Navy Engineman (EN): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as an Engineman (EN) during the Fiscal Year 2025.

Navy ships rely on their engines to keep everything running. Losing power in the middle of the ocean isn’t an option.

As an Engineman (EN), you know every part of the engine—how it works, how to inspect it, how to fix it. You don’t just react to problems—you prevent them.

If something breaks, you get it running again—fast. That’s what you do as an EN.

Job Description

navy-en-insignia
EN Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Enginemen (EN) are Navy enlisted Sailors who manage the functions of diesel engines aboard ships, which includes controlling propulsion and generating electrical power. They also maintain fuel, water, and air piping systems, perform preventive maintenance on various engine components, and repair or overhaul diesel engines and associated equipment.

In short, Enginemen run diesel engines, keep the lights on, and power everything on board. No engines, no ship.

It’s hands-on, physical work. Tight spaces, loud engines, lots of moving parts. You work as a team, sometimes with little supervision.

About 5,500 Sailors serve as ENs, on ships and shore stations. Over a 20-year Navy career, ENs typically spend:

  • 70% of their time at sea assigned to fleet units.
  • 30% on shore duty at repair facilities or training commands.

Shore Assignments May Include:

  • Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activities (SIMAs) – Performing advanced repairs and maintenance.
  • Instructors at Apprenticeship Training Schools or “C” Schools – Teaching new Enginemen.
  • Recruit Company Commanders – Leading and training new recruits.
  • Navy Recruiting Duty – Helping bring in the next generation of Sailors.

Most of an EN’s career is spent at sea, keeping ships running, but shore duty provides opportunities for mentorship, leadership, and advanced training.

Fun fact: Did you know they’re nicknamed ‘Snipes‘? Here’s Why…


Specific Responsibilities

  • Adjust oil, water, and air piping systems to keep engines running.
  • Operate diesel generators that power the ship.
  • Clean, repair, and test main engines, pumps, and auxiliary boilers.
  • Maintain desalination plants, refrigeration, and air conditioning.
  • Fix valves, turbines, hydraulics, pneumatics—whatever breaks.
  • Operate and maintain small boats.
  • Keep logs, inspect systems, and troubleshoot issues.

When something stops working, you don’t wait—you fix it.

Different Roles

Diesel Engine Systems Maintainer (Entry-Level, Learning the Job)

  • Operate and maintain propulsion engines, steering systems, air compressors, and reduction gears.
  • Work with auxiliary machinery like generators, pumps, and purifiers.
  • Align fuel, oil, water, and air piping systems.
  • Operate and maintain diesel generators and propulsion systems.
  • Perform cleaning, testing, and preventive maintenance on internal combustion engines.
  • Repair or replace valves, pumps, heat exchangers, compressors, and control systems.
  • Keep records of machinery operations.
  • Work under a mentor while learning the trade.

Diesel Engine Systems Technician (More Responsibility, Some Leadership)

  • Does everything a Maintainer does, plus:
  • Repair and maintain internal combustion engines and shipboard machinery.
  • Oversee operation and maintenance of propulsion diesel engines and reduction gears.
  • Supervise alignment of fuel, oil, water, and air piping systems.
  • Maintain auxiliary systems like diesel generators and oil purifiers.
  • Perform advanced maintenance on steering units, elevators, winches, and pumps.
  • Work independently and mentor Maintainers.

Diesel Engine Systems Manager (Leadership & Oversight)

  • Oversee engine operations and manage personnel.
  • Ensure maintenance of diesel engines, reduction gears, and auxiliary machinery.
  • Provide technical guidance and training for maintenance personnel.
  • Analyze operating reports and troubleshoot system issues.
  • Supervise preventive maintenance and system alignment.
  • Train and mentor Technicians and Maintainers.

Running Diesel Power at Sea

Maintainers learn the job and do the hands-on work. Technicians take charge of repairs and system operations. Managers lead, train, and oversee everything. These Sailors keep the ship’s engines running, no matter what.

Navy-EN-Rating-Engineman-Image-704X396

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Fireman RecruitFRFireman Recruit
E-2Fireman ApprenticeFAFireman Apprentice
E-3FiremanFNFireman
E-4Engineman Third ClassEN3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Engineman Second ClassEN2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Engineman First ClassEN1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief EnginemanENCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief EnginemanENCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief EnginemanENCMMaster Chief Petty Officer

Salary and Benefits

Salary for the First 6 Years

Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January  2025 Active Duty Pay chart:

Pay GradeLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 6 Years
E-1$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10
E-2$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80
E-3$2,484.60$2,640.60$2,800.80$2,800.80$2,800.80
E-4$2,752.20$2,892.90$3,049.80$3,204.30$3,341.40
E-5$3,001.50$3,203.70$3,358.80$3,517.20$3,763.80
E-6$3,276.60$3,606.00$3,765.00$3,919.80$4,080.60

Extra Pays and Allowances

Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.

Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.

Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.

Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.

Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.

Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

Benefits

  • Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
  • Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
  • Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
  • Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
    • Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
  • Education:
    • Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
    • Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
    • Navy College Program to support education while on service.
  • Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
  • Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
  • Extra Benefits:
    • Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
    • Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.

Training and Career Opportunities

After Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Enginemen go through specialized training to operate, repair, and maintain diesel engines and shipboard machinery.


Initial Training

Basic Engineering Common Core & “A” School – Great Lakes, IL (14 weeks)

  • Mechanical theory, technical documentation, and safety procedures.
  • Piping systems, tools, instruments, and Maintenance Material Management System (3M).
  • Basic watch standing procedures and alignment of propulsion systems.
  • Lubrication systems, bearings, couplings, gears, valves, and pumps.
  • Introduction to marine steam propulsion systems and preventive maintenance.
  • Hands-on training in classrooms and shop environments.

After training, ENs are assigned to Navy shops aboard ships, at repair bases, or shore facilities in the U.S. or overseas.


Advanced Training & Career Growth

  • Additional technical training is available later in the career.
  • Promotion is competitive and based on performance.
  • Officer roles are available for those with leadership potential and a college degree.

Post-Service Opportunities

EN training translates directly to civilian jobs in:

  • Heavy equipment mechanics.
  • Machinists.
  • Mechanical and industrial equipment repair.

ENs serve at sea and on shore, working wherever engines and mechanical systems need to be maintained.

Qualifications to Join

Basic Requirements

To qualify as an Engineman (EN) in the Navy, you must meet the following requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • U.S. citizen and eligible for security clearance.
  • Good speaking skills and ability to keep accurate records.
  • Basic knowledge of hand and power tools.
  • Works well with others and functions effectively as part of a team.
  • Physically fit with high stamina and normal use of hands.
  • Curious, resourceful, and eager to learn new skills.
  • Personal interest in mechanical devices and systems.

ASVAB Requirements (Waivers considered case-by-case)

  • VE + AR + MK + AS = 195 OR
  • VE + AR + MK + AO = 200

Hearing Standards (Must meet all conditions to qualify)

  • Normal hearing required.
  • Frequencies tested: 3000Hz, 4000Hz, 5000Hz, 6000Hz.
  • Average hearing threshold level must be under 30dB.
  • No single frequency can exceed 45dB.
  • If hearing exceeds these limits, the applicant is ineligible for the EN rating.

The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public.

So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.

More Information

If you wish to learn more about becoming an Engineman (EN), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted jobs:

Ted Kingston
I’m a Navy veteran who used to serve as a Navy recruiter. This website is the most reliable source of information for all Enlisted Navy Sailor aspirants. In coordination with a network of current and former Navy recruiters, my goal is to make reliable information easily available to you so you can make informed career decisions.

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