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Engineer Diver Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Collins Engineers Inc.

Engineer - Diver (49119)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Collins Engineers, Inc. is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Engineer Diver to join our team in Fairfax, Virginia . This is a unique opportunity to combine engineering expertise with underwater ...

Ballard

Commercial Diver / Tender

Norfolk, VA · On-site

... engineers to our most senior leaders. You will always go to work knowing that everyone you are ... The Commercial Diver / Tender's prime responsibility is to support construction activities by ...

Databricks

Sr Software Engineer -Public Sector

Mclean, VA · On-site

$155K - $214K/yr

Founded by engineers - and customer obsessed - we leap at every opportunity to solve technical challenges, from designing next-gen UI/UX for interfacing with data to scaling our services and ...

Mace

Senior Procurement Manager

Charlottesville, VA · Hybrid

$94K - $127K/yr

... are in place to diver plans and deliver excellence. * Due Diligence & Company / Market ... Degree (or equivalent) in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or a related field, with a track ...

Quantum Leap Research, LLC

Be Seen First

Electro-Mechanical Manufacturing Technician

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Quantum Leap was founded by a team of technologists and engineers to focus exclusively on advancing ... divers are encouraged to apply. Compensation and Benefits: We seek the best-and-brightest ...

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All JobsEngineer Diver JobsEngineer Diver Jobs in Virginia

Engineer Diver information

See Virginia salary details

$36.2K

$106.4K

$136.3K

How much do engineer diver jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer diver in Virginia is $106,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $134,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Engineer Diver Do?

As an engineer diver, you work in underwater environments in a wide variety of roles. Your responsibilities mainly revolve around working on marine structures. You inspect the structure to ensure it is sound or decide if it needs repair. In the military, your duties may include reconnaissance and demolition tasks as well. Divers use the latest in modern diving equipment to accomplish these tasks, ranging from pressurized air tanks to protective suits. Your role combines the elements of a professional diver with those of an engineer to keep underwater structures operational. Your exact responsibilities vary based on the structures with which you work.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or software engineering working in senior or executive roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and may include bonuses or stock options as part of compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engineer Diver, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineer Diver, you need a solid background in engineering principles, commercial diving certification, and experience with underwater inspections and repairs. Familiarity with diving equipment, underwater welding tools, and safety management systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate completion of underwater engineering projects.

What is the difference between Engineer Diver vs Commercial Diver?

AspectEngineer DiverCommercial Diver
Required CertificationsEngineering degree, diving certification, specialized trainingCommercial diving certification, safety training, industry-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentUnderwater engineering projects, construction sites, inspection tasksUnderwater construction, maintenance, salvage, and inspection
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, maritime industryConstruction, oil & gas, shipping, salvage companies

Engineer Divers and Commercial Divers both work underwater but serve different roles. Engineer Divers focus on engineering tasks, inspections, and technical assessments, often requiring an engineering background. Commercial Divers perform physical tasks like construction, repairs, and salvage, primarily needing commercial diving certifications. While their work environments overlap underwater settings, their skills and certifications differ based on their specific job functions.

What are Engineer Divers?

Engineer Divers are specialized professionals who combine engineering expertise with commercial diving skills to inspect, repair, and construct underwater structures. They work on projects like bridges, dams, pipelines, and offshore platforms, ensuring their safety and integrity. Their work often involves underwater welding, inspections, and maintenance, making them essential for maritime and civil engineering projects. Engineer Divers must be certified divers and typically hold engineering degrees or technical qualifications related to their field.

What does an engineer diver do?

An engineer diver is a professional who combines engineering skills with underwater work, often inspecting, repairing, or installing equipment in submerged environments. They typically hold specialized certifications, use tools like underwater welding or remotely operated vehicles, and work in challenging conditions that require physical fitness and technical expertise.

What are some unique challenges Engineer Divers face when working on underwater construction projects?

Engineer Divers often encounter challenges such as limited visibility, strong currents, and the need to operate specialized tools while submerged. Communication with the surface team can be more complex due to underwater conditions, requiring the use of specific signaling systems. Additionally, they must adhere to strict safety protocols and regularly monitor their equipment to ensure reliable performance, as even minor malfunctions can become critical underwater. Collaboration with engineers, project managers, and safety officers is essential to coordinate tasks and maintain project timelines.

Can saturation divers earn over $300000 with years of experience?

Saturation divers, a specialized type of commercial diver, can potentially earn over $300,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working on high-risk, high-paying projects such as deep-sea oil and gas operations. However, such earnings are typically achieved through long-term experience, specialized skills, and working in demanding environments, and are not common for all saturation divers.

How much do engineer divers make?

Engineer divers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry they work in such as underwater construction, inspection, or maintenance. Salaries can vary based on location, specialized skills, and the complexity of the projects they undertake.
More about Engineer Diver jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer Diver jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Engineer Diver jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Engineer Diver jobs in Virginia? For Engineer Diver jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineer Diver jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Engineer Diver jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Engineer Diver jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Engineer Diver job openings:
Engineer Diver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineer Diver job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,361 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Engineer - Diver (49119)

Engineer - Diver (49119)

Collins Engineers, Inc

Fairfax, VA

$40 - $50/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Collins is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm. We have opportunities for you.

Collins Engineers, Inc. is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Engineer Diver to join our team in Fairfax, Virginia. This is a unique opportunity to combine engineering expertise with underwater exploration, contributing to projects that ensure the safety and longevity of critical infrastructure. The ideal candidate will play a key role in waterfront and underwater bridge inspections and related engineering tasks, gaining valuable hands-on experience while working in a collaborative, employee-focused environment.


Typical Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Performs waterfront and underwater and topside bridge inspections.
  • Assists in the completion of inspection and assessment reports. 
  • Reviews and interprets plans and design drawings.
  • Documents findings and assists in the completion of inspection and assessment reports.
  • Supports the development of recommendations for maintenance or repairs. 
  • Collaborates with senior engineers/technicians on inspections.
  • Uses computer-assisted engineering and design software to prepare project deliverables.
  • Communicates effectively with engineering teams and project stakeholders.
  • Actively observes and acts in an appropriate manner related to safety.
  • Requires some travel (mostly regional). 
  • Participates in training programs to enhance inspection skills. 
  • Other duties may be assigned.

*Relocation is available

Click HERE to see the variety of benefits that Collins has to offer. 

Education and/or Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from an accredited four-year university plus appropriate continuing education.
  • 0-5 years of experience. 
  • Engineer-In-Training (E.I.T.) or ability to obtain within one year. 
  • Open water diving experience required.
  • ADCI certification preferred.

Physical Demands:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee frequently is required to talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

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