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Ocean Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applied Physical Sciences and General Dynamics

Successful candidates will have a BS degree in ocean engineering or a related field and will focus on building foundational skills and proficiency within their domain. They will be responsible for ...

Applied Physical Sciences and General Dynamics

Successful candidates will have a BS degree in ocean engineering or a related field and will focus on building foundational skills and proficiency within their domain. They will be responsible for ...

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Ocean Engineering information

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$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do ocean engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for ocean engineering in the United States is $146,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is ocean engineering?

Ocean engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, development, and maintenance of structures and systems that operate in the ocean environment. This field combines elements of mechanical, civil, electrical, and environmental engineering to address challenges such as offshore energy production, underwater robotics, coastal protection, and marine transportation. Ocean engineers work on projects like oil platforms, underwater vehicles, renewable energy installations, and coastal infrastructure, ensuring they are safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. The work often involves multidisciplinary collaboration and adapting to the unique and harsh conditions of marine environments.

How much money do ocean engineers make?

Ocean engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $90,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $130,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills, certifications, and working in specialized environments can lead to higher compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ocean Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ocean Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, civil, or marine engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in ocean engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, ocean modeling tools, and industry certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you excel in multidisciplinary, often challenging marine environments. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, innovative solutions to complex problems in ocean structures, vessels, and coastal systems.

What can you do with an ocean engineering degree?

An ocean engineering degree prepares individuals for careers designing, building, and maintaining offshore structures, ships, and underwater systems. Graduates often work in fields such as marine renewable energy, subsea engineering, and coastal protection, utilizing skills in fluid dynamics, materials science, and computer-aided design. Certification and knowledge of industry standards are also important for many roles.

What is the difference between Ocean Engineering vs Marine Engineering?

AspectOcean EngineeringMarine Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ocean Engineering or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Marine Engineering or Naval Architecture
Work EnvironmentOffshore platforms, research vessels, coastal facilitiesShip design, propulsion systems, shipyard environments
Industry UsageResearch, offshore oil & gas, renewable energyShipbuilding, maritime transportation, naval defense

Ocean Engineering and Marine Engineering share overlapping skills and credentials, but differ mainly in focus. Ocean Engineering emphasizes offshore structures, ocean systems, and research, while Marine Engineering concentrates on ship design, propulsion, and maritime operations. Both fields are vital in maritime industries, but their specific applications and work environments distinguish them.

Is ocean engineering a good career?

Ocean engineering is a specialized field focused on designing and maintaining systems related to the ocean environment, such as ships, offshore structures, and underwater vehicles. It offers opportunities in research, environmental protection, and energy sectors, often requiring strong technical skills in mathematics, physics, and engineering tools. The career can be rewarding for those interested in marine environments and technological innovation, with job prospects varying by industry demand and geographic location.

What are some typical challenges ocean engineers face when working on offshore projects?

Ocean engineers often encounter challenges such as harsh weather conditions, unpredictable sea states, and complex logistical issues when working offshore. Ensuring the safety and durability of structures like oil rigs, underwater pipelines, or renewable energy platforms in these environments requires careful planning, advanced engineering techniques, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, ocean engineers must consider environmental regulations and the impact of their projects on marine ecosystems. These challenges make strong problem-solving skills and adaptability essential for success in this field.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In engineering fields, senior roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and certain specialized software or systems engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, often with experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High-paying positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive expertise, and work in high-demand industries or executive-level roles.
More about Ocean Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Ocean Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Ocean Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ocean Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Ocean Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Ocean Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Ocean Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ocean Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ocean Engineering jobs are:
Ocean Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ocean Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,868 per year, or $70.6 per hour.
Offshore Ocean Engineer

Offshore Ocean Engineer

Advanced Technology and Research Corporation

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Offshore Ocean Engineer
Location: FT. Lauderdale, FL Type: Full Time Min. Experience: Mid-Level: Salary Range: $130,000 to $150,000 USD per year
Advanced Technology & Research Corporation (www.atrcorp.com) is seeking to fill the following full-time permanent position. Based in Maryland and incorporated in 1973, ATR is an equal-opportunity engineering company with a solid reputation in various engineering disciplines for the government and Fortune 500 commercial customers.
Salary for the position is competitive according to qualifications. ATR offers an attractive comprehensive benefits package, including Medical/Dental insurances, free basic life/ADD, and long-term and short-term disability insurances, 401(k) plan, educational assistance program, and paid time off.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful applicant will join ATR's Engineering Services Division, working as an Ocean Engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility, (SFOMF). In support of the U.S. Navy, the SFOMF conducts Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) work in the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to Fort Lauderdale, FL. The applicant will work as part of a design, test, and evaluation team and will also work with the team on operating and maintaining ocean systems.
The applicant will be required to conceptualize components and assemblies utilizing their unique set of skills to solve problems related to ocean engineering. The applicant shall support, lead, and manage projects that are electro-mechanical in nature that must consider the ocean environment in their design. The position is hands on and the applicant is expected to be knowledgeable in ocean systems design, fabrication, assembly, and integration. While working independently or as part of a project team, the applicant will trouble-shoot a variety of electro-mechanical laboratory and field systems. The work requires the generation of formal design drawings and documentation using appropriate software tools.
The applicant will develop project plans and test plans and conduct land/ocean-based field tests/demonstrations of advanced sensor systems.
In addition, the applicant will support at-sea testing by conducting ship checks, planning for deployment and recovery of systems, coordinating field test hardware and shipping, and maintaining and installing winches, cranes, and other electro-mechanical equipment.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Minimum Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering
  • 5+ years of ocean engineering and marine industry experience
  • Experience with detailed development, integration, and evaluation of technical solutions for maritime payloads, autonomous vehicles, acoustic systems, communications systems, and vehicle autonomy
  • Job experience with the Navy or other DoD laboratories is a plus

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to apply diverse set of skills to solve complex problems related to Ocean Environment
  • Fluent in SOLIDWORKS, Project, Power Point, MS Word & Excel
  • Working knowledge of OrcaFlex, ANSYS, Python, and MATLAB
  • Assist with and lead offshore operations
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
  • Travel to other Navy sites may be required (occasionally)

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Candidate must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance or favorable adjudication of a national security background investigation. Current successful background investigation completion is a plus.
Qualified Candidates should send their resume to [email protected]

Apply