What do military tank engineering jobs involve?

I'm really interested in engineering and I've heard there are engineering jobs related to military tanks. What do these roles typically involve, and what kind of education or skills would be necessary to pursue a career in this field?

Engineering jobs related to military tanks generally span disciplines. Tanks are complex machines that incorporate a variety of systems, so they require a range of engineers to design, maintain, and improve them.

Mechanical engineers handle the design of the tank's physical structure, its propulsion system, and its weapon system. This involves in-depth understanding of materials, hydraulics, and mechanical systems.

Electrical engineers work on the tank's communication systems, the control systems for its weapon systems, sensors, and the electrical elements of the propulsion system.

Software engineers are responsible for designing and maintaining the software that controls these systems, which may include things like GPS navigation, threat detection, and automated targeting and firing systems.

In terms of the skills and qualifications needed, an engineering degree in a relevant field (like Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Science) is typically required, and further specialization in military or defense technology could be highly valuable. Some colleges offer specialized courses or degrees related to defense technology. A strong understanding of physics, mathematics, and computing is standard in these roles.

Further, each of these roles require engineers to be great problem-solvers, to think creatively, and to work effectively in teams. You'll also need to undergo a government security clearance because you'll be working with sensitive equipment and information.

Additionally, while it is certainly beneficial to have a military background, it is not a strict requirement for these civilian roles. Both civilians and veterans are eligible for these positions, provided that they have the necessary educational credentials and skills.

Hopefully, that gives you a clearer picture of what military tank engineering involves!