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Ocean Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sofar Ocean

Senior Firmware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · 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 ...

Sofar Ocean

Senior Firmware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · 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 ...

Sofar Ocean

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$135K - $170K/yr

... and ocean deployments. Minimum Qualifications * 5+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience designing hardware for marine, robotics, aerospace, automotive, or other demanding ...

Sofar Ocean

Senior Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $179K/yr

The Role You will be a key contributor to frontend and backend engineering on cloud software ... You strive for the shared success of improving the health of our oceans and planet by shipping a ...

Menlo Ventures

Marine Systems Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering * 3+ years designing and releasing mechanical systems for production ...

Arc Boat Company

Marine Mechanical Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering * 3+ years designing and releasing mechanical systems for production ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 due to ongoing needs in offshore energy, marine infrastructure, and environmental monitoring. Employment opportunities are available in research institutions, government agencies, and private companies, often requiring skills in CAD, project management, and knowledge of marine environments.

What does an ocean engineer do?

An ocean engineer designs, develops, and maintains equipment and systems used in marine environments, such as ships, offshore platforms, 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 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 are based in research facilities, shipyards, or offshore platforms and may require certifications in safety and engineering standards.

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 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,945 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Project Engineer - Construction Management

Foth

Richmond, CA • On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform coastal engineering analyses, including wave and structural calculations, to support the design of waterfront, marine, and shoreline protection systems

  • Develop and review engineering design drawings, technical details, and specifications for coastal, waterfront, and dredging projects

  • Support construction activities by providing technical oversight, responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, and conducting site visits for Bay Area marine/coastal projects

Job description

Foth is a 100% member-owned science and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Wisconsin, with over 85 years of success. Our 750 members across 33 locations are dedicated to solving our clients’ toughest science and engineering challenges. Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based, collaborative, and flexible work environment with professional growth opportunities. If you thrive working alongside a smart and caring team, Foth may be the place for you.
Join our team and experience the Foth difference that contributes to our impressive 92+% member retention rate! Learn more at foth.com/careers. 


Foth is currently seeking a team-focused, innovative, and results-oriented Project Engineer to support our coastal, waterfront, and dredging projects across ports, marinas, shorelines, and marine infrastructure.  You’ll work closely with project managers, scientists, and construction teams to help bring challenging civil/environmental engineering, marine construction, coastal resilience, and waterfront infrastructure development projects from concept through construction, supporting communities, ports, and natural ecosystems. The ideal candidate will be located near Petaluma or the greater San Francisco Bay area and willing to travel to client sites around Petaluma 30-50% of the time.  
Projects You'll Support:
  • Marina and port facility upgrades
  • Dredging and beneficial use planning
  • Shoreline stabilization, dune/berm restoration, and coastal resiliency efforts
  • Marine terminal improvements and structural rehabilitations
Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform coastal engineering analyses—including wave and structural calculations—to support the design of waterfront, marine, and shoreline protection systems
  • Develop and review engineering design drawings, technical details, and specifications for coastal, waterfront, and dredging projects
  • Prepare construction documents such as plans, specifications, engineering reports, and technical memoranda
  • Support construction activities by providing technical oversight, responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, and conducting site visits for Bay Area marine/coastal projects
  • Assist in the planning, engineering, rehabilitation, and construction of shoreline stabilization measures and marine infrastructure
  • Apply Foth’s engineering and project delivery methodologies to maintain quality, schedule alignment, and cost awareness
  • Evaluate project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and contribute to standard work practices that improve technical consistency
  • Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of coastal and marine infrastructure regulations—especially in California—to ensure compliant engineering solutions
  • Support Project Managers by contributing to project schedules, budgets, task coordination, and deliverable tracking
  • Assist with technical approaches and proposal development for coastal engineering tasks and multi‑disciplinary projects, while contributing to Foth’s technical library and best practices
Required Qualifications:
  • 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
  • 4+ years of hands-on construction oversight and field services experience, including coordinating with contractors, verifying design compliance, and resolving onsite engineering issues
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in California or ability to obtain within 24 months of eligibility
  • Professional experience in coastal/marine engineering, including integration of engineering and environmental considerations and experience with design–bid–build projects
  • Demonstrated experience in regulatory coordination, permitting negotiations, and resolving technical/environmental issues
  • Experience supporting proposals, cost estimates, and funding strategies, including familiarity with state and federal infrastructure grant or loan programs
 
The base compensation listed for this job posting reflects a general range for the posted position. Base compensation will vary based on factors such as: years of experience, location, level of responsibility and licenses/certifications. In addition to base compensation, Foth members may be eligible to receive bonuses through our Earned Performance Incentive program. All employees are eligible for On-the-Spot bonuses.  Exempt members are also eligible for either quarterly and/or annual bonuses.  Eligible full-time and part-time members will be offered medical, dental, vision insurance, employee assistance program, disability, retirement, holiday pay, and several other voluntary benefits. Regular full-time members are also eligible for paid time off.  Please reach out to the recruiting team to discuss any specific benefits or compensation questions.
 
Note: In some situations, we may consider an alternative position based on your skill set and experience. This may result in a different compensation range.
All Foth Companies are equal opportunity employers, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. All locations are tobacco-free.  Subject to applicable state law, all applicants who have received a written offer of employment and a copy of Foth’s Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Program Policy, will be required to undergo testing for commonly abused controlled substances. Applicants must complete the required drug testing within two business days of offer acceptance.  Foth will pay for all drug testing, which will be conducted by a licensed independent medical laboratory that follows testing requirements in accordance with applicable state law.
 
Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
 
Notice to Third Party Recruiters/Agencies: Foth does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed recruiting agreement coordinated through Foth, Foth reserves the right to pursue and hire candidates without financial obligation to third party recruiters or agencies.

Artificial Intelligence: Foth uses artificial intelligence and other technology-assisted tools in connection with parts of our recruiting and hiring process, including to assist with reviewing application materials, identifying potentially qualified candidates, sourcing candidates, and supporting interview preparation. These tools are used to support, but do not replace, human decision-making, and all employment decisions are made by qualified human reviewers. Where required by law, we will provide additional information regarding the use of these tools, and applicants may contact us with questions or request reasonable accommodation regarding their use.