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Ocean Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dragados USA

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 ...

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 ...

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Aerospace and Ocean Engineering Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific The PHASE research group within the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean ...

PCCI

Project Engineer II Naval Architect

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Job Summary PCCI is seeking a motivated Project Engineer / Naval Architect to support marine engineering, naval architecture, ocean engineering, salvage, mooring, and offshore systems projects. The ...

PCCI

Project Engineer II Naval Architect

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Job Summary PCCI is seeking a motivated Project Engineer / Naval Architect to support marine engineering, naval architecture, ocean engineering, salvage, mooring, and offshore systems projects. The ...

G2 Ops, Inc.

Systems Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

They are seeking a motivated Systems Engineer to contribute to mission architecture analysis ... From the Ocean Floor to Orbit. Founded in 2013, the company is headquartered in Virginia Beach, USA ...

SubCom

Engineer in Charge (6538)

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable engineering, cable jointing, logistics, underwater vehicles, and acquisition. * May have supervisory responsibilities of company ...

SubCom

Engineer in Charge (6537)

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable engineering, cable jointing, logistics, underwater vehicles, and acquisition. * May have supervisory responsibilities of company ...

SubCom

Engineer in Charge (6273)

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

Interfaces with all Ocean Operations functional groups including cable engineering, cable jointing, logistics, underwater vehicles, and acquisition. * May have supervisory responsibilities of company ...

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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 Aug 7, 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 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 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 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,578 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Project Engineer (Mechanical)

Oceaneering International, Inc.

Chesapeake, VA

$74K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Oceaneering rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

366th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

The Project Engineer has mastery of at least one core engineering principle and advanced knowledge of related engineering fields.  The Project Engineer independently directs and technically manages engineering and design activities under the guidance of a Project Manager, and is responsible for tracking progress and technical adequacy of the design solution. The Project Engineer interacts with all ADTECH departments as necessary to provide engineering support to ADTECH manufacturing, integration, and test activities, and provides work leadership for lower level employees. 

ESSENTIAL

  • Develop and apply advanced engineering analytical and design methods, theories and research techniques, to complex engineering projects.
  • Coordinate and supervise a team of engineers, designers, drafters, technical writers, and technicians.
  • Review progress and evaluate results of work accomplished by self and others.
  • Technically manage projects of moderate scope.
  • Estimate resource requirements to meet technical and scheduling objectives.
  • Review and approve the completion and implementation of technical products to meet the customer requirements.
  • Demonstrate excellent technical judgment, independent evaluation and innovative solutions to problems.
  • Write test procedures, conduct tests, compile and evaluate test data, and complete required documentation.
  • Interact with customer representatives to define and manage customer expectations.
  • Participate in Technical Working Groups to assess and improve ADTECH processes and capabilities.
  • Assist in bid and proposal efforts by providing cost estimations, technical approach definitions, and input to baseline schedule data.
  • Domestic and international travel, including shipboard operations.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

REQUIRED

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent experience, from an accredited institution.
  • 5-10 years of practical technical experience in the engineering process, including concept development, analysis, design, drawing, integration and testing of complex mechanical and/or ocean deployed systems.
  • 2 or more years of management experience leading multidisciplinary design teams.
  • Responsible for producing significant portions of individual project mechanical designs
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical groups and interact with customer representatives.
  • Proficiency in the application of current engineering software (i.e. SolidWorks, ANSYS, Matlab, etc), and Microsoft Office
  • Able to apply an advanced knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of mechanical engineering and an understanding of related engineering fields.
  • Work closely with electrical, software, and systems engineers, as well as other cooperative disciplines, to solve problems and constructively architect a working system.
  • Responsible and accountable for your results, working with considerable autonomy, but also knowing when to ask for assistance.
  • Ability to obtain a United States Government Department of Defense Security Clearance (active clearances preferred, but not prerequisite)
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Desire to stretch and expand your talents, expertise, competency, and responsibilities.

DESIRED

  • Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering or a related field, from an accredited institution.
  • Exercise excellent technical judgement, creativity, and initiative with attention to detail consistently throughout your work product, with awareness of the "system" perspective.
  • Strong communication, organizational and technical writing skills, including ability to effectively document, convey, and present engineering concepts and products to team members and customers.
  • Knowledge and/or experience in the marine industry, fielding Ship Board systems and associated technologies.
  • Hands-on abilities for assembling mechanical components.

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