## Engineering Duty Officer Career Path
### Overview
Engineering Duty Officers (EDOs) are licensed Professional Engineers who serve as technical leaders and managers in the United States Navy. They are responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the Navy’s ships, aircraft, weapons systems, and other engineering systems. EDOs are also responsible for the safety and environmental compliance of these systems.
EDO is a highly specialized occupational field that offers many career opportunities. EDOs can serve in a variety of roles, including:
* Design engineers
* Construction engineers
* Maintenance engineers
* Project managers
* Technical directors
* Commanding officers
EDO can serve in a variety of settings, including:
* Shipyards
* Naval bases
* Research and development laboratories
* Program offices
### Education and Training
To become an EDO, you must have a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an accredited university. You must also be a licensed Professional Engineer in the state where you practice.
In addition to your formal education, you will also need to complete a number of training programs. These programs will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to perform your job effectively.
### Career Path
The career path for EDOs is typically divided into three phases:
**Phase 1: Junior Officer**
During Phase 1, you will serve as a junior officer in a variety of assignments. These assignments will give you the opportunity to gain experience in different engineering disciplines and to develop your leadership skills.
**Phase 2: Senior Officer**
During Phase 2, you will serve as a senior officer in a variety of leadership roles. These roles will give you the opportunity to manage large engineering projects and to lead teams of engineers.
**Phase 3: Executive Officer**
During Phase 3, you will serve as an executive officer or commanding officer of a major engineering organization. In this role, you will be responsible for the overall management of the organization and for ensuring that it meets its mission.
### Pay and Benefits
EDOs are paid according to the military pay scale. The starting salary for an EDO with a Bachelor of Science degree is approximately $55,000 per year. With experience, EDOs can earn significantly more.
In addition to their salary, EDOs also receive a number of benefits, including:
* Health insurance
* Dental insurance
* Vision insurance
* Retirement benefits
* Paid time off
### Career Outlook
The career outlook for EDOs is excellent. The Navy is constantly looking for qualified engineers to fill its critical engineering positions. EDOs who are willing to work hard and who are committed to their career can expect to have a long and successful career in the Navy.
### How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming an EDO, you can apply online at the Navy’s website. You will need to complete an application form and provide transcripts of your academic record. You will also need to take the Navy’s Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) test.
Once you have completed the application process, you will be interviewed by a Navy officer. If you are selected for an interview, you will be given a medical exam and a background check.
If you are selected for the EDO program, you will be commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. You will then attend Officer Training School (OTS) and complete the EDO Qualification Course.
After completing OTS and the EDO Qualification Course, you will be assigned to your first duty station. You will then begin your career as an EDO in the United States Navy.
### Conclusion
The Engineering Duty Officer career path is a challenging and rewarding one. EDOs play a vital role in the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the Navy’s ships, aircraft, weapons systems, and other engineering systems. EDOs who are willing to work hard and who are committed to their career can expect to have a long and successful career in the Navy.
### Additional Resources
* [Navy EDO website](https://www.navy.mil/careers/officer/engineering-duty)
* [EDO Qualification Course website](https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/Naval-Surface-Warfare-Center-Carderock-Division/Engineering-Duty-Officer-Qualification-Course)
* [Officer Training School website](https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/tsc/great-lakes/officer/ots)
