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Oceanographic Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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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How much do oceanographic engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 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.

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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Oceanographic Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,760 per year, or $33.1 per hour.
Offshore Ocean Engineer

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 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]