Engineering Reference

Star Trek Engineering Reference

This document provides a summary and reference for the design and function of engineering across Star Trek ships from the 22nd century NX-class through the 24th century Galaxy-class.

Engineering (also called main engineering or the engine room, known as the reactor pit in Klingonese) is the location from which a starship’s main power systems are controlled. It is the primary assignment of engineers and chief engineers. The matter/antimatter reaction chamber, commonly called the warp core, is generally located in engineering.

Engineering also functions as a command-and-control center, able to override primary centers such as the bridge or auxiliary control.

22nd Century Design

NX-Class Engineering
NX-class starships of the 22nd century were the first Human vessels to carry warp reactors capable of speeds up to warp 5. Engineering was situated on E Deck aboard these ships, such as the Enterprise NX-01. The engineering set was designed as a busy, functional space with numerous moving components, inspired by the cramped, red-lit nerve centers of nuclear submarines.

23rd Century Design

Constitution-Class Engineering (Late 2260s)

Engineering aboard Constitution-class starships was a two-deck-tall room housing the main dilithium reactor and engineering core, with a large transparent grill overlooking the power conduits. The area was upgraded in the late 2260s to include additional computers, offices, and rooms surrounding the main engineering space.

The room was depicted as a “vast complex” filled with the hum of nuclear energy. It was serviced by turbolifts (though not always shown on screen).

Constitution II-Class Engineering (2270s and 2290s)

Engineering spanned multiple decks with an upper level serving as the structural strong back of the ship anchoring the dorsal and warp nacelle pylons. The engineering computer monitoring room encircled the intermix shaft and connected to the computer bay.

The lower engineering deck housed the engineering department surrounding a vertical linear intermix chamber, which powered the impulse drive and other shipboard systems. Matter and antimatter were stored in magnetic bottles housed in ejection pods for emergencies.

Alternate Reality Engineering
Engineering aboard the alternate reality USS Enterprise was larger and less streamlined, requiring additional equipment to run the ship.

24th Century Design

Galaxy-Class Engineering
Aboard Galaxy-class starships, engineering was an open-plan facility accessible directly from the corridor. It consisted of two primary levels housing the warp core and main engineering support systems. The master systems display (MSD) was the operational focus of the space.

Key locations within engineering included the chief engineer's office, assistant chief engineer's console, and numerous support consoles shielding the warp core. Access to upper levels was available via ladder or elevator.

Defiant-Class Engineering
The Defiant-class engineering systems spanned two levels on Decks 1 and 2, with the warp core situated opposite the control consoles on an elevated platform.

Intrepid-Class Engineering
Intrepid-class main engineering featured two levels: a lower level with the chief engineer’s office and monitoring area, and an upper level with a large catwalk encircling the room.