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Ocean Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sofar Ocean

Senior Firmware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

You strive to improve the health of our oceans and planet by shipping a cohesive, elegant and ... Work alongside electrical and mechanical engineers in designing, integrating, testing and debugging ...

Sofar Ocean

Senior Firmware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$147K - $200K/yr

You strive to improve the health of our oceans and planet by shipping a cohesive, elegant and ... Work alongside electrical and mechanical engineers in designing, integrating, testing and debugging ...

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Ocean Engineer information

What does an ocean engineer do?

An Ocean Engineer designs, develops, and maintains technology and structures used in marine environments. They work on offshore platforms, underwater robotics, coastal protection systems, and renewable ocean energy projects. Their role involves solving engineering challenges related to underwater pressure, corrosion, and wave impact. Ocean Engineers collaborate with marine scientists and environmentalists to create sustainable solutions for ocean exploration and resource utilization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ocean engineer?

To thrive as an Ocean Engineer, you need a strong background in marine engineering principles, physics, mathematics, and a relevant engineering degree such as naval architecture or ocean engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, computational modeling tools, underwater robotics, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are often required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help Ocean Engineers excel in multidisciplinary and often remote environments. These abilities ensure safe, innovative, and efficient solutions to complex challenges encountered in marine and offshore projects.

What are typical work environments and daily tasks for an ocean engineer?

Ocean Engineers often split their time between office-based design work and field assignments, such as conducting underwater surveys or supervising offshore installations. Daily tasks may include designing marine structures, analyzing environmental data, preparing technical reports, and collaborating with scientists, divers, and other engineers. Many projects involve working as part of a multidisciplinary team to address challenges like corrosion, environmental impact, and safety compliance. The role can require travel and periods working at sea, offering a dynamic and varied work environment for those who enjoy both technical and hands-on experiences.

Are ocean engineers in demand?

Ocean engineers are in demand due to ongoing needs in offshore energy, marine infrastructure, and environmental monitoring. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as industries seek expertise in designing and maintaining underwater systems and structures, often requiring knowledge of fluid dynamics, materials, and specialized tools. Job prospects are generally favorable for qualified professionals with relevant technical skills and certifications.

How much do ocean engineers get paid?

Ocean engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or specialized skills in subsea systems or marine environments can lead to higher compensation, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What kind of jobs are in ocean engineering?

Ocean engineers work on designing, building, and maintaining equipment and structures used in marine environments, such as offshore oil platforms, renewable energy devices, and underwater vehicles. They often use skills in fluid dynamics, materials science, and computer-aided design, and may work in research, construction, or project management roles in the maritime industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ocean Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Ocean Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Ocean Engineer jobs in California?

For Ocean Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ocean Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Ocean Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Ocean Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Ocean Engineer job openings:

Ocean Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ocean Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Senior Underwater Sensors Engineer

The MITRE Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.
The Maritime and Acoustics Department in MITRE's Signals and Electronics Division is a cross-domain team of engineers and scientists working at the intersection of underwater acoustics, HF propagation, sonar analysis, acoustic communications, and prototype sensing systems. We work on some of the most technically demanding problems in undersea and maritime defense, designing and testing prototype systems, developing propagation models and sensing algorithms, and advancing acoustic communications for contested environments, all in direct support of government sponsors with real-world mission impact. Our work spans physics-based modeling and algorithm development, hands-on hardware prototyping and evaluation in the BlueTech Lab, and field testing of systems in operational environments.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Senior Underwater Sensors Engineer to contribute across research and development, modeling and simulation, rapid prototyping, and testing and evaluation in support of national maritime defense priorities. Desired backgrounds span acoustic communications, maritime sensing, and oceanography, as well as electrical, computer, mechanical, or ocean engineering disciplines with a foundation in signals, systems, or applied physics. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical leadership in their established areas of expertise, while also being confident contributing to and leading work across domains.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop signal processing algorithms for underwater sensing and acoustic communication systems
  • Conduct physics-based and empirical modeling of acoustic propagation and undersea sensor system performance
  • Rapidly prototype sensors, communication platforms, and embedded underwater systems, advancing hardware from concept through field-ready integration
  • Plan and execute field testing and BlueTech Lab evaluations, translating test results into actionable findings for government sponsors
  • Contribute to the design of transducers and acoustic sensors for small form-factor and autonomous underwater system applications
  • Analyze complex, multi-dimensional maritime datasets and deliver clear, defensible recommendations that sponsors can act on
  • Support sponsor engagement by communicating technical findings, shaping research directions, and responding to emerging mission needs
  • Collaborate across department technical domains including sonar analysis, multi-domain wave propagation, and acoustic communication and sensing

Basic Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a master's or a PhD with relevant experience who can immediately contribute; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field.
  • Candidates must have a strong technical background with experience in one or more of the following: acoustic, radar, and/or sonar signal processing, algorithm development, detection and estimation theory, wave propagation, numerical methods, experimental data analysis, prototype development, and/or communication theory.
  • Experience using analytical software tools such as MATLAB or Python for modeling, simulation, and analysis of physical systems.
  • This position requires an active Secret security clearance
  • Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements for a clearance, U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance.
  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field.
  • Expertise in acoustic, radar, and sonar signal processing, and prototype development.
  • Experience with field testing of maritime devices.
  • Ability to foster effective working relationships with internal and external parties.
  • Experience with US government systems and US government research ecosystem.
  • Possess an external network of government sponsors and contacts.
  • Proactive self-starter with strong analytical, problem solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret
This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Secret
Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$126,800 - $158,500 - $190,200 Annual
Work Location Type:
Hybrid
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.
MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.
Benefits information may be found here.
Copyright 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

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About MITRE

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Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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