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Ocean Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Mechanical Engineer

Escondido, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, or Ocean Engineering and 9 years experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Required Security Clearance: * Must have an active secret ...

SAIC

Mechanical Engineer

Spring Valley, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, or Ocean Engineering and 9 years experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Required Security Clearance: * Must have an active secret ...

SAIC

Mechanical Engineer

Del Mar, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, or Ocean Engineering and 9 years experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Required Security Clearance: * Must have an active secret ...

SAIC

Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, or Ocean Engineering and 9 years experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Required Security Clearance: * Must have an active secret ...

SAIC

Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, or Ocean Engineering and 9 years experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Required Security Clearance: * Must have an active secret ...

SAIC

Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, or Ocean Engineering and 9 years experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Required Security Clearance: * Must have an active secret ...

Laukoa

Senior Maritime Engineer/Secret Clearance

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$110K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide engineering and technical support for U.S. Navy maritime, waterfront, and ocean engineering programs and projects. * Support the planning, design, development, integration, testing ...

LAUKOA

Senior Maritime Engineer/Secret Clearance

San Diego, CA

$110K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide engineering and technical support for U.S. Navy maritime, waterfront, and ocean engineering programs and projects. * Support the planning, design, development, integration, testing ...

New

DAWSON

Senior Maritime Engineer/Secret Clearance

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$110K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide engineering and technical support for U.S. Navy maritime, waterfront, and ocean engineering programs and projects. * Support the planning, design, development, integration, testing ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOcean Engineering JobsOcean Engineering Jobs in California

Ocean Engineering information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$144.9K

$171.7K

How much do ocean engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for ocean engineering in California is $144,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $170,700.00 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.

What kind of jobs are in ocean engineering?

Ocean engineering offers jobs such as offshore structural engineer, marine systems designer, subsea engineer, and coastal engineer. These roles involve designing, constructing, and maintaining maritime infrastructure, often requiring knowledge of fluid dynamics, materials science, and specialized tools like CAD software. Many positions require a bachelor's or master's degree in ocean or marine engineering and safety certifications for working at sea or in hazardous environments.

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 does an ocean engineer do?

An ocean engineer designs, develops, and maintains equipment and systems used in marine environments, such as ships, offshore structures, and underwater vehicles. They often work with hydrodynamics, materials, and environmental considerations, using tools like CAD software and adhering to safety and environmental standards.

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.

Are ocean engineers in demand?

Ocean engineers are in demand in industries such as offshore energy, maritime construction, and environmental monitoring, especially as renewable energy projects and marine infrastructure expand. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of fluid dynamics, materials, and specialized tools like CAD software, with a growing need for sustainable and innovative solutions in marine environments.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Ocean Engineering jobs in California?

The most popular types of Ocean Engineering jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Ocean Engineering jobs in California?

For Ocean Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ocean Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Ocean Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Ocean Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Ocean Engineering job openings:

Ocean Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ocean Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,945 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

SAIC

Escondido, CA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for the Unmanned Maritime Systems Support (UMSS) effort. This program will entail support of the Expeditionary Unmanned Systems (ExUS) project, unmanned equipment development and testing and logistics support for the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC).
This position is contingent upon award news, expected September 2026. This position is on site in San Diego, CA.
The Mechanical Engineer will provide mechanical engineering support to the Mission Support Equipment (MSE) group to sustain, maintain, and enhance the reliability, maintainability, and supportability of support equipment used with MK 18 FoS Systems.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, or Ocean Engineering and 9 years experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Required Security Clearance:
  • Must have an active secret clearance on first day of employment.
Desired Qualifications and Experience:
  • 4 years of experience with design, testing, production, and documentation of marine environment hardware.
  • 2 years of experience with 3D CAD programs, to include SolidWorks, SolidEdge, or Inventor.
  • FEA experience for dynamic structures.
  • 12 years of experience in the design of electro-mechanical systems preferred.
  • 8 years of experience designing MK 18 Support Equipment, to include the 11 m Experience with Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) Side Launch and Recovery System (SL&RS) and the Stern Gate Launch and Recovery (SGL&R) device.
  • 10 years of demonstrated experience in the design of electro-mechanical systems.

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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