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Ocean Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Richmond, CA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Title: Sr. Systems Engineer Location: On-Site - Richmond, CA Reports to: VP of Technology ... and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Richmond, CA · On-site

$165K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Title: Sr. Systems Engineer Location: On-Site - Richmond, CA Reports to: VP of Technology ... and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and ...

Engineer Mechanical IV

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, or Ocean Engineering. Security clearance: * Secret. Location: * San Diego, CA. Prescient Edge is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) founded as a ...

Bachelor's degree in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, ocean engineering, or a related technical discipline. * At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience ...

Bachelor's degree in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, ocean engineering, or a related technical discipline. * At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience ...

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA

$107K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, ocean engineering, or a related technical discipline. * At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience ...

Showing results 21-40

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 cities in California are hiring for Ocean Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Ocean Engineer job openings:

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 Maritime Engineer - Part-time - Secret clearance

LAUKOA

Port Hueneme, CA

$52.88/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Mahalo for your interest in this role! Please see the full position description below and click Start Your Application when ready.

Senior Maritime Engineer

  • Part Time pay Range - $52.88 to 84.13 depending on experience and interview with leadership team
  • Part-Time - 15-20 hrs a week
  • Location - Approved locations for this role - Port Hueneme, CA, Norfolk, VA Washington, DC, Newport, RI, San Diego, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Dahlgren, VA, Keyport, WA Panama City, FL, Newport News, VA
  • Clearance - A successful candidate must have an active "Secret" clearance to be considered.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Maritime Engineer to support engineering, technical, and operational efforts for U.S. Navy and Department of Defense (DoD) customers. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience supporting Navy maritime programs, systems, vessels, waterfront operations, or related engineering initiatives.

This position will provide technical expertise across the planning, development, integration, testing, sustainment, and execution of complex maritime engineering efforts. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a multidisciplinary environment and collaborating with Government customers, engineers, program managers, operational personnel, subcontractors, and other technical stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide engineering and technical support for U.S. Navy maritime, waterfront, and ocean engineering programs and projects.
  • Support the planning, design, development, integration, testing, evaluation, installation, operation, maintenance, and/or sustainment of maritime systems and equipment.
  • Apply engineering principles to evaluate technical requirements, identify solutions, resolve engineering challenges, and support informed technical decision-making.
  • Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, technical data packages, calculations, procedures, manuals, and other technical documentation.
  • Support development and review of engineering designs, concepts, analyses, plans, and technical deliverables.
  • Participate in design reviews, technical interchange meetings, readiness reviews, test events, and other engineering and programmatic reviews.
  • Support system integration, test and evaluation (T&E), verification and validation, troubleshooting, and operational readiness activities.
  • Coordinate engineering activities involving vessels, waterfront infrastructure, maritime equipment, test assets, lifting and handling equipment, or other specialized systems, as applicable.
  • Identify technical risks, constraints, interfaces, and dependencies and assist in developing appropriate mitigation strategies.
  • Support configuration management and ensure engineering changes and technical documentation are appropriately controlled and maintained.
  • Interface directly with Navy and DoD customers to understand mission requirements and translate operational needs into executable engineering solutions.
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, equipment manufacturers, vendors, shipyards, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
  • Support development of technical reports, engineering analyses, cost estimates, schedules, work plans, and other project documentation.
  • Provide on-site engineering and technical support during testing, installation, maintenance, repair, field operations, or other mission activities as required.
  • Ensure engineering activities are performed in accordance with applicable Navy, DoD, industry, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

  • Demonstrated professional engineering experience supporting U.S. Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), or other Navy/DoD maritime organizations or programs.
  • Significant experience supporting maritime, naval, ocean, waterfront, vessel, undersea, or marine engineering efforts.
  • Strong understanding of engineering principles, technical documentation, design review processes, system integration, testing, and engineering change management.
  • Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering and operational teams in complex technical environments.
  • Ability to independently evaluate technical problems and develop practical, mission-focused solutions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Ability to develop and review professional engineering documentation and technical deliverables.
  • Ability to travel to Navy installations, shipyards, waterfront facilities, test sites, or other Government locations as required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain any Government security clearance or installation access required for assigned work.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Systems Engineering, or another relevant engineering or technical discipline preferred.
  • Equivalent combinations of education, specialized technical training, and significant directly relevant Navy/maritime engineering experience may be considered.
  • 10+ years of relevant engineering experience preferred, including substantial experience supporting Navy, DoD, maritime, or naval engineering programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with one or more of the following are strongly preferred:

  • Previous direct support to NAVFAC EXWC, NAVSEA, NSWC, NUWC, or other Navy engineering organizations.
  • Secret Clearance
  • Experience with ocean engineering, undersea systems, unmanned maritime systems, surface or subsurface vessels, waterfront operations, or expeditionary systems.
  • Experience supporting Navy research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) programs.
  • Experience with prototype development, system integration, test planning, test execution, and engineering evaluation.
  • Experience supporting vessel modifications, shipboard systems, maritime equipment, launch and recovery systems, or other specialized marine systems.
  • Experience with waterfront facilities, piers, wharves, cranes, lifting and handling systems, or maritime infrastructure.
  • Experience supporting engineering projects from requirements development and conceptual design through testing, fielding, operation, and sustainment.
  • Familiarity with applicable Navy engineering standards, specifications, technical authorities, safety requirements, and configuration management processes.
  • Experience working directly with Government technical leads, engineers, program managers, and operational personnel.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or other relevant engineering certifications are desirable but not required.

Desired Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be an experienced engineer who understands both the technical and operational realities of supporting Navy maritime missions. We are particularly interested in candidates who can move effectively between engineering analysis and real-world execution—someone who can review a technical design, identify potential risks or integration issues, communicate effectively with the customer, and support implementation in a waterfront, vessel, test, or field environment.

This position is well suited for an engineer who has spent significant time supporting Navy programs and understands the importance of safety, technical rigor, configuration control, operational readiness, schedule, cost, and mission execution in maritime engineering environments.

LAUKOA is an Equal Opportunity/VEVRAA federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LAUKOA gives preference to internal candidates. If no internal candidate meets our qualifications, external candidates will be given consideration