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Ocean Engineering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Test Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... engineering, and the ability to contribute to complex testing campaigns that advance the commercialization of next-generation nuclear technology deployed on the world's oceans. What You'll Do Test ...

Project Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical, Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or related field) * Experience with Navy or DoD 7+ years of experience in engineering, project ...

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical, Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or related field) * Experience with Navy or DoD 7+ years of experience in engineering, project ...

... ocean engineering, salvage, mooring, and offshore systems projects. The successful candidate will assist with analysis, design, planning, procurement, documentation, and field execution for projects ...

Nuclear Test Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$150K - $240K/yr

... engineering, and the ability to contribute to complex testing campaigns that advance the commercialization of next-generation nuclear technology deployed on the world's oceans. What You'll Do Test ...

Neutronics Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

The ocean is the largest undeveloped frontier on earth - and the next chapter of abundant energy ... Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or Engineering Physics * 5+ years professional experience ...

... ocean engineering, salvage, mooring, and offshore systems projects. The successful candidate will assist with analysis, design, planning, procurement, documentation, and field execution for projects ...

Nuclear Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

The ocean is the largest undeveloped frontier on earth -- and the next chapter of abundant energy ... Systems engineering fundamentals: requirements, interfaces, verification & validation ...

... ocean engineering, hydrography, surveying. • Experience using geospatial display and management software such as ESRI topology tools. • A basic understanding of the concepts behind data ...

Showing results 41-60

Ocean Engineering information

See Washington salary details

$52.7K

$166.3K

$197.1K

How much do ocean engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for ocean engineering in Washington is $166,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,900.00 and $195,900.00 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 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 popular job titles related to Ocean Engineering jobs in Washington?

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Ocean Engineering jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Ocean Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Ocean Engineering job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,342 per year, or $80 per hour.

Nuclear Test Engineer

Ocean Atomics

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The ocean is the largest undeveloped frontier on earth — and the next chapter of abundant energy will be written at sea. We're building the infrastructure to power it.

About Ocean Atomics (OA)

Ocean Atomics is an American company designing, licensing, and assembling a standardized nuclear electric power plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants on any vessel built to our nuclear-ready standards, and will provide end-to-end sustainment in our planned nuclear lifecycle dockyard. We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive application at sea. To move fast and to lead the creation of this new market, we are leveraging the compact, proven systems enabled by water-cooled reactors.

Our mission

Scale nuclear energy. Power generations.

Our vision

A maritime commons thriving with abundant, economical, modern, and safe nuclear-powered activity — built, serviced, and staffed by re-industrialized American shipyards and people.

Role Summary

The Test Engineer - Nuclear is responsible for the development, execution, and documentation of test programs supporting the Ocean Atomics Reactor. The role spans safety-related and non-safety-related systems and covers the full test lifecycle: translating design and analysis inputs into test requirements, supporting facility design and commissioning, running test campaigns, reducing and interpreting the resulting data, and issuing the test reports and data packages that feed design verification and regulatory objectives. Work is performed within a multidisciplinary engineering environment in which test results directly inform component and system design decisions and licensing evidence. The successful candidate will bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a genuine appetite for hands-on laboratory engineering, and the ability to contribute to complex testing campaigns that advance the commercialization of next-generation nuclear technology deployed on the world's oceans.

What You'll Do

Test Program Definition

  • Develop test requirements based on Ocean Atomics Reactor design and analysis inputs.

  • Translate technical requirements into detailed test plans, procedures, and specifications.

Test Facility Setup and Operation

  • Support the design, setup, commissioning, and operation of test loops and facilities.

  • Execute test programs, including on-site testing and extended test campaigns.

  • Identify and resolve technical issues encountered during test planning and execution.

Data Acquisition and Analysis

  • Ensure proper data acquisition, validation, and quality control in accordance with quality assurance requirements.

  • Perform data reduction, analysis, and visualization to support engineering evaluations and conclusions.

Documentation and Reporting

  • Prepare comprehensive test reports and data packages for internal and external stakeholders.

  • Produce the design verification documentation that flows from test results to the design and licensing basis.

Coordination and Stakeholder Interface

  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure alignment between testing activities and design objectives.

  • Interface with internal and external test sponsors to define requirements, communicate progress, and deliver results.

Quality, Safety, and Compliance

  • Ensure testing activities comply with applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

  • Conduct work consistent with the governing quality assurance program and applicable NRC licensing objectives.

What You Bring

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology discipline.

  • 2+ years of relevant laboratory, testing, or engineering experience.

  • Experience interpreting engineering drawings and P&IDs.

  • Experience with technical data reduction, analysis, and visualization.

  • Experience working in a quality-controlled or safety-related environment.

  • Ability to support on-site testing, extended test campaigns, and occasional travel.

  • Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and provide timely technical recommendations.

  • Excellent technical writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred

  • Master's degree in Engineering discipline.

  • 3–5 years of relevant engineering experience, preferably in laboratory, testing, or experimental engineering environments.

  • Experience with test loop or test facility setup, commissioning, and operation.

  • Proficiency with Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis, automation, and visualization.

  • Familiarity with instrumentation selection, calibration, and data acquisition systems.

  • Experience working under NQA-1 quality assurance programs and knowledge of U.S. NRC licensing processes.

  • Experience developing test plans, procedures, reports, and design verification documentation.

  • Experience interfacing directly with internal or external customers, sponsors, or stakeholders.

  • Nuclear industry experience is highly desirable.

Export control notice

This role involves access to information subject to U.S. export control laws, including unclassified nuclear technology governed by the U.S. Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. Depending on a candidate's status, access may require DOE authorization, which Ocean Atomics may apply for. Any offer is contingent on your ability to work in compliance with these requirements. We evaluate all applicants regardless of citizenship or national origin, except where required by law.

Why this matters

Every industry on Earth needs scalable, clean energy, and the ocean is the ideal place to unlock it. Joining Ocean Atomics means building real, lasting infrastructure — the kind that powers generations. The world needs abundant energy. Let's make it happen.

Ocean Atomics LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to a workplace free of discrimination and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations; if you need an accommodation during the application process, contact info@oceanatomics.com.

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