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Rov Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rov Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$22

$36

How much do rov operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for rov operator in California is $22.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ROV operator?

A ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Operator is responsible for piloting underwater robotic vehicles used for inspection, maintenance, and exploration in offshore and deep-sea environments. They operate and maintain the ROV system, troubleshoot technical issues, and collect data for industries like oil and gas, marine research, and underwater construction. ROV Operators work in challenging conditions and require expertise in electronics, hydraulics, and navigation to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Are Rov operators in demand?

Rov (Remotely Operated Vehicle) operators are in demand in industries such as oil and gas, underwater exploration, and marine research. The role requires technical skills, knowledge of ROV systems, and often certifications, with employment opportunities growing as offshore and underwater projects expand.

What are the typical working conditions and team dynamics for a ROV operator?

ROV Operators usually work offshore on vessels or oil rigs, often in shifts that run 12 hours per day during multi-week rotations. The role involves close collaboration with other ROV crew members, engineers, and project supervisors to carry out underwater inspections, maintenance, or repairs. You can expect a fast-paced environment that requires strong communication skills and careful adherence to safety procedures. Teamwork is essential, as operators regularly coordinate with topside technicians and other specialists to troubleshoot issues and ensure mission success.

How much do rov operators make?

Rov (Remotely Operated Vehicle) operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry sector such as underwater exploration or oil and gas. Salaries can vary based on location, the complexity of operations, and the employer's size.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ROV operator?

To thrive as an ROV Operator, you need strong technical proficiency in operating remotely operated vehicles, a background in electronics or mechanical systems, and relevant offshore or marine qualifications. Familiarity with specialized controls, subsea tooling, live video systems, and certifications such as OPITO BOSIET are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, situational awareness, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, precise subsea operations and maintaining the integrity of critical underwater infrastructure.

What are popular job titles related to Rov Operator jobs in California? For Rov Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rov Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Rov Operator jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Rov Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,303 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Unmanned Underwater Vessels, Associate

Peraton

San Diego, CA • On-site

$66K - $106K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is hiring an Unmanned Underwater Vessel Associate for an on-site role in San Diego, CA.

Assigned mission tasking will support data collection and analysis for mine countermeasure's objectives in various harbor areas, littorals, and shipping lanes. Data analysis on R&D work on new UUV sensors. UUV operations will be conducted from small boats deployed from shore, embarked on various Navy Units Afloat and from Forward Operating Bases. Support of SPAWAR and US Navy Forces for OCONUS Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Response for MCM operations tasking, including ongoing UUV experimentation of emerging technologies related to UUV mission.

 

This work includes, but is not limited to:

 

  • Conducting weekly on-water UUV missions to accomplish objectives assigned by the government or project leads.
  • Conducting operational-level troubleshooting and maintenance on the MK18 UUV system and other platforms.
  • Mandatory deployments to 5th Fleet AOR (Bahrain and surrounding areas), 6th Fleet AOR (Spain and surrounding areas), or 7th Fleet AOR (Guam and surrounding areas). Travel, lodging, and compensation provided by company.
  • Periodic travel CONUS or OCONUS to support UUV Testing and Evaluation (T&E) at various military bases, government facilities, or to conduct shipboard operations out at sea.
  • Demonstrating experience and proficiency with MS Office products, to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Completing all prerequisites for, and successfully maintaining a 25k and below forklift operator's license and Cat 3 crane certification.
  • Applying for and maintaining a Corporate Credit Card.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

 

  • A BS degree or a High School diploma and 4+ years of directly related Navy/military training and experience or Underwater Robotics/UUV training and experience may be considered; related MCM experience, technological experience, or other experience may also be considered.
  • Active/Current DoD SECRET clearance, or the ability to obtain (within 2 years) and maintain a SECRET clearance.
  • Meeting the MIL-STD for weight carrying limits and satisfying the requirements to handle man-portable UUV's and equipment.
  • Valid US driver's license.
  • Valid US passport.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience conducting test and evaluation of Unmanned/Robotics systems, including gathering, recording, analyzing, and reporting performance data.
  • Experience developing and writing documents on programmatic subjects, such as UUV tactics and doctrine, operations, deployment guides, standard operating procedures.
  • Small marine craft qualifications and experience.
  • Side-scan sonar and ROV operator experience.
  • Knowledge of basic electricity and electronic troubleshooting; technical background in mechanical or electrical field.
  • Be able to work as a team and provide exceptional customer service and support.
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$66,000 - $106,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017