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Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

Develop motion planning, path planning, behavior planning, and control systems for autonomous underwater vehicles * Build autonomy capabilities spanning navigation, collision avoidance, target ...

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How much do autonomous underwater vehicle jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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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Cities with the most Autonomous Underwater Vehicle job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle jobs?

The most popular types of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle jobs are:

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The top searched job categories for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle jobs are:

Infographic showing various Autonomous Underwater Vehicle job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 64% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 16% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,543 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Operator - Newport, RI

Serco USA

Newport, RI โ€ข On-site

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position Description & Qualifications
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%.

If you are ready to take the next step of your career path, apply today!
Company Overview
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. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. 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.
To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: careers@serco-na.com or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.
Candidates may be asked to present proof of identity during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.
Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email Agencies@serco-na.com.
Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Pay Transparency
Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance-so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities.Benefits - Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role):
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
  • 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Life insurance and disability coverage
  • Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
  • Employee Assistance Plan

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.
Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco's external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: careers@serco-na.com.