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Ocean Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, or Ocean Engineering. Security clearance: * Secret. Location: * San Diego, CA. Prescient Edge is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) founded as a ...

Bachelor's degree in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, ocean engineering, or a related technical discipline. * At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience ...

Bachelor's degree in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, ocean engineering, or a related technical discipline. * At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience ...

Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Bachelor's degree in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, ocean engineering, or a related technical discipline. * At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience ...

Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Structural, Coastal, Marine, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field * 5+ years of engineering consulting experience supporting civil infrastructure projects ...

Bachelor's degree in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, ocean engineering, or a related technical discipline. * At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience ...

Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Structural, Coastal, Marine, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field * 5+ years of engineering consulting experience supporting civil infrastructure projects ...

Bachelor's degree in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, ocean engineering, or a related technical discipline. * At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience ...

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. * Minimum 5 years of combined experience in roles such as Field Engineer, Project Engineer ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$150 - $190/hr

... oceans and planet by shipping a cohesive, elegant and impactful product. This role will be working onsite from our Pier 28 office at least 3 days per week and reporting to our Senior Engineering ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$147K - $200K/yr

... oceans and planet by shipping a cohesive, elegant and impactful product. This role will be working onsite from our Pier 28 office at least 3 days per week and reporting to our Senior Engineering ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Engineer Mechanical IV

Prescient Edge

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Title
Engineer Mechanical IV
Location
San Diego, CA 22400 US (Primary)
Category
Research, Development, and Engineering
Job Type
Full-Time
Career Level
Staff
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Security Clearance Required
Secret
Job Description
Prescient Edge is seeking an Engineer Mechanical IVto support a federal government client.
Please note that the availability of this position is contingent upon.
Benefits:
At Prescient Edge, we believe that acting with integrity and serving our employees is the key to everyone's success. To that end, we provide employees with a best-in-class benefits package that includes:
  • A competitive salary with performance bonus opportunities.
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, vision, dental, and orthodontia coverage.
  • A substantial retirement plan with no vesting schedule.
  • Career development opportunities, including on-the-job training, tuition reimbursement, and networking.
  • A positive work environment where employees are respected, supported, and engaged.

Description:
  • Mechanical engineers research, develop, design, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other mechanical devices.
  • They work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines.
  • They also develop power-using machines such as refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing.
  • Mechanical engineers also design tools that other engineers need for their work.
  • Mechanical engineers rely on computers to assist them in efficiently performing computations, and by permitting the modeling and simulation of new designs as well as facilitating changes to existing designs.
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are used for design data processing and for turning the design into a product.

Job Requirements
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.
  • 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.

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, or Ocean Engineering.

Security clearance:
  • Secret.

Location:
  • San Diego, CA.

Prescient Edge is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) founded as a counterintelligence (CI) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) company in 2008. We are a global operations and solutions integrator delivering full-spectrum intelligence analysis support, training, security, and RD&E support solutions to the Department of Defense and throughout the intelligence community. Prescient Edge is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by law. We strive to foster equity and inclusion throughout our organization because we believe that diversity of thought is critical for creating a safe and engaging work environment while also enabling the organization's success.

Prescient Edge logo

About Prescient Edge

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Prescient Edge is a prominent name in the global security industry, based out of McLean, VA, US. Established with the primary mission of harnessing science and technology for safety and security purposes, the company specializes in providing a wide range of products and services. This includes research and development, consulting, global operations support, intelligence evaluation, and advanced data solutions. These offerings make Prescient Edge an integral factor in national defense and commercial innovations.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

2008

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