Engineering

At its core, Starfleet’s Engineering division ensures the reliability and advancement of the systems that Starfleet depends on. While a large part of Engineering’s focus relies on making sure the function of essential systems such as the station’s life support systems and fusion reactors are all good, engineers also often drive the advancement of technologies used within Starfleet’s complex systems.

While Operations often handles regular, smaller-scale maintenance such as fixing replicators and communications consoles, Engineering tackles designing, building, and the maintenance and repair of the larger and more complex, large-scale, and industrial systems, such as fusion reactors, warp drives, shuttlecraft, and the power systems that keep the station running. They are often refining technologies, designing new systems, and coming up with unconventional fixes when the rules of physics get in the way.

All engineers are trained in the fundamentals of Starfleet engineering, but many choose to have specializations within the field. Below are some example positions a Starfleet engineer might have - however, there are plenty of other positions. We encourage creativity - after all, the Engineering division is also a haven for creativity, as engineers often find themselves innovating on the fly - so be sure to chat with admins if you have any other ideas!

Note: All engineers can do a little bit of all of this stuff, really, but it’s best to consult someone with a more specific specialty if you need help (and it makes for fun RP opportunities too)!

Example Positions

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers work with, well, the electrical components of… everything, really. They oversee the starbase’s power systems and its conduits, making sure all of the circuitry within them is up to grade. When power fluctuations, overloads, and other electrical errors happen, they’re the ones to reroute the electrical flow and make sure the lights (and life support!) stay on.

Mechanical Engineer

One of the most general but important engineering roles, mechanical engineers specialize in the moving, physical parts. The mechanical assembly that connects the electrical power to the software to everything else is what this specialty is all about, whether that’s constructing a new turbolift or making sure the plasma cooling tubes are good and sturdy. They make sure that all the hardware on the station is as sturdy and safe as can be.

Health and Safety Engineer

Health and Safety Engineers make sure every system is meeting Starfleet’s safety protocols. From radiation shielding to environmental systems, they help prevent disasters before they happen. They’re often involved in designing safety procedures themselves, running tests on critical systems, and responding to technical emergencies that may be caused by a safety issue.

Holodeck Engineer

Holodeck Engineers specialize in maintaining the complex holographic systems that power the holodeck and its creations. They work to make sure the holodeck’s emitters and safety buffers are working together and functioning as they should, so the holodeck remains enjoyable to all.

Fusion Reactor Specialist

Starbases don’t utilize warp cores - as they don’t need to use warp power to thrust themselves forwards in high-energy bursts. They need constant, efficient power, and that comes in the form of its fusion reactors. Fusion reactor specialists oversee these reactors that provide power to the entire station, monitoring their energy output, coolant systems, and even making sure they’re looking nice and pretty as per recent 777 regulations.

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers are specialists in spacecraft design and flight systems, and the propulsion theories and physics that surround how they work. They handle the structural and aerodynamic details of shuttlecraft and other vessels, making sure all vessels that go in and out of the station are up to standards. They also assist in designing, building, and testing prototype shuttles and ships.

Shuttlecraft Mechanic

Shuttlecraft mechanics make sure the tons of shuttles that fly in and out of our starbase every day are in tip-top shape. They make sure that the shuttlecrafts are up to standards and have all the necessary parts needed to fly safely, while also improving their quality if desired - often, shuttlecraft mechanics also have more flying experience than other engineers because of how they need to know their quirks. The base has tons of shuttles, both Starfleet and civilian, there's never a shortage of work.

Infrastructure Engineer

They handle large, physical projects - installing and repairing pipes, power conduits, lighting, pressure doors, and structural supports throughout the station. If a wall needs to be cut into to reroute a system, or a corridor needs reinforcement after damage, infrastructure engineers are usually the ones doing it. It's a heavily physical job, often involving harnesses and lifts, especially when needed high above a deck installing new lights or something fun! With a starbase this large and constantly changing, there's never a shortage of work.

Roleplaying an Engineering Character

When it comes to roleplaying Engineering, Trek has countless terms that you can use. Memory Alpha is your friend, whether you need technology, energy, energy technology specifically, tools, or materials - as are published Star Trek technical manuals and guides that can be found online. As with other fields such as Science, you can refer to modern-day science for references of how a solution might be solved – and if in doubt, technobabble it out.

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