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Auv Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Principal, Business Development

Arlington, VA · On-site

Serve as a subject matter expert on L3Harris maritime, autonomous undersea vehicle (AUV), and submarine communications capabilities, effectively communicating value propositions to customers and ...

Arete Associates

Mechanical Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Experience with UUV's or AUV's * Python or Arduino experience * Comfortable in adapting to support a wide variety of roles to support different types of development projects * Intellectual curiosity ...

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Auv information

See Washington salary details

$39

$65

$67

How much do auv jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for auv in Washington is $65.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67.50 and $67.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an AUV?

AUVs, or Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, are robotic devices designed to travel underwater without requiring input from an operator. They are commonly used in oceanography, underwater research, environmental monitoring, and resource exploration. AUVs can be programmed to follow specific routes and collect data such as images, sonar readings, or water quality measurements. Their autonomous nature allows them to operate in environments that may be dangerous or difficult for humans to access.

What does an AUV operator do?

An AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) job involves designing, operating, or maintaining autonomous submersible robots used for underwater exploration and data collection. These roles exist in industries like marine research, defense, and offshore energy. Responsibilities may include mission planning, sensor integration, troubleshooting, and data analysis. AUV professionals typically have backgrounds in robotics, ocean engineering, or computer science.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an AUV operator?

To thrive as an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Operator, you need a background in marine engineering, robotics, or oceanography, often supported by a relevant degree or technical training. Familiarity with AUV navigation software, sonar systems, and data analysis tools is essential, as are certifications in underwater operations or safety protocols. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help operators adapt to challenging marine environments and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient missions and accurate data collection in complex underwater settings.

What challenges do AUV operators face and how can they be managed?

AUV operators often encounter challenges such as unpredictable underwater environments, communication limitations, and ensuring reliable data collection. Adapting to changing ocean conditions and managing battery life are critical aspects of the role. Operators can manage these challenges by thorough mission planning, using robust pre-dive checklists, and leveraging simulation tools for troubleshooting. Collaboration with marine engineers and data analysts is also essential to optimize the vehicle's performance and mission success.

What is the difference between Auv vs Drone Operator?

AspectAuvDrone Operator
Required CredentialsTypically requires AUV-specific training, certifications in underwater roboticsRequires drone pilot certifications, FAA Part 107 license
Work EnvironmentUnderwater, marine or aquatic settingsAirborne, outdoor or indoor environments
Industry UsageMarine research, underwater inspections, subsea surveysAerial photography, surveillance, mapping

While both Auv and Drone Operator roles involve remote-controlled vehicles, Auv specialists focus on underwater vehicles used in marine environments, requiring specific underwater robotics certifications. Drone Operators work with aerial drones in various outdoor settings, often needing FAA certification. The roles differ mainly in environment and specialized training, but both are essential in their respective industries for data collection and inspection tasks.

What job categories do people searching Auv jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Auv jobs in Washington are:

Auv jobs near you
Infographic showing various Auv job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,344 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Sr Electrical Eng Tech Innovation Advisor Naval Unmanned Systems

Zel Technologies

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

* This position is eligible for a $500 ZelTech Non-Employee Referral fee. Contact ZelTech Recruiters for questions concerning this matter. *

Join Our Talent Community to Stay Connected!

Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer / Technical Innovation Advisor to lead the development and transition of innovative electrical and electronic technologies for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). This role combines deep technical expertise with strategic innovation, supporting the identification, maturation, integration, and deployment of advanced technologies that enhance naval unmanned system capabilities.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished engineer with a proven record of designing, developing, testing, and integrating electrical and electronic systems for maritime and or autonomous platforms.


Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical leadership in the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced electrical and electronic systems for UUV and AUV platforms.
  • Serve as a trusted technical advisor, helping transform emerging technologies into operational capabilities while collaborating with government, industry, and research partners.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to develop innovative solutions that improve mission effectiveness, platform performance, and operational capability.
  • Lead the development of technical concepts, system architectures, and electrical designs supporting next-generation unmanned maritime systems.
  • Develop and refine system, subsystem, and component-level requirements for innovative technologies and capabilities.
  • Support end-to-end system integration activities, including hardware, power systems, sensors, communications, payloads, and vehicle control electronics.
  • Plan and oversee laboratory, environmental, integration, and field testing to validate electrical system performance and operational readiness.
  • Provide technical oversight throughout the product lifecycle, from concept development through prototype demonstration and operational transition.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams including mechanical, software, systems, controls, and autonomy engineers.
  • Advise leadership on technology roadmaps, risk reduction strategies, and innovation opportunities aligned with Navy mission needs.
  • Support proposal development, technical presentations, customer engagements, and strategic technology planning.
  • Interface with government stakeholders, research laboratories, universities, and industry partners to accelerate technology transition.

Requirements:

  • Must be a US citizen.
  • Must have an active secret clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline and 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in electrical or electronic system design and development.
  • Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, developing, and testing electrical and electronic components and subsystems.
  • Proven experience integrating electrical systems into UUV, AUV, or other complex autonomous maritime platforms.
  • Experience developing system requirements, interface requirements, and technical specifications for advanced technologies.
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and multidisciplinary system integration.
  • Experience supporting prototype development, technology maturation, and transition into operational capability.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to engineering teams, program leadership, and government customers.
  • Successful background and drug screening.


Preferred Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline and 8+ years of progressive engineering experience in electrical or electronic system design and development.
  • Direct experience working with the U.S. Navy on UUV, AUV, or other naval unmanned system programs.
  • Demonstrated success transitioning emerging technologies from research and development into deployable operational solutions.
  • Experience creating innovative capabilities through the integration of advanced sensors, power systems, communications, autonomy hardware, or electronic subsystems.
  • Familiarity with Navy acquisition processes, technology transition initiatives, and rapid prototyping efforts.
  • Experience supporting organizations such as Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC), Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Office of Naval Research (ONR), or Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC).
  • Experience with maritime environmental qualification, reliability testing, and operational field demonstrations.
  • Knowledge of model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital engineering practices, or systems architecture development.

Preferred Technical Expertise

  • Electrical power distribution and management.
  • Embedded electronics and control systems.
  • Sensor integration and payload development.
  • Underwater communications and networking.
  • Vehicle electronics and mission systems.
  • Hardware integration and verification.
  • Environmental and qualification testing.
  • Systems engineering and requirements development.
  • Prototype development and technology transition.
  • Maritime autonomy and unmanned systems.

Preferred Leadership Attributes

  • Innovative, strategic thinker with a passion for advancing naval capabilities.
  • Strong technical leadership and mentoring skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex engineering challenges.
  • Collaborative mindset with experience working across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to balance technical excellence with mission execution and customer priorities.

Physical Demands or Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The majority of the time is spent in an office setting.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance, vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

About ZelTech:

Founded in 1988 by Ret. Col. Jack L. Ezzell Jr., Zel Technologies is a trusted leader in national security, providing comprehensive research, development, engineering, and operational support to the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal agencies. Originally focused on leveraging operational and software expertise to improve time-critical targeting capabilities for the military, the company advanced its capabilities to provide scientific and HUMINT expertise for CBRNE collection and analysis. In the wake of 9/11, Zel Technologies rapidly expanded its capabilities to provide turnkey ISR support services to US Special Operations Forces (SOF), as well as advanced technical & operational intelligence, physical & data science, and engineering support services to the greater Intelligence and SOF Communities supporting global counterterrorism and CWMD operations.

Today, Zel Technologies remains at the forefront of intelligence missions, advancing CWMD and global counterterrorism efforts, while also addressing emerging threats posed by near-peer adversaries. Our team remains committed to delivering adaptive, innovative, and cost-effective solutions across multiple domains, in alignment with the mission priorities of the U.S. Government and its partner nations.

Our Mission:

Through our commitment to innovation and quality, our skilled teams deliver robust, technology driven solutions and insights that empower our customers to overcome complex challenges and achieve their mission objectives.

Our Workforce:

ZelTech team members represent a wide range of backgrounds, skills, experience, and personalities bound together by common objectives and mutual respect. You will join a caring community of professional, including many military veterans who challenge and support each other in seeking the right solutions to important matters.

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 401k immediate vesting with company match
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Health Savings Account with company contributions
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Bonuses for performance
  • Voluntary life/accidental death & dismemberment
  • Educational assistance and special training programs
  • Voluntary benefits (accidental, critical illness, whole life)
  • Group life insurance (Company paid)
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance (Company paid)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), Holiday Leave, Jury Duty, and Military Leave
  • Health and fitness reimbursement
  • Referral bonuses
  • Employee discounts on various services and products

Equal Opportunities:

ZelTech is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, genetic predisposition, or any other basis protected by law.

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