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Oceanographic Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... In this role, you will provide program support and technical leadership across the full engineering ...

Fall Engineering Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

S. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. * Genuine interest in building ...

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Oceanographic Engineering information

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$17

$33

$47

How much do oceanographic engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oceanographic engineer?

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 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.

Are oceanographic engineers in demand?

Oceanographic engineers are in steady demand due to the need for expertise in marine environments, climate research, and offshore engineering projects. Employment opportunities are often found in research institutions, government agencies, and private companies involved in renewable energy, underwater exploration, and environmental monitoring, with skills in data analysis, modeling, and specialized equipment being valuable. Job growth can vary based on technological advancements and funding for marine research initiatives.

Do oceanographic engineers make good money?

Oceanographic engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced engineers with specialized skills in data analysis, modeling, or subsea technology can earn higher wages, often supplemented by benefits and opportunities for advancement.

What do oceanographic engineers do?

Oceanographic engineers design and develop equipment and systems to study and explore the ocean environment, including sensors, submersibles, 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 jobs can I get with an oceanographic engineering degree?

An oceanographic engineering degree prepares individuals for roles such as ocean engineer, marine systems engineer, or research scientist, often involving designing and maintaining underwater equipment, ships, or offshore structures. These jobs typically require knowledge of fluid dynamics, marine environments, and technical skills with tools like CAD and sonar systems, and may involve fieldwork or laboratory research.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,760 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

$87K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


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Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
Job Title: Lead, Ocean Engineer (Sign-On Bonus Available)Job Code: 38037Job Location: Palm Bay, FLJob Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off
Job Description:
We are seeking driven mechanical and ocean engineers to join our team in advancing maritime programs through innovative research, development, design, and analysis of complex mechanical systems.
In this role, you will provide program support and technical leadership across the full engineering lifecycle from requirements definition and concept generation through material selection, trade studies, and design optimization. You'll guide projects from preliminary design through final documentation, assembly, integration, and testing.
The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in 3D modeling and critical hardware design and development, with the ability to excel both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Essential Functions:
  • Ability and desire to take full ownership of tasking while working with limited supervision in a variety of high consequence program activities
  • Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills
  • Provide regular communication and briefings, both formally and informally, to internal and external stakeholders, including customer representatives
  • Generation of Technical Data Package components (Part and Assembly drawings, etc.)
  • Prototype, Integrate, and Test component parts and assemblies
  • Develop test plans and procedures for related subsystems.
  • Perform test and evaluation of component parts and systems
  • Participate in peer reviews, PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews
  • Participate in product change review meetings and discussions and implement changes
  • Participate in interdisciplinary design teams and reviews
  • Adhere to company processes for product development, configuration management, purchasing, etc.
  • Direct designers, technicians, operators, and other engineers as part of a design team
  • Support field testing/demonstration efforts as an ME field representative
  • Willingness to travel or work offshore, as needed

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience
  • Active Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance (or active within the last two years) and favorable polygraph required

Preferred Additional Skills:
  • Subject matter expert with comprehensive knowledge of mechanical design or ocean/marine engineering experience
  • Proficiency in CAD tools such as Creo and understanding of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standards
  • Understanding of topics such as underwater robotics, acoustics, or offshore structures
  • Experience in additive manufacturing, part optimization and design for manufacture and assembly
  • Designs that include pressure-compensated electric and hydraulic linear and rotary actuator mechanisms
  • Subsea Compensator and Hydraulic Control Design to include valves, manifolds, pumps and motor coupling design
  • Pressure Vessel Design (to include Materials, Coatings, Bulkhead Connectors, Penetrators and Endcap to Shell Securing Methods)
  • Cathodic Protection Design and Implementation via Sacrificial Anodes and/or Impressed Cathodic Protection Systems as well as coating systems
  • Experience with designs complying with standard naval shipboard vibration and shock (DDAM)
  • Experience with managing Weight and Trim on ROVs and AUVs/UUVs (Unscrewed Systems) or other subsea systems
  • Comfortable collecting technical concepts and presenting them to program leadership

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L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.
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