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Ocean Engineering Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer, Structures

Portland, OR · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

About the Company We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly ... Drive design trade studies and engineering reviews, helping document decisions and technical ...

Lead Mechanical Engineer, Structures

Portland, OR · On-site

$117K - $141K/yr

About the Company We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly ... A degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, naval architecture, marine engineering ...

Lead NX Design Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

About the Company We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly ... While the broader engineering team owns the hardware in the full lifecycle, you will own the ...

Lead NX Design Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

About the Company We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly ... While the broader engineering team owns the hardware in the full lifecycle, you will own the ...

Lead NX Design Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

About the Company We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly ... While the broader engineering team owns the hardware in the full lifecycle, you will own the ...

Showing results 41-60

Ocean Engineering information

See Oregon salary details

$49.2K

$155.3K

$184K

How much do ocean engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for ocean engineering in Oregon is $155,281.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,200.00 and $182,900.00 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 popular job titles related to Ocean Engineering jobs in Oregon?

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

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Ocean Engineering jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Ocean Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Ocean Engineering job openings in Oregon as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,281 per year, or $74.7 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer, Marine Operations

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, build, and test bespoke support equipment for deployment, retrieval, inspection, and maintenance of offshore assets.

  • Conduct trade studies, perform engineering analyses, create detailed designs, and bring these designs to operational readiness.

  • Support offshore operations through initial system commissioning and sustaining engineering.


Job description

About the Company

We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.

The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis.

Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Tesla, Apple, Virgin Orbit, Astra, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries.

About the Job

Our core technology is the node, a device that produces energy in the ocean's harshest conditions for years at a time without human maintenance or intervention.

Once our nodes leave the manufacturing facility, they must be deployed, operated, and maintained safely and reliably across vast oceanic regions-all at an unprecedented scale and at reduced cost. As a Senior Engineer, Marine Operations, you will play a critical role in overcoming these challenges by designing, building, and testing bespoke support equipment that facilitates deployment, retrieval, inspection, and maintenance of our offshore assets.

In this role, you will drive the development of essential mechanical assets from cradle to grave. You will conduct trade studies to identify optimal system architectures, perform engineering analyses, create detailed designs, and bring these designs to operational readiness. Additionally, you will support offshore operators utilizing these tools through initial commissioning and sustaining engineering.

Engineers who are hands-on and solutions-oriented, with exposure to the breadth of mechanical disciplines, will thrive in this role. A passion for lifelong learning is a requisite. If you thrive in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment and are eager to develop the next generation of offshore energy infrastructure, we want to hear from you.

We strive to be the best engineering team on the planet, and we compensate our team accordingly.

Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to thrive in a creative, scrappy, and collaborative environment in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis. You will own your designs cradle-to-grave, from first concept through fabrication and deployment at sea. If you are an excellent engineer, regardless of your background, we want you to apply.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as the Responsible Engineer for the development of novel marine support systems (aspects of these systems may include steel structures/weldments, mechanisms, pneumatics/hydraulics, and industrial controls/data acquisition).
  • Complete trade studies to identify preferred architectures/requirements.
  • Carry out relevant engineering analysis individually and manage the support of subject matter experts as required.
  • Detail the design of bespoke mechanical equipment (CAD modeling, development of schematics, etc.).
  • Execute and oversee the fabrication, testing, and commissioning of critical assets.
  • Support offshore operations through initial commissioning of new systems and sustaining engineering.
Required Qualifications
  • BS or higher in mechanical engineering.
  • Experience owning the development of novel hardware from concept through commissioning.
  • Excellent understanding of engineering fundamentals relevant to marine systems (welded structures, mechanical assemblies, hydraulics/pneumatics, industrial automation & data acquisition, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to solve problems that lack clear examples or well-defined requirements.
  • Capable of managing critical vendor relations.
  • Thrives in a culture of personal ownership.
  • Competent with 3D modeling software and design practices (Siemens NX preferred).
Desired Qualifications
  • Ability to perform structural FEA.
  • Understanding (or willingness to independently learn) the basics of data acquisition & industrial automation systems.
  • Exposure to Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams.
  • Experience overseeing and providing field engineering to fabrication campaigns.
  • Experience designing and executing qualification/acceptance test protocols to validate system performance.
  • Experience designing hardware utilized in an offshore environment.
Additional Requirements
  • Travel to vendors and test sites as needed.
  • Intermittently able to work longer hours and on weekends to support critical needs. While we expect a lot of each other, we also offer a high degree of autonomy and work-life balance, including unlimited PTO and flexible working hours.
  • Ability to travel offshore periodically to support the initial commissioning and first use of new equipment.
Compensation and Benefits

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

  • Cash compensation of $125,000 - $175,000.
  • Equity in the company. We're all owners, and if we're successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
  • A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
    • Flexible paid time off.
    • Health insurance (the company pays 100% of a gold-level PPO plan for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents).
    • Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents).
    • Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents).
    • Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long-term financial support if you become disabled).
    • Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including a 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA.
  • Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).
Location

This is an on-site position. Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon.