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Hydrographic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McKim & Creed

Hydrographic Technician II

Pensacola, FL · On-site

... engineering and geomatics solutions. We have an exciting opportunity to join our team in Pensacola as a Hydrographic Technician II . If you want to work at a company that will help improve the future ...

GEOxyz Belgium

WI · On-site

$125K/yr

# Unmanned Surface Vessel Engineer## in OostendeGEOxyz is a leading **maritime data company**, specialized in hydrographic, geophysical, geotechnical and topographic surveys; marine site investigations ...

Dutra Group

Project Engineer - Dredging

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Project Engineer - Dredging EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/VETERANS/DISABLED About The Dutra Group With ... In this role, you'll be responsible for conducting hydrographic surveys (multibeam and/or single ...

GBA Inc

Senior Survey Manager

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Supervise, train and mentor survey engineers, technicians, and support staff. * Collect and process topographic data as referenced to hydrographic applications. * Support the maintenance, upkeep, and ...

GBA Inc

$100 - $150/hr

Supervise, train and mentor survey engineers, technicians, and support staff. * Collect and process topographic data as referenced to hydrographic applications. * Support the maintenance, upkeep, and ...

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Hydrographic Engineer information

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How much do hydrographic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrographic engineer in the United States is $106,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $132,500.00 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.

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Cities with the most Hydrographic Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Hydrographic Engineer jobs?

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Hydrographic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydrographic Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Hydrographic Survey Specialist - San Rafael, CA

Woolpert

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$65K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Woolpert Inc. rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

243rd of 453 rated engineering

Job description

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.
Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders, and as a certified Great Place to Work®, Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.
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.

Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Pay Range
$65,800-$82,300 USD
Find out more about what Woolpert has to offer here: http://woolpert.com/about-us/
Woolpert is an equal-opportunity employer. Woolpert is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. You may view more about EEO on our website: Equal-Employment-Opportunity-The-Law.pdf and EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.
Applicants who require an accommodation throughout the application and interview process should request this in advance by contacting your Recruiter
To all agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of Woolpert or any of our subsidiaries about this requisition. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at Woolpert via email, the internet, or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of Woolpert, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by Woolpert's Talent Acquisition Team for this requisition and a valid agreement is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of Woolpert's applicant process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.

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