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Deep Sea Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Sonar System Engineer

West Wareham, MA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Support the engineering, production, and sales/marketing teams with productization of technologies ... deep sea acoustic releases, shallow water and long life acoustic releases, MRUs and customized ...

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Deep Sea Engineering information

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$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do deep sea engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for deep sea engineering in the United States is $146,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Deep Sea Engineering vs Marine Engineering?

AspectDeep Sea EngineeringMarine Engineering
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized training in subsea systemsEngineering degree, maritime certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderwater, subsea facilities, deep-sea vesselsShips, ports, coastal facilities
Industry UsageOffshore oil, subsea construction, deep-sea explorationShip design, propulsion, maintenance of ships and ports

Deep Sea Engineering focuses on designing and maintaining equipment and structures used in the deep ocean environment, often involving subsea technology and underwater operations. Marine Engineering covers the design, construction, and maintenance of ships, boats, and maritime systems used in coastal and open sea settings. While both roles require engineering credentials, Deep Sea Engineering emphasizes underwater and subsea systems, whereas Marine Engineering is broader, encompassing ship and port infrastructure.

What is deep sea engineering?

Deep sea engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on designing, constructing, and maintaining structures, vehicles, and systems that operate in the deep ocean environment. This includes technologies for underwater exploration, oil and gas extraction, telecommunications, and scientific research in extreme underwater conditions. Deep sea engineers work with challenges such as high pressure, low temperatures, and limited accessibility, requiring advanced knowledge in materials science, robotics, and marine technology. Their work is vital for expanding our understanding and utilization of ocean resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Deep Sea Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Deep Sea Engineer, you need a solid background in marine engineering, oceanography, and physics, typically with a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with subsea robotics, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), sonar mapping systems, and safety certifications such as IMCA or HSE is critical. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability are vital soft skills to excel in challenging underwater environments. These skills ensure safe, reliable operations and innovative solutions in complex and often hazardous deep-sea projects.

What are some common challenges faced by deep sea engineers when working on underwater projects?

Deep sea engineers often encounter unique challenges such as high-pressure environments, limited visibility, and difficult weather conditions. Projects typically require the use of specialized equipment like remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and subsea robotics, which demand strong technical skills for maintenance and troubleshooting. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including marine biologists, geologists, and safety experts, is essential to ensure project success and compliance with environmental regulations. Flexibility and problem-solving are key, as unexpected technical and environmental issues frequently arise during underwater operations.
More about Deep Sea Engineering jobs
What states have the most Deep Sea Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Deep Sea Engineering jobs include:
LEAD ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST - SR. ENGR. TECHNOLOGIST - Pressure Vessel, Structural Welding

LEAD ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST - SR. ENGR. TECHNOLOGIST - Pressure Vessel, Structural Welding

Southwest Research Institute - Fulltime

San Antonio, TX

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Southwest Research Institute rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 56 rated research


Job description

Who We Are: The Mechanical Fabrication Centers Section provides engineered fabrication services for commercial and government customers. We fabricate precision machined components and welded joint assemblies to the most stringent of requirements. We service all technical areas of Southwest Research Institute and are involved in a large cross section of the total of SwRI's and commissioned pressure vessels of various types for land-based, subsea, manned, and unmanned purposes.

The Mechanical Fabrication Center executes projects that cover every aspect of SwRI’s slogan “from deep sea to deep space." Objectives of this Role: Apply advanced principles, theories and concepts to welding and fabrication execution, leading project fabrication efforts by translating design intent into qualified, repeatable welding processes for large pressure vessels and structural assemblies. Lead fabrication efforts involving complex or critical welds with internal teams and external customers including weld qualification and risk mitigation. Provide advanced technical expertise and procedural oversight for welding and fabrication tasks, ensuring execution of critical project requirements and compliance with industry codes.

Lead the skill development of technical staff through hands-on training, practical demonstrations, and process improvement recommendations on assigned projects. Maintain and improve welding procedures in accordance with AWS and ASME standards, addressing project-specific applications with attention to quality and repeatability. Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Ensure proper welding and fabrication processes are followed through site inspections and procedure evaluations.

Support the design and application of weld procedures to optimize for prescribed project needs. Lead collaboration between team members and support the implementation of existing training programs for welders, ensuring adherence to best practices. Lead the development, qualification, and maintenance of welding procedures supporting specific project needs, making recommendations for process adjustments based on observed performance.

Lead the preparation and technical review of fabrication project proposals, ensuring feasibility and compliance with relevant standards. Conduct on-the-job training for team members and provide targeted instruction when gaps in procedural knowledge are observed. Requirements: Requires a Bachelors degree in Welding Technology, Welding Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology or related Technology degree.

Certified Welding Inspector or able to become a CWI. In lieu of a Bachelors degree, High School diploma education or equivalent with 25 years of related experience and continued education and certifications. 6+ years: Demonstrated expertise in the development, qualification, interpretation, and application of welding procedures in accordance with AWS, ASME, and customer-specific codes and standards.

Hands-on experience across multiple welding processes and materials, with emphasis 6+ years: Recognized ability to exercise independent technical judgment in weld process selection, acceptance criteria interpretation, and resolution of non-conformances. 6+ years: Proven capability to train, mentor, and technically evaluate welders, serving as a subject matter expert rather than line supervision. 6+ years: Advanced proficiency in inspection planning, CWI-level evaluation, and objective quality evidence generation, ensuring traceability and audit readiness.

A valid/clear driver's license is required.


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