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Ocean Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

What we are looking for... • 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field; 3 years relevant experience ...

What we are looking for... • 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or closely related technical field; 3 years relevant experience ...

Naval Architect

Annandale, VA · On-site

$77K - $128K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field * 3+ years of experience in naval architecture with a focus on CFD applications

Naval Architect

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $128K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field * 3+ years of experience in naval architecture with a focus on CFD applications

Naval Architect

Mclean, VA · On-site

$77K - $128K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field * 3+ years of experience in naval architecture with a focus on CFD applications

Naval Architect

Reston, VA · On-site

$77K - $128K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field * 3+ years of experience in naval architecture with a focus on CFD applications

Naval Architect

Lorton, VA · On-site

$77K - $128K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field * 3+ years of experience in naval architecture with a focus on CFD applications

Naval Architect

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$77K - $128K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field * 3+ years of experience in naval architecture with a focus on CFD applications

Showing results 21-40

Ocean Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$46.1K

$145.6K

$172.5K

How much do ocean engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for ocean engineering in Virginia is $145,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,500.00 and $171,500.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Ocean Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Ocean Engineering jobs in Virginia? For Ocean Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ocean Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Ocean Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Ocean Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Ocean Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Ocean Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,608 per year, or $70 per hour.

Senior Naval Architect - Clarendon (Arlington), VA with Security Clearance

Serco Inc.

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Description & Qualifications If you love high profile and challenging projects supporting the US Navy and Commercial Customers - Serco has a great opportunity for you! The ability to obtain/maintain/transfer a Department of War (DoW) Secret security clearance. The Senior Naval Architect performs routine analyses and prepares naval architectural deliverables in support of the design of ships, craft, and other floating structures. In this role you will: * Apply naval architectural knowledge in accordance with applicable regulatory body rules, regulations, and industry standards to develop analyses and products. * Partticipate in the development and validation of design and engineering requirements, preparation of specifications, and provide inputs to technical reports and presentations.
* Provide hull form and hydrodynamic performance, including development of hull form geometry and lines plans, hydrostatics and curves of form, resistance, and powering estimates, propulsor design and performance, appendage design, maneuvering analyses, seakeeping analyses, development of model test plans, and observing and analyzing data from model tests or full-scale trials. * Provide weight and stability analyses, including development of weight and center of gravity estimates, performance of intact and damaged stability analyses, performance of deadweight surveys and inclining experiments. * Provide concept and feasibility design studies addressing whole ship sizing and performance analyses, requirements validation, and design optimization. * Perform design integration, coordinating inputs from various naval architectural and other engineering disciplines, such as marine engineering and structures, into balanced, closed solution designs to establish principal characteristics and design features such as length, beam, depth, draft, displacement, speed, and other performance parameters. * Perform structural design, developing hull girder bending moments and structural configurations and scantlings in accordance with appropriate rules or design standards, development of superstructure, mast, and local support structure to withstand primary and secondary loads. * Make general arrangements and configuration, developing requirements for area and volume, preparing overall ship arrangement concepts and drawings illustrating primary functional allocation of spaces within the ship considering location and adjacency constraints, performing special studies including access and line of sight analyses, assisting in detailed layouts of individual compartments such as living and berthing spaces, ship support spaces, storerooms, and shops Assists with the review of design proposals and specifications. * Participate in scheduled project review sessions and meetings with representatives from other engineering disciplines and customers on technical and engineering issues. * Assist in design integration with representatives from other engineering disciplines and customers on technical and engineering issues. * Assist in preparing documentation, reports, and project plans to describe activities planned and accomplished, status reports, letters, memoranda, messages, and contact reports. * Assist with preparation and presentation of formal briefings and staff seminars. * Comply with all corporate policies and procedures, including quality assurance and security procedures, in the performance of duties. To be successful in this role, you will have: * The ability to obtain/maintain/transfer an active Department of War (DoW) Secret security clearance. * A U.S. citizenship. * A Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture or related engineering field such as Ocean Engineering. * Five (5) years of relevant work experience. Work experience may be adjusted for highly specialized knowledge or uniquely applicable experience for positions involving new technology. * A working knowledge of Structures, hydrodynamics, weights and stability, speed and powering, hull form design, arrangements, manning, vibration, damage control and survivability. * To be familiar with and use of U.S Navy and MIL Specifications related to ship design, classification of society rules, and professional society guidance and specifications. * To be experience with 2D and 3D CAD software and common Naval Architecture design software programs and finite elements modeling and simulations. * To be able to travel 10%. If you are interested in making an impact with a passionate team, submit your application now for immediate consideration. It only takes a few minutes and could change your career! Company Overview Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters. To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer . If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email. Candidates may be asked to present proof of identify during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice. Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email . Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. Pay Transparency Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance-so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits - Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role): * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract * 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds * Tuition reimbursement program * Life insurance and disability coverage * Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection * Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits * Employee Assistance Plan To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us . Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco's external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: .