How do I get into military ship design jobs?

I'm intrigued by the idea of working on military ship designs after high school. What education or skills should I focus on to land a job in this field? Is it common to need a specific degree, or are there alternative paths?

Working in military ship design, which generally falls under the specialty of Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering, is a unique and compelling career path. Here's a recommended approach to break into the field:

1. Academic Degree: You would typically need a Bachelor's degree in a related field like Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or Mechanical Engineering for an entry-level job in military ship design.

2. Coursework: Focus on subjects like fluid dynamics, materials science, propulsion systems, and structural analysis. Computer Science and Mathematics courses can also equip you with the necessary skills for simulation and model-based testing which are integral to ship design.

3. Internships: Try to land internships or cooperative learning experiences related to shipbuilding, engineering design, or naval facilities. This gives you real-world exposure to marine technology which can be highly beneficial.

4. Industry Certifications: Certifications offered by societies like the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) could help broaden your knowledge base and increase your marketability.

5. Graduate Degree (optional): Some people choose to further their education and get a Master's degree in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering, as this can provide a deeper specialization into certain areas of ship design.

6. Security Clearance: Many jobs in the defense sector require some level of security clearance. Keep in mind that this requires you to have a clean background with no legal issues.

7. Communication Skills: In addition to technical expertise, good written and spoken communication skills are important. As a naval architect, you will need to communicate your ideas and designs effectively to various stakeholders.

Remember, multiple pathways may lead to the same career, so you could also explore related fields like Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering as long as you keep focusing on subjects that are specific to ship design. Ultimately, a strong foundation in engineering principles, coupled with practical experience and the ability to think innovatively, will pave the way for a career in military ship design.