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7238 Career Guide

Navy

7238: Engineering Technician (Submarine)

Career transition guide for Navy Engineering Technician (Submarine) (7238)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7238 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Mechanical Engineering Technician

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software proficiency (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks)Specific industry certifications (e.g., ASME)Knowledge of manufacturing processes

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Familiarity with quality control standards (e.g., ISO 9001)Statistical process control (SPC) knowledgeCalibration techniques

Power Plant Operator

$72K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Power plant operation certificationUnderstanding of electrical systemsKnowledge of safety protocols

HVAC Technician

$58K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

HVAC certification (e.g., EPA Section 608)Refrigerant handling licenseExperience with commercial HVAC systems

Facilities Manager

$80K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project management skillsBudgeting and financial managementKnowledge of building codes and regulationsVendor management experience

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7238 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a submarine Engineering Technician, you maintained complex systems like propulsion, hydraulics, and electrical distribution. This required constantly updating your mental models of how these systems should operate under various conditions.

This ability to understand and model complex systems translates to the civilian world where you can analyze and improve processes, infrastructure, or even business strategies.

Degraded-Mode Operations

On a submarine, you faced malfunctions and equipment failures regularly, requiring you to quickly adapt and implement procedures to maintain functionality with limited resources.

This experience makes you adept at troubleshooting and problem-solving under pressure, a valuable skill in industries that require resilience and quick thinking during crises.

Procedural Compliance

Strict adherence to procedures and protocols was critical for safety and operational efficiency on a submarine, ensuring that tasks were completed correctly and consistently.

Your commitment to following procedures ensures that you're able to maintain safety and quality in roles requiring strict adherence to regulations and standards.

Situational Awareness

You were constantly aware of your surroundings and the status of various systems aboard the submarine, allowing you to anticipate potential problems and react accordingly.

This translates to an enhanced ability to notice subtle changes, understand the big picture, and make informed decisions based on real-time information, making you valuable in dynamic environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Energy Auditor

SOC 13-1199.02

You've been trained to understand complex systems and troubleshoot malfunctions. As an energy auditor (SOC 13-1199.02), you'll leverage your skills to analyze energy usage in buildings and facilities, identify inefficiencies, and recommend solutions for improvement, ensuring compliance and cost savings.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been rigorously trained in procedural compliance. As a compliance officer (SOC 13-1041.00), you can put your skills to work ensuring organizations adhere to regulations and standards, reducing risks and ensuring ethical practices.

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3013.00

You've been responsible for the upkeep and operation of complex systems aboard a submarine. As a facilities manager (SOC 11-3013.00), you'll apply your skills to maintain and manage buildings and facilities, ensuring they are safe, efficient, and well-functioning.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Nuclear Power Training Command, Goose Creek, SC

2,160 training hours54 weeksUp to 30 semester hours in engineering and nuclear technology

Topics Covered

  • Mathematics and Physics
  • Reactor Principles
  • Thermodynamics and Fluid Systems
  • Electrical Theory
  • Chemistry and Material Science
  • Operational Procedures and Safety
  • Radiological Controls
  • Reactor Laboratory

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Engineering Technologist (CET)60% covered

CET requires specific knowledge of the engineering field they work in, such as civil, mechanical, or electrical. The candidate needs to study specific content related to their chosen engineering technology.

ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT)50% covered

Requires study of quality standards, metrology, and inspection techniques outside typical submarine engineering duties.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Submarine Main Electrical Distribution System (MEDS)Industrial power grid management systems, SCADA systems
Submarine Auxiliary Machinery Control System (AMCS)Building automation systems (BAS) for HVAC and utility control
Submarine Ship Control System (SCS)Industrial process control systems (e.g., used in chemical plants or manufacturing)
Reactor Plant Control and Protection Systems (RCPPS)Nuclear power plant control systems
Electronic Chart Display and Information System - Navy (ECDIS-N)Commercial marine navigation systems (e.g., Transas Navi-Sailor, Raymarine chartplotters)
Integrated Condition Assessment System (ICAS)Predictive maintenance software platforms (e.g., Senseye, Uptake)

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