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Naval Engineering Jobs in Oxnard, CA (NOW HIRING)

Naval Architect

Ventura, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Naval Architect/Engineer Location: Ventura, California This position is contingent upon contract award. This position is responsible for: * Combining technical expertise and creative problem-solving ...

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Naval Engineering information

See Oxnard, CA salary details

$20.6K

$99.8K

$151.4K

How much do naval engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for naval engineering in Oxnard, CA is $99,809.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,100.00 and $118,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much do naval engineers get paid?

Naval engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and years of service, especially in defense or maritime industries.

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 thermodynamics, materials science, and systems engineering. Certification and security clearances may be required for certain roles in defense or government sectors.

What naval engineering jobs are in the Navy?

Naval engineering jobs in the Navy include roles such as Marine Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Civil Engineer, focusing on the design, maintenance, and repair of ships, submarines, and related systems. These positions often require technical skills, security clearances, and knowledge of naval vessels and systems. Naval engineers work in shipyards, onboard vessels, and in naval facilities to ensure operational readiness and safety.

What cities near Oxnard, CA are hiring for Naval Engineering jobs?

Cities near Oxnard, CA with the most Naval Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Naval Engineering job openings in Oxnard, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,809 per year, or $48 per hour.

Naval Architect

Ventura, CA • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Naval Architect/Engineer
Location: Ventura, California

This position is contingent upon contract award.
This position is responsible for:

  • Combining technical expertise and creative problem-solving to design vessel configurations for variety of research and other Naval projects that includes tasks such as deep-sea placement and retrieval of equipment, installation of heavy-duty crane, and testing of new equipment at-sea.
  • Delivering designs that can be built by the team and are safe, efficient, fit for their intended purpose, and seaworthy on the M/V Independence.
  • Turning high-level governments requirements into initial conceptual design and reliable, detailed price estimates of the resulting build-out for inclusion in binding fixed-price or cost-plus Naval task orders based on government instructions.

Duties:

  • Design configurations on the vessel platform and/or other areas of the vessel to handle any specialized equipment (e.g., crane, loading/unloading of remotely operated vehicle, areas for performing training exercises with any specialized tools).
  • Review task order requests and prepare technical and cost proposals, in collaboration with Program Manager, for ongoing operations and maintenance of vessel.
  • Research where to procure and/or lease equipment and other materials and assets to validate that design can be built in a timely manner.
  • Provide technical guidance for procuring and leasing as well as maintaining inventory of previously acquired materials, assets, and equipment.
  • Serve as lead for repairing or recommending who should repair any assets, prior to returning re-usable assets to inventory after completed projects.
  • Support Program Manager with aligning schedules and workload assignments to handle concurrent projects and activities with a limited pool of staff with other duties.
  • Support planning of complex shipyard overhaul maintenance packages in accordance with as built specifications of the craft. (American Bureau of Shipping, Naval Ships Technical Manuals, Code of Federal Regulations).
  • Work closely with Program Manager to discuss possible projects with Naval and other government customers in the pre-proposal stage about possible uses of the vessels to gain understanding and begin developing ideas for concept of operations.
  • Analyze technical risks and develop/implement mitigation alternatives for avoiding or minimizing impact.

Required Experience:

Must have ability to work independently to develop initial concept and cost estimates.

Must lead teams to design and build the solution on-board either at port or afloat.

Must have proven ability to interact with scientific and other technical personnel who may not be conversant with daily shipboard operations and limitations.

Education/Certifications:

Masters degree in related field OR Bachelors degree and at least 4 years of experience.  

Security Clearance: 

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Top Secret / SCI security clearance.

 Knowledge and Skills:

  • Knowledge of engineering, physics, and materials science to create solutions that are safe, efficient, and seaworthy
  • Understanding of hull design, buoyancy, stability, and marine propulsion systems and how research/project solutions may impact vessel
  • Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software and naval architecture software
  • Knowledge of maritime regulations and safety standards 

VETS is an EEO Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

Company Description

VETS is a SBA certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Based in Ashburn, Virginia, VETS has a Southwest operations office in Sierra Vista, Arizona and contract management sites throughout the United States. VETS supports a growing number of U.S. Government defense and civilian agencies with technology, systems engineering, as well as construction and program management support services.