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Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vatn Systems

Acoustic Systems Engineer

Bristol, RI · On-site

* About Vatn Systems Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security ...

Vatn Systems

Acoustic Systems Engineer

Bristol, RI · On-site

About Vatn Systems Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security ...

W3Global Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$140K - $220K/yr

Develop and implement autonomy algorithms for autonomous underwater vehicles and robotic systems. * Design software for vehicle navigation, guidance, control, perception, planning, and decision ...

Medium

Senior Autonomy Software Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$140 - $200/hr

About Odin Dynamics Founded in 2025, Odin Dynamics is a defense technology company building autonomous underwater vehicles that will define the next era of undersea warfare. We are focused on ...

Vatn Systems

Perception Engineer

Bristol, RI · On-site

Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research ...

Vatn Systems

Perception Engineer

Bristol, RI · On-site

Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research ...

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Autonomous Underwater Vehicle information

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$37

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How much do autonomous underwater vehicle jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous underwater vehicle in the United States is $37.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $53.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an autonomous underwater vehicle?

An Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) job involves designing, operating, and maintaining underwater robots that can navigate and perform tasks without human control. Professionals in this field work in industries such as marine research, defense, oil and gas exploration, and environmental monitoring. Responsibilities may include developing navigation systems, analyzing underwater data, and troubleshooting vehicle performance. Strong knowledge of robotics, oceanography, and sensor technology is often required.

What does an autonomous underwater vehicle operator do?

Daily tasks for those working with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) often include mission planning, preparing and launching the vehicle, monitoring its status remotely, collecting and analyzing data, and performing routine maintenance or troubleshooting. Team members frequently collaborate with marine scientists, data analysts, and vessel crew to ensure successful missions and accurate results. Working conditions may involve both field deployments at sea and office-based data processing or report writing. This variety keeps the work engaging while offering opportunities to develop specialized technical and operational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the autonomous underwater vehicle position?

To thrive as an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) operator or engineer, a solid background in marine engineering, robotics, computer science, or oceanography is essential, often with a degree in a related field. Experience with underwater navigation systems, sonar, mission planning software, and relevant certifications like ROV/AUV operation or safety are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and adaptability are key soft skills in this dynamic, technology-driven role. These qualifications ensure safe operation, reliable data collection, and effective teamwork in challenging underwater environments.

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Autonomous Underwater Vehicle jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Underwater Vehicle job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,543 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Operator - Newport, RI Jobs

ClearanceJobs

Newport, RI • On-site

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Operator

If you love high profile and challenging projects supporting the Navy then Serco has a great opportunity for you! As the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Operator, you will be on a dynamic team responsible for engineering support, maintenance management and life cycle support of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for our customer in the Newport, Rhode Island area. Bring your expertise and collaborative skills to make an impact on our national security. Serco supports the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), including support for the design, acquisition, testing and sustainment of naval undersea warfare systems. You will be leading a team that works closely with the customer to deliver management, engineering, acquisition, and logistics support required to conduct system upgrades, maintenance, and sustainment in support of autonomous underwater vehicles. Serco has been supporting the Naval Sea Systems Command for over 50 years and has been recognized by the Navy for their outstanding contributions. In this role, you will:

  • Plan and execute AUV missions in support of test and evaluation, fleet experimentation, and research objectives
  • Conduct launch and recovery operations from government and contracted vessels in accordance with Navy safety procedures
  • Configure AUV mission parameters, navigation systems, and payloads to meet test requirements
  • Monitor vehicle performance during operations and respond to off-nominal conditions
  • Perform pre- and post-mission system checks, calibration, and verification
  • Retrieve, validate, and organize mission data in accordance with program data management standards
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and software issues in both field and laboratory environments
  • Support integration and testing of new sensors, payloads, and autonomy capabilities
  • Maintain AUV systems, including batteries, pressure housings, propulsion components, and communication systems
  • Document mission execution, discrepancies, and system performance for technical reports and test documentation
  • Interface with government leads, range personnel, and engineering teams to support mission success
  • Ensure compliance with NAVSEA, NUWC, and range safety requirements

To be successful in this role, you will have:

  • An Active or Current DoD Secret Clearance.
  • US Citizenship.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline. Bachelor's degree may be substituted for additional similar/relevant experience.
  • 2 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience supporting unmanned or autonomous systems (AUV, ROV, USV, or UAV).
  • Familiarity with marine operations and at-sea deployment environments.
  • Basic knowledge of navigation systems (INS, GPS, Doppler Velocity Log, acoustic positioning).
  • Basic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting.
  • Ability to operate in dynamic, mission-driven environments.
  • Willingness and ability to support at-sea operations, including extended deployments.
  • Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
  • Excellent problem-solving ability and a collaborative, team-oriented attitude.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%.

Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.

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