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Ocean Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

L3Harris Technologies

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 ...

L3 Harris

Lead, Ocean Engineer

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$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 ...

L3 Harris

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 ...

Harris Corporation

Lead, Ocean Engineer

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$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 ...

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

$100K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Ocean Systems Engineer for the Ocean Systems and Engineering Group. In this role, you will support advancement of our nation's next generation of maritime prototype systems ...

Triton Systems

Ocean Program Manager

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$134K/yr

Triton's Ocean Systems is a fast-paced, interdisciplinary engineering team focused on bringing ideas from our heads to the ocean. We work on a wide variety of projects and our breadth provides ...

Triton Systems, Inc.

Ocean Program Manager

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$134K/yr

Triton's Ocean Systems is a fast-paced, interdisciplinary engineering team focused on bringing ideas from our heads to the ocean. We work on a wide variety of projects and our breadth provides ...

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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.

Senior Ocean Systems Engineer

Laurel, MD

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratoryexternal

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 hours ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Do you have a passion for research, development, and integration of ground-breaking maritime technology?
Do you have a desire to help solve some of the US Navy 's most exciting challenges in the undersea domain?
Do you have a strong background in at-sea testing, systems engineering, systems integration, undersea vehicles, or undersea sensing?
If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking a Senior Ocean Systems Engineer for the Ocean Systems and Engineering Group. In this role, you will support advancement of our nation's next generation of maritime prototype systems from concept development to installation to testing. You will work with a team from government, industry, and academia to develop performance specifications, lead technical studies, and develop systems engineering products for emerging maritime programs, to include autonomous undersea vehicles (AUVs). This role will include the opportunity to direct test and evaluation (T&E), as well as engagement with AUV developers and operators. As a member of our team, you will build on APL's legacy of scientific research and development and trusted service to the nation.
As a Senior Ocean Systems Engineer, you will...
  • Apply innovative thinking to the detailed development, integration, and evaluation of technical solutions for maritime payloads, autonomous vehicles, acoustic systems, communications systems, and vehicle autonomy.
  • Perform technical and/or project leadership for small- to medium-sized technical tasks that may involve both hardware and software.
  • Develop, integrate, and test early prototype Research and Development (R&D) systems.
  • Generate systems engineering products such as performance specifications, concepts of operation, and system architecture/engineering plans.
  • Support small focused studies involving adaptation of technology to urgent or emerging problems.
  • Collaborate with multiple DoD system partners to evaluate current strategies, risks, and opportunities to develop and implement T&E strategies that refine/improve their programs and missions.
  • Collaborate with AUV operators to develop operation and maintenance processes to support the full system life cycle (requiring 10% travel to partner organization).

Qualifications
You meet our minimum requirements for the job if you...
  • Have a B.S. degree in a technical or scientific field such as Systems Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, or equivalent.
  • Have 5+ years of relevant experience working with maritime systems or a closely related field to this position.
  • Have experience generating and performing system test events.
  • Have experience with maritime platform design and integration.
  • Are passionate about system engineering methods and tools for maritime system development, integration, evaluations, and technology analysis.
  • Possess strong organization and planning skills, with record of accomplishment in a team environment.
  • Have excellent social skills and outstanding written and oral communications skills.
  • Are able to work within the government infrastructure and address leadership roles in an environment of contractor and government teams.
  • Can support the travel needed in order to perform the essentials functions of the job.
  • Are able to obtain an interim Secret level security clearance by you start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a M.S. or Ph.D. degree in a technical or scientific field such as Systems Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.
  • Have experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering tools, language, and methodology.
  • Have experience as a Task Lead or Project Manager.
  • Have experience with fielded autonomous systems.
  • Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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