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Ocean Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dragados

Senior Field Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college/university in Marine or Ocean Engineering, Construction Management or related field * Knowledge of construction safety as well as current ...

STR

Lead Program Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

A successful candidate will have recent and significant program manager experience in several of the following areas: undersea warfare, sonar systems, ocean engineering, modeling and simulation, test ...

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All JobsOcean Engineer JobsOcean Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Ocean Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$25.3K

$74.6K

$143K

How much do ocean engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for ocean engineer in Virginia is $74,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,030.00 and $79,261.00 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 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ocean Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Ocean Engineer job openings:

Ocean Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ocean Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,578 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Phd Student In Coastal Engineering

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Old Dominion University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Company Description Old Dominion University (ODU) is a forward-focused public research university in Norfolk, Virginia, recognized for rigorous academics and strong industry and community partnerships that contribute significantly to the state’s economy. ODU offers more than 120 undergraduate and over 130 graduate programs, including doctoral degrees. Students benefit from comprehensive support services, including academic advising, peer mentoring, resource centers, and career development services, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities.

Role Description The PhD Student in Coastal Engineering will engage in full-time doctoral study and research within the coastal and ocean engineering focus area at Old Dominion University, based on-site in Norfolk, VA. Day-to-day responsibilities include conducting original research on coastal processes and infrastructure, developing and applying numerical and physical models, analyzing large environmental and engineering datasets, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. The role involves working closely with faculty advisors and research teams, participating in lab meetings and seminars, assisting with proposal development, and potentially supporting undergraduate teaching and mentoring. This position is designed for individuals committed to advancing knowledge in coastal resilience, coastal hazards, and sustainable coastal engineering solutions.

Qualifications

  • Strong foundation in civil, coastal, ocean, or environmental engineering, or a closely related field; master’s degree preferred, but exceptional bachelor’s degree candidates may be considered.
  • Experience with coastal and ocean processes.
  • Familiarity with physical/numerical modeling and machine learning tools.
  • Strong research and excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams, manage time effectively, and meet research milestones with minimal supervision.

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