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Naval Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Naval Engineering information

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$19.2K

$93K

$141.1K

How much do naval engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for naval engineering in California is $93,016.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,100.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the job of a naval engineer?

A naval engineer designs, develops, and maintains ships, submarines, and other marine vessels, focusing on propulsion systems, structural integrity, and safety features. They often work with CAD software, conduct stress tests, and ensure compliance with maritime regulations to optimize vessel performance and durability.

What can you do with a naval engineering degree?

A naval engineering degree prepares individuals for careers designing, maintaining, and repairing ships, submarines, and other marine vessels. Graduates often work in shipbuilding, defense, or maritime industries, utilizing skills in systems engineering, thermodynamics, and materials science. Certification and knowledge of maritime regulations are also important for many roles.

How much do naval engineers get paid?

Naval engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in defense or maritime industries.

What is naval engineering?

Naval engineering is a specialized branch of engineering focused on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of ships, submarines, and other marine vessels and structures. Naval engineers work on both military and civilian vessels, ensuring their safety, efficiency, and reliability at sea. Their work covers a range of disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering, as well as hydrodynamics and materials science.

What is the difference between Naval Engineering vs Marine Engineering?

AspectNaval EngineeringMarine Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering, certifications in naval systemsBachelor's in Marine Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, certifications in marine systems
Work EnvironmentShipyards, naval defense, ship design, and constructionShip operations, maintenance, and marine vessel systems
Industry UsageMilitary ships, naval defense, and specialized vesselsCommercial ships, cargo vessels, and cruise ships

Naval Engineering focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of naval ships and defense vessels, often working within military and government sectors. Marine Engineering, on the other hand, emphasizes the operation and maintenance of marine vessels in commercial and civilian contexts. While both roles require similar technical credentials and work in maritime environments, their primary applications and industries differ.

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

To thrive as a Naval Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical, electrical, or marine engineering, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering and relevant professional licensure. Familiarity with CAD software, ship design simulation tools, and project management systems is crucial in this field. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication set candidates apart when working on complex maritime projects. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and maintenance of naval vessels and systems.

What are some common challenges faced by naval engineers when working on ship design projects?

Naval engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing complex safety regulations with innovative design, integrating new technologies into existing ship systems, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including architects, electricians, and project managers. Adapting designs to meet evolving environmental standards and tight project deadlines can also add pressure. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring that vessels are delivered on time and within budget.
What cities in California are hiring for Naval Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Naval Engineering job openings:
Naval Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Naval Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,016 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Maritime Engineering SME-Novato,California

QinetiQ

Marin City, CA

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).
QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.
Why Join QinetiQ US?
If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.
Position Overview
Qinetiq US is seeking a Maritime Systems Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME) with extensive experience designing, developing and fielding Navy manned and unmanned surface and underwater systems. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, systems engineering expertise, and lifecycle support for shipboard systems, working with government and industry stakeholders to support modernization, integration, sustainment, and engineering initiatives.
This position requires a strong understanding of naval engineering principles, shipboard system integration, and the operational environment of U.S. Navy's vessels. The SME will serve as a trusted technical advisor throughout the systems engineering lifecycle, ensuring engineering solutions meet mission, performance, and program objectives. Other duties include:
Responsibilities
  • Provide technical expertise on U.S. Navy systems from concept through to fielding.
  • Support requirements development, systems architecture, interface definition, and engineering trade studies.
  • Evaluate the integration of shipboard mechanical, electrical, combat, communication, navigation, propulsion, and auxiliary systems.
  • Conduct engineering assessments, technical reviews, and design evaluations for modernization and sustainment efforts.
  • Analyze system performance, identify technical risks, and recommend engineering solutions.
  • Review engineering documentation, specifications, drawings, and technical data packages for completeness and compliance.
  • Support configuration management, systems integration, verification, validation, and acceptance activities.
  • Participate in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer briefings.
  • Collaborate with government personnel, shipyards, original equipment manufacturers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Develop technical reports, white papers, engineering analyses, and recommendations for proposals.
  • Provide engineering support during installation planning, testing, and fleet introduction activities as required.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical best practices across the organization.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 9+ years of experience supporting U.S. Navy programs.
  • Secret Clearance Required; #qinetiqclearedjob
  • Demonstrated expertise in systems engineering principles and processes.
  • Experience with shipboard systems integration, modernization, or life-cycle sustainment.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, interface control documents, and systems documentation.
  • Experience supporting engineering reviews, requirements analysis, and technical risk management.
  • Strong technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and customer-facing environments.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in an engineering or technical discipline.
  • Experience supporting acquisition, modernization, or sustainment programs for U.S. Navy surface platforms.
  • Familiarity with systems engineering frameworks and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) concepts.
  • Experience with digital engineering tools and requirements management software.
  • Experience supporting shipboard testing, installation, or certification activities.
  • Active or previously held U.S. security clearance, if required by the program.

Pay Transparency
The salary range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Company EEO Statement
Accessibility/Accommodation:
If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.
QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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