1

Hydrographic Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Hydrographic Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$45.3K

$109.6K

$178.7K

How much do hydrographic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrographic engineer in Chicago, IL is $109,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Hydrographic Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Hydrographic Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Hydrographic Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,593 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Online Hydrographic Surveyor

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$85 - $98/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Online Hydrographic Surveyor

Full-Time Salary Exempt Atlantic Beach, FL, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1606

Salary Range: $85,000.00 To $98,000.00 Annually

About the Company

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, Great Lakes is fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy industry. The Company has a long history of performing significant international projects. The Company employs experienced civil, ocean and mechanical engineering staff in its estimating, production and project management functions. In its over 136-year history, the Company has never failed to complete a marine project. Great Lakes owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprised of approximately 200 specialized vessels. Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers that ensures experienced-based performance as they advance through Company operations. The Company's Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of the Company's culture. The Company's commitment to the IIF® culture promotes a work environment where employee safety is paramount.

The Opportunity

As an Online Hydrographic Surveyor, you will be responsible for conducting detailed surveys of underwater environments using advanced technology and software. Your primary goal is to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to the physical features of bodies of water to support safe navigation, marine construction, and environmental protection.This position requires travel and will work a schedule of four weeks on followed by four weeks off.

Responsibilities
  • Inspect the quality of raw data as soon as it becomes available and notify Online Surveyor if not suitable for processing
  • Calibrate, operate, maintain and troubleshoot company surveying and including mulit-beam echo sounders, Motion Reference Units, GNSS receivers and Gyros
  • Accept responsibility for assigned tasks and follow all QA/QC standards, review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures, and suggest improvements as necessary
  • Perform a basic level of data processing primarily to assess quality of logged data, allowing simple presentation to Survey Party Chief and sending the quality checked data files to the Offline Surveyor for further processing and charting
  • Identify errors, anomalies, and data quality issues during data collection
  • Ensure that a suitable navigation display is available at all remote stations across the vessel and that field graphics and other situational information is maintained up to date and accurate
  • Interface surface and subsurface sensors into online software packages
  • Communicate effectively during operations to direct vessel crew and other disciplines over clear comms or radio
  • Update supervisor with project progress, maintain survey logs, update records, and write field operation report
  • Perform basic operation on survey system components including regular system status checks
  • Additional duties as assigned
Qualifications & Experience
  • Proficiency in operating online and offline software (EIVA, Qimera, QINSY among others)
  • Must have basic knowledge of computer skills, major survey equipment manufacturer’s online software packages and equipment.
  • Must have or be able to obtain all industry required certificates to work globally
  • Military (4 years preferably GIS but also electronics and communications), BSEE (One Year experience), BSCE (One year experience)
  • Qualification in an appropriate engineering or IT related subject or appropriate technical/military experience and qualifications.
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Must be proficient with a variety of concepts, practices, procedures and equipment operations such as GPS, Navigation Software, USBL and scanning sonar.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of system calibrations and the effect of calibration on data quality.
  • Manage data, including online logging and records.
  • Familiarity with offshore and onshore surveying techniques.
  • Experience with data processing and interpretation software
  • Experience performing hydrographic measurements.
  • Experience installing modern survey systems, including the calibration of these systems.
  • Competitive salary and bonus program.
  • 401(k) program that includes 100% company matching of the first 6% of employee contributions with immediate vesting.
  • Annual profit-sharing contributions by the company to participants’ 401(k) accounts based on company’s annual performance.
  • Medical, Dental, Prescription, Vison, Life and Disability insurance plans.

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, disability status, genetic information or any other protected category.

#J-18808-Ljbffr