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Full Time Underwater Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AIS, Inc.

Bioacoustic Research Analyst

Honolulu, HI · On-site

Support analysis of fishery vessel acoustic recordings (underwater and in-air) and assist with ... This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation ...

New York University

Research Scholar

New York, NY · On-site

$48K - $62K/yr

... to hire a full time Research Scholar. New York University (NYU) is one of the top private ... techniques, underwater robot systems, and autonomous systems, as exemplified by a strong ...

McLaughlin Research Corporation

Java Developer

Newport, RI · On-site

$51.25 - $66.25/hr

McLaughlin Research Corporation (MRC) is seeking a Java Developer who will support the Naval ... underwater systems, and offensive and defensive weapons systems associated with undersea warfare.

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Full Time Underwater Research information

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$64K

$96.7K

$117K

How much do full time underwater research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time underwater research in the United States is $96,670.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is full time underwater research?

Full time underwater research is a career where scientists and specialists spend the majority of their work hours studying aquatic environments, marine life, and underwater ecosystems. These professionals often conduct field research by diving or using submersibles, collect samples, monitor ocean health, and analyze data to better understand marine biology and environmental changes. Full time underwater researchers may work for universities, government agencies, or private organizations, and their findings can contribute to conservation efforts, climate change studies, and marine resource management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Underwater Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Underwater Researcher, you need a background in marine biology or environmental science, strong analytical skills, and scuba diving certification. Familiarity with underwater survey equipment, data logging tools, and software for statistical analysis is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork and communication skills help researchers excel in dynamic and sometimes challenging underwater environments. These skills are critical for collecting accurate data, ensuring safety, and advancing scientific understanding of aquatic ecosystems.

What is the difference between Full Time Underwater Research vs Full Time Marine Biologist?

AspectFull Time Underwater ResearchFull Time Marine Biologist
CredentialsRelevant degrees in marine science, oceanography, or related fields; certifications in diving and safetyDegree in marine biology, ecology, or related disciplines; often includes certifications in research methods
Work EnvironmentUnderwater research stations, research vessels, diving environmentsLaboratories, field sites, coastal areas, sometimes underwater settings
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, oceanographic centers, environmental agenciesUniversities, research institutes, conservation organizations

Full Time Underwater Research focuses on conducting scientific studies directly underwater, often requiring diving certifications and underwater equipment. In contrast, Full Time Marine Biologists may work both in labs and in the field, studying marine life and ecosystems, sometimes underwater but not always. Both roles require strong scientific credentials, but their work environments and specific focus areas differ.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in full-time underwater research roles?

Professionals in full-time underwater research often face challenges such as adapting to physically demanding conditions, managing complex equipment underwater, and ensuring personal safety in variable environments. They must also navigate unpredictable weather and ocean currents, which can impact research schedules and data collection. Effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, both underwater and on land, are essential for successful project outcomes.
More about Full Time Underwater Research jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Underwater Research jobs? The most popular types of Underwater Research jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Underwater Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Underwater Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Underwater Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Underwater Research jobs are:
Full Time Underwater Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Underwater Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,670 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

Peraton

West Bethesda, MD

$104K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 220 rated it services

Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking an Underwater Acoustics Engineer to work directly with our Navy customers on developing and maintaining R&D and in-service electro-mechanical systems for naval applications.  This position will be located on-site in Bethesda, MD.

What you'll do:

  • Work within a government-contractor team in the execution of the overall engineering, test, and analysis of hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) systems.
  • Support the assigned project or programs through numerical modeling, acquisition, signal processing, analysis and reporting of acoustic and vibration data.
  • Provide engineering proficiency in the evaluation of acoustic and vibration data using MATLAB software for data acquisition, post processing and reporting of results.
  • Work with PCs as well as embedded architectures running Windows and Linux operating system and using program languages including MATLAB, LabVIEW, and C++/C#.
  • Responsible for developing and recommending technical solutions to acoustic signal processing challenges with limited guidance, working within the constraints of existing architectures.
Qualifications

What you'll need:

  • Education:  2 years experience with a Bachelors in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering (or closely related degree) required
  • Clearance:  Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain an interim DoD Secret clearance prior to hiring
  • Experience with the theories and concepts of underwater acoustics, including and understanding of the physics of acoustic transmission, measurement and associated analysis techniques
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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