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Ocean Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer (UEM Electrical)

Ijamsville, MD · On-site

$108K - $141K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other Ocean Engineering disciplines Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret US government clearance. Note: US citizenship ...

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How much do ocean engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for ocean engineering in the United States is $146,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $173,000.00 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 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.

How much do ocean engineers make in the US?

Ocean engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $90,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $130,000 depending on experience, location, and specialization. Advanced skills, certifications, and work in offshore or research environments can lead to higher compensation.

Is ocean engineering a good career?

Ocean engineering is a specialized field focused on designing and maintaining systems related to the ocean environment, such as offshore structures, ships, and underwater vehicles. It offers opportunities in industries like energy, defense, and research, often requiring strong technical skills in fluid dynamics, materials, and computer modeling. The career can be rewarding for those interested in marine environments and engineering challenges, with job prospects depending on industry demand and geographic location.

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.

How do you become an ocean engineer?

To become an ocean engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in ocean engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in CAD and simulation tools, and obtaining professional licensure can enhance career prospects in this specialized field.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In engineering fields, senior roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and certain specialized software or systems engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, often with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High-paying positions typically involve management, project oversight, or working in high-demand industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or technology sectors.
More about Ocean Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Ocean Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Ocean Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ocean Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Ocean Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Ocean Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Ocean Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ocean Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $146,868 per year, or $70.6 per hour.
Senior Underwater Sensors Engineer with Security Clearance

Senior Underwater Sensors Engineer with Security Clearance

MITRE Corporation

Fairfax, VA • Hybrid

$107K - $146K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. The Maritime and Acoustics Department in MITRE's Signals and Electronics Division is a cross-domain team of engineers and scientists working at the intersection of underwater acoustics, HF propagation, sonar analysis, acoustic communications, and prototype sensing systems. We work on some of the most technically demanding problems in undersea and maritime defense, designing and testing prototype systems, developing propagation models and sensing algorithms, and advancing acoustic communications for contested environments, all in direct support of government sponsors with real-world mission impact. Our work spans physics-based modeling and algorithm development, hands-on hardware prototyping and evaluation in the BlueTech Lab, and field testing of systems in operational environments. Job Description: We are seeking a Senior Underwater Sensors Engineer to contribute across research and development, modeling and simulation, rapid prototyping, and testing and evaluation in support of national maritime defense priorities. Desired backgrounds span acoustic communications, maritime sensing, and oceanography, as well as electrical, computer, mechanical, or ocean engineering disciplines with a foundation in signals, systems, or applied physics. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical leadership in their established areas of expertise, while also being confident contributing to and leading work across domains. Roles and Responsibilities: * Design and develop signal processing algorithms for underwater sensing and acoustic communication systems
* Conduct physics-based and empirical modeling of acoustic propagation and undersea sensor system performance
* Rapidly prototype sensors, communication platforms, and embedded underwater systems, advancing hardware from concept through field-ready integration
* Plan and execute field testing and BlueTech Lab evaluations, translating test results into actionable findings for government sponsors
* Contribute to the design of transducers and acoustic sensors for small form-factor and autonomous underwater system applications
* Analyze complex, multi-dimensional maritime datasets and deliver clear, defensible recommendations that sponsors can act on
* Support sponsor engagement by communicating technical findings, shaping research directions, and responding to emerging mission needs
* Collaborate across department technical domains including sonar analysis, multi-domain wave propagation, and acoustic communication and sensing Basic Qualifications: * Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's or a PhD with relevant experience who can immediately contribute; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
* Proactive self-starter with strong analytical, problem solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. * BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field. * Candidates must have a strong technical background with experience in one or more of the following: acoustic, radar, and/or sonar signal processing, algorithm development, detection and estimation theory, wave propagation, numerical methods, experimental data analysis, prototype development, and/or communication theory. * Experience using analytical software tools such as MATLAB or Python for modeling, simulation, and analysis of physical systems. * Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
* Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance. * This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site. Preferred Qualifications: * Top Secret/SCI clearance. * PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field. * Expertise in acoustic, radar, and sonar signal processing, and prototype development. * Experience with field testing of maritime devices. * Ability to foster effective working relationships with internal and external parties. * Experience with US government systems and US government research ecosystem. * Possess an external network of government sponsors and contacts. This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
None This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$126,800 - $158,500 - $190,200 Annual Work Location Type:
Hybrid It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

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About MITRE

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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