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Oceanographic Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Oceanographic Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$65.4K

$152K

$211.7K

How much do oceanographic software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for oceanographic software engineer in Chicago, IL is $151,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,600.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an oceanographic software engineer?

Oceanographic Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain software systems used in the study of oceans. They create tools for data collection, analysis, and modeling that help oceanographers understand marine environments. Their work often involves programming, working with sensors or remote instruments, and collaborating with scientists to solve complex problems related to oceanography. These engineers play a crucial role in advancing research and technology in the marine sciences.

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

To thrive as an Oceanographic Software Engineer, you need a strong background in software development, data analysis, and a relevant degree in computer science, engineering, or oceanography. Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++, and experience with oceanographic data systems or remote sensing tools are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with scientists and interpret complex datasets. These skills are essential to develop reliable software solutions that advance oceanographic research and ensure accurate, actionable insights from large-scale marine data.

What are some typical challenges faced by oceanographic software engineers when developing software for marine data collection?

Oceanographic Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring software reliability in harsh and unpredictable marine environments, dealing with intermittent connectivity, and integrating diverse sensor data formats. They must also prioritize efficiency and robustness to handle real-time data processing on resource-constrained equipment. Close collaboration with oceanographers, hardware engineers, and data analysts is essential to ensure that the software meets scientific requirements and performs accurately during field deployments.

What is the difference between Oceanographic Software Engineer vs Marine Data Analyst?

AspectOceanographic Software EngineerMarine Data Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Oceanography, Computer Science, or related fields; programming skillsBachelor's or higher in Marine Science, Data Analysis, or related fields; statistical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, oceanographic institutions, field data collectionData centers, research institutions, environmental agencies
Employer & Industry UsageOceanographic research, environmental monitoring, marine technology companiesMarine research, conservation organizations, government agencies

While both roles involve marine science, Oceanographic Software Engineers focus on developing software for oceanographic data collection and analysis, requiring programming expertise. Marine Data Analysts primarily interpret marine data to inform research and policy, emphasizing statistical and analytical skills. Both roles are vital in marine science but differ in technical focus and daily tasks.

What job categories do people searching Oceanographic Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Oceanographic Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Itasca, IL

$128K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Title: Embedded Firmware Engineer
Location: Seattle, WA
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: 150-220k
Must have Skill Set:

  • Must have Professional C programming experience (Required)
  • Must have Embedded firmware development experience
  • Must have Java experience (used for decoding compressed data and supporting software tools)
  • Experience debugging at the hardware/software interface
  • Ability to read hardware schematics and component datasheets
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Highly Preferred
  • Bare-metal embedded development experience
  • ARM microcontroller experience
  • GNU toolchains
  • Serial communication protocols (UART, SPI, I²C)
  • Embedded software testing and verification

Overview:

Join a small, highly collaborative engineering team developing fully autonomous robotic vehicles that operate in the world's oceans to support environmental and climate research. This is a unique opportunity to develop firmware for sophisticated autonomous systems where software reliability, efficiency, and precision are critical.
This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy working close to the hardware and solving challenging low-level programming problems rather than developing desktop or web applications.

Job Duties:

  • Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware in C
  • Develop software for ARM-based embedded controllers
  • Implement efficient data compression algorithms used by autonomous ocean robotics
  • Support Java-based software used to decode and process collected data
  • Integrate firmware with sensors, electronics, and embedded hardware
  • Debug complex hardware/software interactions
  • Develop unit tests and verification procedures
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers throughout the product lifecycle
Relocation Assistance Available
Please Note: Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates relocating within the U.S. This position is not eligible for candidates requiring current or future visa sponsorship or visa transfers.


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.