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Oceanographic Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Successful candidates will have a BS degree in ocean engineering or a related field and will focus on building foundational skills and proficiency within their domain. They will be responsible for ...

Successful candidates will have a BS degree in ocean engineering or a related field and will focus on building foundational skills and proficiency within their domain. They will be responsible for ...

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Oceanographic Engineering information

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$33

$47

How much do oceanographic engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for oceanographic engineering in the United States is $33.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do oceanographers get paid well?

Oceanographic engineers and oceanographers typically earn competitive salaries, with median annual pay around $70,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in data analysis, modeling, or fieldwork may earn higher salaries, especially in government or private research sectors.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or advanced certifications.

What is oceanographic engineering?

Oceanographic engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of equipment and technology used to explore and study the ocean. Oceanographic engineers work on creating submersibles, underwater sensors, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), buoys, and other instruments to collect data about the marine environment. Their work supports scientific research, environmental monitoring, and marine resource management. Oceanographic engineering combines principles from mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering, often requiring innovative solutions for challenging underwater conditions.

Are ocean engineers in demand?

Ocean engineers are in steady demand due to the need for offshore energy development, environmental monitoring, and maritime infrastructure projects. Employment opportunities often require strong technical skills, knowledge of marine environments, and proficiency with specialized tools and software. Job growth is expected to align with advancements in renewable energy and ocean exploration initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oceanographic Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oceanographic Engineer, you need a solid background in oceanography, marine engineering, and applied mathematics, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in ocean engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, data acquisition systems, and underwater robotics, as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating on complex projects at sea. These skills and qualifications are vital for developing innovative solutions and ensuring the safety and success of oceanographic missions.

What are some common challenges faced by oceanographic engineers during fieldwork at sea?

Oceanographic engineers often encounter challenges such as harsh weather conditions, limited access to supplies, and the need for precise coordination with multidisciplinary teams during fieldwork at sea. Equipment deployment and retrieval can be physically demanding and require problem-solving skills when unexpected technical issues arise. Additionally, extended periods away from shore may necessitate adaptability and strong communication skills to ensure successful data collection and collaboration with scientists and vessel crew.

What does an oceanographic engineer do?

An oceanographic engineer designs and develops equipment and systems to study and explore the ocean environment, including sensors, underwater vehicles, and data collection tools. They often work in research vessels or laboratories, applying engineering principles to solve problems related to oceanography and marine technology.

What is the difference between Oceanographic Engineering vs Marine Engineering?

AspectOceanographic EngineeringMarine Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ocean Engineering, Oceanography, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch vessels, ocean observatories, coastal facilitiesShips, offshore platforms, shipyards
Industry UsageResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consultanciesShipbuilding, offshore oil & gas, maritime industry

Oceanographic Engineering focuses on studying and understanding ocean systems, often involving research and environmental monitoring. Marine Engineering centers on designing, building, and maintaining ships and offshore structures. While both roles involve working with maritime environments, Oceanographic Engineering emphasizes scientific research, whereas Marine Engineering is more engineering and construction-oriented.

More about Oceanographic Engineering jobs
What states have the most Oceanographic Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Oceanographic Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Oceanographic Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Oceanographic Engineering jobs are:
Offshore Ocean Engineer

Offshore Ocean Engineer

Advanced Technology and Research Corporation

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Offshore Ocean Engineer
Location: FT. Lauderdale, FL Type: Full Time Min. Experience: Mid-Level: Salary Range: $130,000 to $150,000 USD per year
Advanced Technology & Research Corporation (www.atrcorp.com) is seeking to fill the following full-time permanent position. Based in Maryland and incorporated in 1973, ATR is an equal-opportunity engineering company with a solid reputation in various engineering disciplines for the government and Fortune 500 commercial customers.
Salary for the position is competitive according to qualifications. ATR offers an attractive comprehensive benefits package, including Medical/Dental insurances, free basic life/ADD, and long-term and short-term disability insurances, 401(k) plan, educational assistance program, and paid time off.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful applicant will join ATR's Engineering Services Division, working as an Ocean Engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility, (SFOMF). In support of the U.S. Navy, the SFOMF conducts Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) work in the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to Fort Lauderdale, FL. The applicant will work as part of a design, test, and evaluation team and will also work with the team on operating and maintaining ocean systems.
The applicant will be required to conceptualize components and assemblies utilizing their unique set of skills to solve problems related to ocean engineering. The applicant shall support, lead, and manage projects that are electro-mechanical in nature that must consider the ocean environment in their design. The position is hands on and the applicant is expected to be knowledgeable in ocean systems design, fabrication, assembly, and integration. While working independently or as part of a project team, the applicant will trouble-shoot a variety of electro-mechanical laboratory and field systems. The work requires the generation of formal design drawings and documentation using appropriate software tools.
The applicant will develop project plans and test plans and conduct land/ocean-based field tests/demonstrations of advanced sensor systems.
In addition, the applicant will support at-sea testing by conducting ship checks, planning for deployment and recovery of systems, coordinating field test hardware and shipping, and maintaining and installing winches, cranes, and other electro-mechanical equipment.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Minimum Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering
  • 5+ years of ocean engineering and marine industry experience
  • Experience with detailed development, integration, and evaluation of technical solutions for maritime payloads, autonomous vehicles, acoustic systems, communications systems, and vehicle autonomy
  • Job experience with the Navy or other DoD laboratories is a plus

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to apply diverse set of skills to solve complex problems related to Ocean Environment
  • Fluent in SOLIDWORKS, Project, Power Point, MS Word & Excel
  • Working knowledge of OrcaFlex, ANSYS, Python, and MATLAB
  • Assist with and lead offshore operations
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
  • Travel to other Navy sites may be required (occasionally)

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Candidate must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance or favorable adjudication of a national security background investigation. Current successful background investigation completion is a plus.
Qualified Candidates should send their resume to [email protected]