1

Bathymetry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Satellite-Derived Bathymetry Scientist

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Title: Satellite-Derived Bathymetry Scientist BELONG. CONNECT. GROW. with KBR. Around here, we define the future. We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and ...

Satellite-Derived Bathymetry Scientist

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Title: Satellite-Derived Bathymetry Scientist BELONG. CONNECT. GROW. with KBR. Around here, we define the future. We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and ...

Underwater Sonar Specialist

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Acquire hydrographic data that will include 3D bathymetry and 2D underwater imagery, and may include vessel mounted LiDAR data, sub-bottom profiling data, magnetometer data, and current profiling ...

Underwater Sonar Specialist

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Acquire hydrographic data that will include 3D bathymetry and 2D underwater imagery, and may include vessel mounted LiDAR data, sub-bottom profiling data, magnetometer data, and current profiling ...

Underwater Sonar Specialist

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Acquire hydrographic data that will include 3D bathymetry and 2D underwater imagery, and may include vessel mounted LiDAR data, sub-bottom profiling data, magnetometer data, and current profiling ...

... bathymetry processing & visualization Qualifications : Required : • 3-5+ years of professional software development experience, with a proven track record of shipping complex, full-stack ...

Survey Crew Leader

York, PA

$25 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

JMT's Geomatics/Survey department offers an exciting work environment that leverages modern technology (terrestrial/mobile/aerial LiDAR, Drones, robotics, bathymetry, etc.) balanced with sound ...

Senior Electrical Design Engineer

West Wareham, MA · Remote

$140K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The company is known worldwide for its high quality products which include: side scan sonars, sub-bottom profilers, bathymetry systems, AUV and ROV-based sonar systems, combined and customized ...

Senior Electrical Design Engineer

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The company is known worldwide for its high quality products which include: side scan sonars, sub-bottom profilers, bathymetry systems, AUV and ROV-based sonar systems, combined and customized ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Bathymetry information

See salary details

$48.5K

$94K

$133.5K

How much do bathymetry jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for bathymetry in the United States is $93,988.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is bathymetry?

Bathymetry is the study and mapping of the seafloor and underwater terrain. It involves measuring the depth of water bodies, such as oceans, seas, and lakes, to determine the shape and features of the underwater landscape. Bathymetric data is essential for navigation, resource management, environmental monitoring, and scientific research. Specialized equipment like sonar, echo sounders, and satellite altimetry are commonly used to collect bathymetric information. Professionals in this field help ensure safe marine travel, support marine construction projects, and contribute to understanding oceanographic processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bathymetrist?

To thrive as a Bathymetrist, you need expertise in hydrographic surveying, geospatial analysis, and a relevant degree in fields like oceanography, geology, or geomatics. Familiarity with specialized equipment such as multibeam and single-beam echo sounders, GPS systems, and GIS software, along with certifications like IHO Cat A or B, is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong problem-solving skills are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the accurate collection and interpretation of underwater topographic data, which is vital for navigation safety, marine construction, and environmental management.

What are some typical challenges faced by bathymetrists when collecting and interpreting underwater topography data?

Bathymetrists often encounter challenges such as dealing with poor visibility, variable water conditions, and interference from underwater obstacles when collecting data. Interpreting sonar or LiDAR readings can also be complex, requiring careful calibration and validation to ensure accuracy. Collaboration with marine engineers, geologists, and data analysts is common to ensure comprehensive mapping and to resolve any ambiguities in the data. Adapting to evolving technologies and maintaining data integrity are also crucial aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Bathymetry vs Marine Surveyor?

AspectBathymetryMarine Surveyor
Required CredentialsHydrographic or geospatial certifications, GIS skillsMaritime certifications, survey licenses
Work EnvironmentOffshore, coastal, or vessel-basedVessels, ports, offshore sites
Industry UsageMapping underwater terrain, oceanographyInspecting ships, cargo, and maritime structures

While both roles operate in maritime environments, Bathymetry focuses on mapping underwater terrain using sonar and geospatial tools, whereas Marine Surveyors inspect ships and maritime assets. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the maritime industry.

How does bathymetry work?

Bathymetry involves measuring the depths and shapes of underwater terrain using tools like sonar or multibeam echosounders. These measurements create detailed maps of the seafloor, which are used in navigation, scientific research, and environmental monitoring. Bathymetrists analyze the data to understand underwater features and topography.
More about Bathymetry jobs

What states have the most Bathymetry jobs?

States with the most job openings for Bathymetry jobs include:

Infographic showing various Bathymetry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $93,988 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Satellite-Derived Bathymetry Scientist

KBR

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Satellite-Derived Bathymetry Scientist

BELONG. CONNECT. GROW. with KBR.

Around here, we define the future. We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely by supporting the science that informs decision makers and protects Earth.

KBR's Science and Space division is seeking a Scientist to support Satellite-Derived Bathymetry (SDB) for our Technical Support Services Contract (TSSC) at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation & Science (EROS) Center (http://eros.usgs.gov/) near Sioux Falls, SD (http://www.siouxfalls.org).

The successful candidate will become an integral part of TSSC support for the USGS EROS Center Integrated Science and Applications Branch (ISAB). The TSSC Team is comprised of highly talented remote sensing scientists, land cover scientists, geospatial specialists, web developers, software engineers, and systems engineers who work together to support the dynamic science and technical requirements of our USGS Customer.

TSSC is expanding its topographic science team to assist mapping bottom-type structure along highly dynamic coastal and riverine environments The SDB Scientist will assist USGS researchers in characterizing, verifying, optimizing, and enhancing algorithms that estimate near-shore bathymetry using multiple optical sensors, satellite lidar, and traditional reference data.

For a Scientist working in this area, an aquatic remote sensing background combined with data fusion experience, scripting techniques, data mining proficiency, geospatial analysis, and geospatial interpretation expertise will inform and enhance USGS advances in coastal and riverine bottom-type characterization mapping, SDB algorithms, and products that potentially utilize both commercial and government satellite imagery.

If you have a related skillset and background and are interested in an exciting and challenging career in the field of topographic remote sensing science, you are invited to apply for this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Conduct imagery discovery, selection, and download; compile validation datasets such as LiDAR and bathymetry; apply cloudmasking procedures; and generate custom validation grids for analysis.
  • Investigate bottomtype and seafloor structure mapping using Landsat, Sentinel2, and NASA imagery sources, integrating ICESat2 ATL24 bathymetry with AI/ML techniques and datamodeling methods to support a USGS physicsbased SDB algorithm.
  • Evaluate the applicability of the Landsat Aquatic Reflectance (AR) product for improving or enabling USGS SDB algorithms and computational workflows.
  • Explore and learn the NOAA SatBathy Tool and produce ondemand satellitederived bathymetry (SDB) outputs in response to project needs.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Candidates must meet the requirements listed below to be considered for this position; please note required items on your resume.

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a national agency check and background investigation after hire to obtain credentials for facility access and user accounts
  • Must have a 3-year residency in the United States
  • Education: Minimum of MS in Earth Science, Natural Science, Physical Science, or related with emphasis in geography, remote sensing, GIS, software engineering, information technology
  • Years of Experience: At least 5 years of directly related professional experience (willing to consider differing combinations of education/experience)
  • Mastery of basic remote sensing derivatives and applications
  • Fluency in aquatic science principles
  • Fundamental knowledge of elevation data and mapping applications
  • Experience applying AI/ML to feature identification
  • Literacy in Python programming
  • Competency with image processing software, such as but not limited to ENVI/IDL, ERDAS Imagine, ArcPro, QGIS
  • Excellent problem-solving skills used to comprehensively analyze unknowns
  • Strong attention to data quality assurance, organization, detail, and record keeping
  • Ability to communicate regularly, professionally, and clearly at general, technical, and management levels to inform team members, other EROS personnel and the remote sensing science community
  • Superior written and oral communication skills, including effective questioning, listening, and presentation skills
  • Demonstrated initiative, self-motivation, dependability, and interpersonal skills

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

  • Familiarity with Landsat, Sentinel-2, DigitalGlobe, WorldView, and Planet datasets
  • Experience generating topobathymetric digital elevation models (TBDEM)
  • Proficiency with satellite-derived bathymetry

WORK LOCATION

This position supports a team anchored in Sioux Falls, SD and is offered in either a hybrid remote/onsite or a fully remote work environment.

*** Three years of continuous U.S. residency required ***

Equivalent education and/or experience will be considered.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits

KBR partners with several other companies to fulfill its requirements as a government contractor. The selected subcontracting companies align their benefits as closely as possible to those above.

#LI-EM2

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


What KBR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


KBR logo

About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998