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Hydrographic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

REY Engineers, Inc

Senior Bathymetric Surveyor

Folsom, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Engineers is seeking an experienced Senior Bathymetric LiDAR Associate to help lead and grow our ... Lead bathymetric, hydrographic, and mobile LiDAR projects from planning through final deliverables

Knife River

PROJECT ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Hydrographic and/or topographic * Experience working with Hypack * Experience working on estimates for construction projects, including experience with estimating software HeavyBid. * Experience with ...

New

Knife River Corporation

PROJECT ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Hydrographic and/or topographic * Experience working with Hypack * Experience working on estimates for construction projects, including experience with estimating software HeavyBid. * Experience with ...

Knife River

PROJECT ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Hydrographic and/or topographic * Experience working with Hypack * Experience working on estimates for construction projects, including experience with estimating software HeavyBid. * Experience with ...

Knife River

PROJECT ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Hydrographic and/or topographic * Experience working with Hypack * Experience working on estimates for construction projects, including experience with estimating software HeavyBid. * Experience with ...

Knife River

PROJECT ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA

Hydrographic and/or topographic * Experience working with Hypack * Experience working on estimates for construction projects, including experience with estimating software HeavyBid. * Experience with ...

Knife River

PROJECT ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Hydrographic and/or topographic * Experience working with Hypack * Experience working on estimates for construction projects, including experience with estimating software HeavyBid. * Experience with ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Preparing hydrographic, topographic and triangulation drawings and maps * Computing the volume of ... As an Engineering Aide, you'll construct and repair a variety of structures in just about every ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Stockton, CA · On-site

Preparing hydrographic, topographic and triangulation drawings and maps * Computing the volume of ... As an Engineering Aide, you'll construct and repair a variety of structures in just about every ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Pomona, CA · On-site

Preparing hydrographic, topographic and triangulation drawings and maps * Computing the volume of ... As an Engineering Aide, you'll construct and repair a variety of structures in just about every ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

San Jose, CA · On-site

Preparing hydrographic, topographic and triangulation drawings and maps * Computing the volume of ... As an Engineering Aide, you'll construct and repair a variety of structures in just about every ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

Preparing hydrographic, topographic and triangulation drawings and maps * Computing the volume of ... As an Engineering Aide, you'll construct and repair a variety of structures in just about every ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Northridge, CA · On-site

Preparing hydrographic, topographic and triangulation drawings and maps * Computing the volume of ... As an Engineering Aide, you'll construct and repair a variety of structures in just about every ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Arcata, CA · On-site

Preparing hydrographic, topographic and triangulation drawings and maps * Computing the volume of ... As an Engineering Aide, you'll construct and repair a variety of structures in just about every ...

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Hydrographic Engineer information

What does a hydrographic engineer do?

A hydrographic engineer specializes in mapping and analyzing underwater terrain and water bodies using sonar, GPS, and other surveying tools. They design and implement surveys to support navigation, construction, and environmental projects, often working in marine or freshwater environments and requiring knowledge of oceanography and engineering standards.

What is the difference between Hydrographic Engineer vs Marine Surveyor?

AspectHydrographic EngineerMarine Surveyor
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in hydrography or geospatial dataEngineering or maritime degree, certifications in survey methods
Work EnvironmentOffshore and coastal environments, using sonar and GIS toolsShipboard and port environments, inspecting vessels and maritime structures
Industry UsageHydrographic surveys, navigation safety, offshore constructionVessel condition, port assessments, maritime compliance

Hydrographic Engineers focus on mapping underwater features and supporting navigation safety, often working offshore with specialized equipment. Marine Surveyors assess vessels and maritime structures, primarily working on ships or port sites. While both roles require technical certifications and operate in maritime environments, their core responsibilities differ significantly, making them distinct career paths within the maritime industry.

What is the salary of a hydrographic officer?

The salary of a hydrographic engineer typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages.

How much does a Hydrographic Surveyor make?

A Hydrographic Surveyor's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or advanced equipment knowledge can earn higher wages.

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

To thrive as a Hydrographic Engineer, you need a solid background in geospatial sciences, oceanography, and surveying, typically supported by a degree in hydrography or a related field. Proficiency with hydrographic survey equipment, GIS software, and data analysis tools is essential, as are certifications such as IHO Cat A or B. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe navigation, and effective project delivery in complex marine environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Hydrographic Engineers when working in the field?

Hydrographic Engineers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, and navigating remote or difficult-to-access survey sites. Working at sea or along coastlines can require long hours and adaptability to rapidly changing environments. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, especially when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the accuracy and safety of survey operations.

What are hydrographic engineers?

Hydrographic engineers are professionals who specialize in mapping and analyzing bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. They use advanced technologies like sonar, GPS, and GIS to collect and interpret data about underwater terrain, water depth, and features. Their work is essential for navigation safety, construction projects, environmental monitoring, and resource exploration. Hydrographic engineers often collaborate with government agencies, maritime companies, and environmental organizations to support safe and sustainable use of aquatic environments.

How much does a hydrographer get paid?

Hydrographic engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in offshore or government roles.
What are popular job titles related to Hydrographic Engineer jobs in California? For Hydrographic Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hydrographic Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Hydrographic Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Hydrographic Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Hydrographic Engineer job openings:
Hydrographic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydrographic Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Hydrographic Survey Specialist- San Rafael, CA

Hydrographic Survey Specialist- San Rafael, CA

Woolpert

San Rafael, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Woolpert Inc. rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 443 rated engineering

Job description

Position Overview 

Woolpert is looking for a Hydrographic Survey Specialist to join our Hydrographic Survey team out of our San Rafael, CA office. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to spend real time in the field, working on marine infrastructure, marine construction, and navigational charting surveys throughout California, with a strong focus on the San Francisco Bay Area and the broader California coast. Travel to other states will come up as project needs dictate, and candidates should expect approximately 100 days of travel throughout each year. 

We are especially interested in candidates who bring both survey skills and vessel operation experience, including towing vessels on trailers. Ideally this person can run the boat as well as run the survey.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located. 

What You Will Do 

Field tasks will include: 

  • Multibeam and singlebeam hydrographic survey 
  • GNSS topographic surveys 
  • Terrestrial LiDAR surveys 
  • Survey vessel mobilization 
  • GNSS and optical horizontal and vertical control surveys 
  • Operating and towing survey vessels, and working in coastal waterways 

Office tasks will include: 

  • Multibeam and singlebeam data processing 
  • GNSS static control network processing and adjustment 
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D 
  • Mobile and static terrestrial LiDAR survey processing (also referred to as 3D laser scanning) 

What You Will Bring 

  • Bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, environmental science, ocean engineering, geology, geography, spatial science, marine science, or a comparable field. 
  • Self-motivated, quick learning, curious, and resourceful, with a common-sense approach to problem solving and workload management. 
  • A genuine interest in working for a marine-focused organization, and an appetite for regular field work and travel. 
  • Experience working on vessels and conducting hydrographic or land surveys. 

Preferred experience and qualifications: 

  • Experience operating and towing survey vessels. 
  • Experience with marine survey software such as HYPACK, QINSy, Qimera, SESWin, Discover, or other hydrographic survey programs. 
  • Experience using Global Mapper, AutoCAD, or other CAD software. 
  • Experience with magnetometer, side scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, or USBL positioning systems. 
  • Experience with LiDAR mapping and processing, including terrestrial or airborne systems. 
  • Experience gathering GPS data with Trimble GPS hardware and software, including data processing. 
  • Working knowledge of geodesy and experience generating PPK solutions. 
  • Experience with 3D visualization. 
  • Working toward Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) licensure. 

None of the above is required on day one. We regularly hire people with a variety of backgrounds and give them adequate training on all of these topics, but candidates who already have exposure to any of it is preferred. 

Benefits You Will Love 

Certified as a Great Place to Work, Woolpert is one of the fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and geospatial companies in the world. With over 75 offices and countless projects around the globe, you will work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to competitive pay, we offer a robust set of benefits, including: 

  • Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm. 
  • Flexible paid time off and vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team. 
  • Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries. 
  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases. 
  • Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more. 

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