The Starfleet Corps of Engineers is Starfleet's primary organization for the construction and maintenance of starships, installations, and equipment. Operating in a variety of locations and starships, the SCE operates fairly independently of most tactical situations.
Occasionally refered to as "SeaBee's" or similar terms, the SCE is often one of the first groups into a location, for the purpose of setting up infrastructure for whatever may be needed. Additionally, they will respond to engineering-related crises throughout the Federation, or assist in the recovery and repair of a disabled starship.
All Starfleet-owned spacedocks and shipyards are operated under the overall authority of the SCE, although Starfleet Command may overrride if necessary. The SCE is responsible for ensuring the quality of construction, as well as the safety of the construction crews and finished product. Should any design flaws become apparent, the SCE has the authority to halt construction, or even recall starships for retrofitting if necessary.
Additionally, the SCE is responsible for the design of new starships, and assigning new registries as starships are commissioned. In most cases, a Starship design must undergo a period of testing prior to being released for active duty. These ships are generally given an NX prefix. Active starships are given an NCC prefix. Civilian and non-Starfleet ships are generally outside the perview of the SCE, and have no consistent naming convention.