific engineering principles not covered in submarine-specific training, such as civil or mechanical engineering concepts. Review current industry standards and codes.

ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT)60% covered

Focus on quality control methodologies like root cause analysis, statistical process control, and metrology. Study the ASQ body of knowledge for CQT.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Green BeltCertified Energy Manager (CEM)AWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateCertified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Submarine Atmosphere Control System (ACS)Industrial HVAC and air purification systems
Reactor Plant Chemistry Control System (CCS)Industrial water treatment and chemical analysis equipment
Submarine Auxiliary Seawater System (SASS)Large-scale industrial cooling and fluid management systems
Digital Control System (DCS) - Submarine specificProgrammable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and SCADA systems
NAVSEA Technical Manuals and DrawingsVendor technical documentation, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software
Submarine Hydraulic SystemsIndustrial hydraulic power units and control systems
Emergency Diesel Generator (EDG) systemsCommercial and industrial backup power generators

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