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Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

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 ...

$90K - $123K/yr

ABOUT THE TEAM Anduril is fielding the next generation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) to tackle the extremely challenging industry demands of seabed exploration. Anduril has brought to the ...

Vatn Systems is an autonomous underwater vehicle startup focused on developing cutting-edge technology to support underwater exploration, research, and defense applications. Our team is passionate ...

Vatn Systems is an autonomous underwater vehicle startup focused on developing cutting-edge technology to support underwater exploration, research, and defense applications. Our team is passionate ...

Join our dynamic team and help us build the next generation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) that will redefine underwater operations. WHAT YOU'LL DO * Coordinate cross-functionally between ...

... 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. This position is ...

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Autonomous Underwater Vehicle information

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How much do autonomous underwater vehicle jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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.

More about Autonomous Underwater Vehicle jobs

What cities are hiring for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle jobs?

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:

What states have the most Autonomous Underwater Vehicle jobs?

States with the most job openings for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle jobs include:

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.

Lead Test Engineer

Odin Dynamics, Inc

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 hours ago


Job description

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 delivering capable, resilient autonomous systems that strengthen the strategic advantage of the United States and its allied navies. We move fast, build real hardware, and operate with the urgency that the mission demands.
The Role
We're looking for a Lead Test Engineer to build and own the test function at Odin Dynamics from the ground up. You'll define how we verify, validate, and qualify our autonomous underwater vehicles - from subsystem bench testing through environmental qualification and in-water operations. This is equal parts technical leadership and organizational building. You'll be hands-on designing test infrastructure and running campaigns today, and hiring and leading the test team as we grow.
If you've ever wished you could build a test organization the right way from day one, this is that opportunity.
What You'll Do
  • Define and build the test and integration function - processes, infrastructure, tooling, and eventually the team.
  • Plan and execute vehicle-level integration and test campaigns, bringing together mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software subsystems into a verified, mission-ready system.
  • Design and lead environmental qualification testing - pressure, thermal, vibration, and shock - ensuring the vehicle performs across its full operating envelope.
  • Plan and conduct in-water test events, from dock-side checkouts through open-water missions, coordinating logistics, safety, instrumentation, and data collection.
  • Develop and maintain software and systems verification approaches, working with the software team to ensure autonomy, navigation, and control systems are tested rigorously before they hit the water.
  • Build test automation and data infrastructure - instrumentation rigs, automated test sequences, data pipelines, and reporting tools that make testing repeatable and efficient.
  • Author and maintain test plans, procedures, reports, and anomaly documentation to a standard that supports both internal engineering and customer deliverables.
  • Serve as the engineering voice for system readiness - you'll be the person who says whether the vehicle is ready for the next milestone.
  • Hire, mentor, and lead test engineers and technicians as the team scales.

What We're Looking For
  • B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in test engineering, systems integration, or verification and validation for complex hardware-software systems.
  • Demonstrated experience planning and executing integration and test campaigns for vehicles, robots, or other complex electromechanical systems.
  • Hands-on experience with environmental testing - pressure, thermal cycling, vibration, or similar qualification regimes.
  • Field test experience - you've operated hardware outside of a lab and know what it takes to run a safe, productive test event in an operational environment.
  • Strong instrumentation and data acquisition skills - you know how to measure what matters and how to turn test data into engineering decisions.
  • Experience building or significantly improving test processes, infrastructure, or teams.
  • Ability to work fluidly across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines - test engineers touch everything.
  • Strong written and verbal communication - your test reports and readiness recommendations need to be clear and defensible.
  • U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance.

Nice to Have
  • Experience testing underwater vehicles, marine systems, or subsea equipment.
  • Background in defense or aerospace test and evaluation programs.
  • Familiarity with test automation frameworks and scripting for hardware-in-the-loop or automated regression testing.
  • Experience with formal verification and validation methodologies for safety-critical or mission-critical systems.
  • Exposure to customer acceptance testing or government test and evaluation processes.
  • Active security clearance (Secret or above).

Why Join Us
You'll be solving some of the hardest engineering problems of our time - building autonomous systems that operate in the most demanding environments on the planet. Your work will directly shape the future of undersea warfare for the U.S. Navy and our allied partners. This is real autonomy, real hardware, and real national impact. If you want your work to matter, this is the place.
Disclosures
This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.
Odin Dynamics, Inc. participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Odin Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.