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Hydrographic Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

GIS Engineer (Senior)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$107K - $178K/yr

Design, analyze and develop geo-spatial solutions and product specifications for infrastructure, hydrographic and physiographic features for global geo-spatial images and vector products * Performs ...

GIS Engineer (Jr)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$67K - $111K/yr

Design, analyze and develop geo-spatial solutions and product specifications for infrastructure, hydrographic and physiographic features for global geo-spatial images and vector products * Performs ...

Showing results 41-47

Hydrographic Engineer information

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 skills do hydrographic engineers need?

Hydrographic engineers need strong skills in surveying, data analysis, and the use of hydrographic survey equipment such as sonar and GPS. They should have a solid understanding of oceanography, cartography, and GIS software, along with problem-solving abilities and attention to detail to ensure accurate mapping and data collection.

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

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 is a hydrographic engineer?

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.
What are popular job titles related to Hydrographic Engineer jobs in Washington? For Hydrographic Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hydrographic Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Hydrographic Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Hydrographic Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Hydrographic Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Hydrographic Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

GIS Engineer (Senior)

Maxar

Arlington, VA • On-site

$107K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters-where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Citizen. This position requires an active U.S. Government security clearance, applicants who do not currently hold the required clearance will not be eligible for consideration. Employment for cleared roles is contingent upon verification of clearance status.

Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Please review the job details below.

This position requires an active U.S. Government Security Clearance at the TS/SCI level with CI Polygraph.

This role helps design, build, integrate, and sustain secure technical capabilities that support high-volume analysis and mission operations. The position contributes to AI-enabled, data-driven solutions that help users work across complex datasets at scale, improve operational outcomes, and accelerate the delivery of mission-relevant applications and services. All work is performed in secure environments. Work location is Joint Base Anacostia, Arlington, VA, or Reston, VA.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, analyze and develop geo-spatial solutions and product specifications for infrastructure, hydrographic and physiographic features for global geo-spatial images and vector products
  • Performs geographic information systems (GIS) analyses on natural resources data
  • Plans, designs, develops, documents and analyzes spatial and relational databases
  • Applies software to manage spatial and related tabular data
  • Builds databases by capturing map information with coordinate digitizer
  • Produces computer map products depicting contents of databases, Locates sources of GIS data

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree with 8-12 years of experience.
  • Expert in advanced GIS technologies and spatial modeling.
  • Leads GIS projects and designs complex geospatial solutions for intelligence applications.
  • Active Top Secret clearance with CI Polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, or GCP)
  • Experience with system integration and database management
  • Relevant technical or project management certifications
  • Ability to stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies

Pay Transparency: In support of pay transparency at Vantor, we disclose salary ranges on all U.S. job postings. The successful candidate's starting pay will fall within the salary range provided below and is determined based on job-related factors, including, but not limited to, the experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills, geographic work location, and market conditions. Candidates with the minimum necessary experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skillsets for the position should not expect to receive the upper end of the pay range.

The base pay for this position within the Washington, DC metropolitan area is: $107,000.00 - $178,000.00 annually.

For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range.

Benefits: Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at:https://www.Vantor.com/careers

The application window is three days from the date the job is posted and will remain posted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire. If the job is reposted regardless of reason, it will remain posted three days from the date the job is reposted and will remain reposted until a qualified candidate has been identified for hire.

The date of posting can be found on Vantor's Career page at the top of each job posting.

To apply, submit your application via Vantor's Career page.

EEO Policy: Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.