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Ocean Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pae

Sr. UEM Ocean Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

Amentum has an opportunity for a Senior Ocean Engineer to provide technical advisory support for all phases of Magnetic Silencing Facility (MSF) and/or Underwater Electro-magnetic (UEM) System of ...

L3HHCM20

Lead, Ocean Engineer

Palm Bay, FL

$87K - $115K/yr

Lead, Ocean Engineer (Sign-On Bonus Available) Job Code: 38037 Job Location: Palm Bay, FL Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other ...

Amentum

Sr. UEM Ocean Engineer

Ijamsville, MD · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Amentum has an opportunity for a Senior Ocean Engineer to provide technical advisory support for all phases of Magnetic Silencing Facility (MSF) and/or Underwater Electro-magnetic (UEM) System of ...

Pae

Sr. UEM Ocean Engineer

Ijamsville, MD · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Amentum has an opportunity for a Senior Ocean Engineer to provide technical advisory support for all phases of Magnetic Silencing Facility (MSF) and/or Underwater Electro-magnetic (UEM) System of ...

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Ocean Programmer information

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How much do ocean programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for ocean programmer in the United States is $39.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ocean programmer?

Ocean Programmers are software developers or engineers who specialize in creating, maintaining, and optimizing software applications used in oceanography and marine science. Their work often involves developing programs that process and analyze oceanographic data, control marine hardware such as underwater vehicles, or simulate ocean environments. Ocean Programmers typically collaborate with scientists and engineers to support research projects, environmental monitoring, and marine technology development. Their expertise helps transform raw ocean data into actionable insights for research, conservation, and industry applications.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an ocean programmer?

To thrive as an Ocean Programmer, you need strong programming skills (often in languages like Python, MATLAB, or Fortran) and a solid background in oceanography or marine science, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with oceanographic data analysis tools, simulation software, and data visualization platforms is essential, and certifications in scientific computing or GIS can be beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and interpreting complex data. These skills ensure accurate modeling, data interpretation, and successful project outcomes in ocean research and environmental monitoring.

What are common challenges faced by ocean programmers and how can they be addressed?

Ocean Programmers often work with large, complex datasets from oceanographic sensors and must write code that can efficiently process and analyze this information. A common challenge is dealing with data inconsistencies or gaps due to harsh marine environments. Collaborating closely with ocean scientists and engineers is key to understanding the data's context and ensuring accurate analysis. Staying adaptable and continuously learning about new data formats, oceanographic instruments, and programming tools will help Ocean Programmers overcome these challenges and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Ocean Programmer vs Marine Software Developer?

AspectOcean ProgrammerMarine Software Developer
CredentialsTypically requires computer science or engineering degrees, programming certificationsSimilar credentials, often with specialized maritime or navigation software knowledge
Work EnvironmentMarine vessels, offshore platforms, maritime research facilitiesOffice settings, maritime software companies, research labs
Industry UsageUsed in ship navigation, offshore exploration, maritime automationDevelops software for navigation, vessel control, maritime simulations

Both roles involve programming skills and maritime industry knowledge, but Ocean Programmers focus more on embedded systems and real-time applications on vessels, while Marine Software Developers typically work on maritime software solutions in office environments. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Ocean Programmer jobs?

For Ocean Programmer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ocean Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,234 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Associate Ocean Engineer

Groton, CT • On-site

StaffRight Associates, LLC
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about StaffRight Associates, LLCexternal

$100K - $140K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

***Citizenship is strictly required for this role in accordance with federal contract compliance standards.The Opportunity

StaffRight Associates is recruiting for a premier aerospace and defense partner to identify a highly motivated Associate Ocean Engineer. This full-time, entry-level role offers an exceptional path to build foundational expertise while executing high-impact maritime initiatives. Working within a fast-paced research and development environment, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to engineer cutting-edge technologies, supported by hands-on mentorship from senior engineering leadership.

What You’ll Do

  • Architect, design, and develop complex maritime systems throughout the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept to fabrication, testing, and long-term sustainment.

  • Design and construct specialized oceanographic moorings as well as high-reliability subsea wet cables.

  • Maintain, operate, and optimize unmanned platforms and oceanographic instrumentation for operational deployments.

  • Author comprehensive technical procedures to guide production, assembly, integration, and sea testing protocols.

  • Conduct pier-side and at-sea testing operations, traveling approximately 5% to 15% annually.

  • Integrate lessons learned into future technical frameworks to continuously elevate system performance.

  • Analyze complex datasets and generate clear diagnostic reports for key stakeholders, customers, and multidisciplinary teammates.

What You Bring

  • Bachelors Degree In Ocean Engineering or a closely related technical discipline.

  • Proven Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering aptitude with strong troubleshooting capabilities.

  • Proficiency in evaluating Mechanical Drawings and Electrical Schematics.

  • Practical skills utilizing Hand Tools alongside Electrical Test Equipment (e.g., Digital Multimeters, Oscilloscopes, Function Generators, and Voltage Probes).

  • Hands-on experience performing Data Plotting, Data Analysis, and scripting using Python or MATLAB.

  • Strong Technical Writing and Cross-Functional Communication skills.

  • Preferred experience utilizing Altium, OrCAD, SolidWorks, CAD, or Linux Based Systems.

  • Exposure to Subsea Cable Design, Offshore Rigging, Beamforming Localization, Acoustic Propagation Models, Soldering, or Electronics Assembly is highly desirable.

  • Familiarity operating within Research And Development settings and agile, multidisciplinary teams.

Compensation & Total Rewards

  • Base Annual Salary: $100,000 – $140,000

  • Full relocation assistance package provided

  • Top-tier health coverage and a generous 401(k) plan

Joining StaffRight Associates

When you partner with StaffRight Associates in your search for your next role, you’re doing more than pursuing a job, you’re aligning yourself with a team of experts committed to placing top-tier talent in truly impactful positions. We take pride in fostering professional growth and connecting forward-thinking individuals with organizations that value innovation and excellence. We look forward to showcasing your expertise in a way that resonates with our clients and opens the door to meaningful opportunities.

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