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Ocean Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Senior Thermal Engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

About the Company We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly ... About the Job We are looking for a Senior Thermal Engineer who will own the end-to-end thermal ...

Showing results 41-60

Ocean Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$25.9K

$76.5K

$146.6K

How much do ocean engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for ocean engineer in Oregon is $76,486.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,361.00 and $81,288.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the need for designing and maintaining offshore structures, renewable energy projects, and maritime infrastructure. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as industries focus on sustainable energy and ocean resource exploration, requiring specialized skills and knowledge of marine environments.

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 and marine technology can lead to higher compensation. Many positions also require knowledge of CAD software and safety standards.

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Ocean Engineer jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Ocean Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Ocean Engineer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,486 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Structures

Panthalassa

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

About the Company
We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.
The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis.
About the Job
We are developing a core technology, the "Node", that will operate in the worst conditions the world's oceans have to offer for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention.
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Structures you will own the design, development, and analysis of Node structures and subsystems from concept through deployment at sea, ensuring their designs are simple, manufacturable, and reliable in demanding offshore environments.
This position requires a highly motivated, hands-on engineer who thrives in ambiguity, can execute with autonomy, and is eager to take on end-to-end ownership, defining requirements and architecture and driving through design, prototype testing, and final build at our factory. The job requires a deep understanding of load paths, design for manufacturability, welded structures, subassembly design, and fabrication. We expect you to be especially strong in analysis and to gravitate toward first-principles, fundamental-physics approaches to problem solving. As one of the most experienced engineers on the team, you will set the technical bar, serving as a person whose judgment the team leans on when the right answer isn't obvious.
Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis. If you are an excellent engineer, regardless of your background, we want you to apply.
Responsibilities
  • Own the design, analysis, and development of Node structures, secondary structures, and subassemblies.
  • Perform structural and dynamic analysis (FEA, hand calcs, margins, etc.) to validate designs including fatigue analysis.
  • Steer system definition, layout, requirements, and verification.
  • Create and maintain component and assembly CAD models.
  • Create detailed component and assembly drawings with a strong grasp of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-ups.
  • Drive design trade studies and engineering reviews, helping document decisions and technical findings.
  • Drive material selection and corrosion-conscious detailing for long-duration seawater service.
  • Plan and support structural validation testing, from coupon/component tests through prototype and at-sea trials.
  • Collaborate with offshore operations, technicians, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical and buildable.
  • Mentor less-experienced engineers and set design and analysis standards the team builds on.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of experience in designing mechanical or structural systems for complex hardware applications.
  • Strong knowledge of strength and stability hand calculations for structural sizing and model validation.
  • Strong understanding of mechanics of materials, material failure modes, and associated analysis methods.
  • Familiarity with a wide set of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, forming, and joining methods.
  • Proficiency with CAD software and assembly management.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
Desired Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related technical field.
  • 7+ years of demonstrated experience designing and analyzing primary structures subject to aerodynamic or hydrodynamic loads.
  • Proficiency with NX/Teamcenter.
  • Proficiency with NASTRAN/Simcenter.
  • Experience designing welded steel structures.
  • Experience utilizing relevant parts of codes/standards (e.g., DNV, ABS, AWS D1.1, BPVC) for novel applications.

The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.
Compensation and Benefits
If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:
  • Cash compensation of $160,000 - $210,000
  • Equity in the company. We're all owners and if we're successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
  • A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
    • Flexible paid time off
    • Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
    • Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents)
    • Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
    • Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long term financial support if you become disabled)
    • Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
  • Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).
Location
This is an on-site position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon.