Future Builders

You can build submarines

What does it actually take to build a submarine?

Submarines are some of the most advanced machines in the world. Built to survive one of the most extreme places on Earth, they take thousands of people working together to bring them to life. From designing and engineering to welding, machining, and building, every step matters. They look impressive, but what it takes to build them is even more amazing.

K+

hours of work to build a single sub

100

K+

skilled workers bringing them to life

M+

parts working together

Careers for every interest

No single person builds a submarine. It takes thousands of people with different skills, backgrounds, and points of view. No matter what you’re into there’s a career that matches your interests.

For the Makers

Turn your passion for building and figuring out how things work into real-world skills. You’ll use tools, metal, and technology to create advanced submarine parts. Careers to explore include welding, CNC machining, and additive manufacturing.

For the Artists

Use your drawing abilities and creative thinking skills to design complex parts. You'll help turn your ideas into real blueprints. Careers to explore include designing, engineering, and planning.

For the Problem Solvers

Spot issues, tackle challenges, and help figure things out. You’ll make sure every part is safe before hitting the water. Careers to explore include metrology and non-destructive testing.

For the Gamers

Put your strategy, digital skills, and fast reflexes to work. Submarine building uses advanced machines, automation and robotics every day. Careers to explore include CNC machining and additive manufacturing.

For the Hands-on Learners

Skip the desk and jump into active, physical work using specialized tools. You’ll shape the materials that bring submarines to life. Careers to explore include welding, blasting, and spraying.

For the Planners

Map out how everything fits together before anyone starts building. You’ll turn ideas into plans the entire team works from. Careers to explore include designing, engineering, and planning.

For the Tech Masters

Master the machinery, hardware, and code driving submarine building. Your digital expertise will help keep everything moving. Careers to explore include CNC machining and additive manufacturing.

Think you know submarines? Think again.

Before you build one, you should probably know what you're working with.

They're bigger than you think.

At 377 feet, a Virginia-class submarine is longer than two Statues of Liberty stacked toe to torch. A Columbia-class stretches even further at 560 feet, the length of one and a half football fields or six basketball courts!

They basically disappear.

A submarine can dive more than 800 feet underwater — deep enough to stack two Empire State Buildings on top of each other and still not break the surface.

They don't have to come up for air — ever.

Nuclear submarines can stay underwater forever. The only thing that brings them back up is the crew running low on food.

They're quieter than your school hallway.

Modern subs are engineered to be nearly silent underwater. Some are so quiet they're harder to detect than a school of fish.

They move fast — really fast.

A submarine can travel over 25 miles per hour underwater — fast enough to outrun a great white shark. That's incredible speed for a machine that weighs nearly 8,000 tons.

They weigh as much as a small town.

A fully loaded Virginia-class sub weighs around 7,900 tons which is about the same as 1,300 adult elephants.

They make their own oxygen.

Submarines don't carry air tanks, they make fresh oxygen onboard from seawater using a process called electrolysis. The crew literally breathes water.

They take a long time to build — and thousands of people to do it.

A single submarine takes around 2 years to build and takes thousands of builders; that’s about the size of a whole school district working on one machine.

How you can get started

You don’t need to have it all figured out yet. Most people start by exploring what they enjoy, like building things, working with technology, solving problems, or learning how things are made. There are a lot of ways to start building real-world skills, even before you choose a path. There are hundreds of training programs across the country that can help you build the skills needed to work on submarines — some in just a few months.

Explore Training Programs

In School

You can start exploring through classes like STEM, robotics, engineering, design, computer science, shop, welding, or other career and technical education programs.

After School

Outside the classroom, you can learn through robotics clubs, maker spaces, STEM camps, Scouts programs, workshops, or hands-on projects.

After High School

There are many ways to keep going, including trade schools, apprenticeships, community college programs, and technical training.

For Parents and Educators

Helping a Student Find Their Path?

Submarine building brings together skilled trades, advanced technology, engineering, and design — and it needs the next generation to keep it going. Students don’t always realize how their interests can connect to real careers. Early exploration can help them make those connections, opening the door to careers they may not have considered.

BuildSubmarines.com has resources to help you guide that conversation whether you're a parent, teacher, counselor, or mentor.

Explore Education Resources