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Senior Ocean Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Coastal Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

The Senior Coastal Engineer will play a pivotal role in the design, analysis, and implementation of ... Bachelor's degree in Civil, Coastal, Ocean Engineering, or a related field; a Master's degree or ...

Senior Coastal Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

The Senior Coastal Engineer will play a pivotal role in the design, analysis, and implementation of ... Bachelor's degree in Civil, Coastal, Ocean Engineering, or a related field; a Master's degree or ...

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Senior Ocean Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior ocean engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior ocean engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Ocean Engineer vs Ocean Engineer?

AspectSenior Ocean EngineerOcean Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ocean Engineering, often with 5+ years experienceBachelor's degree in Ocean Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, overseeing teams in offshore or research settingsDesign, analysis, and fieldwork in offshore or marine environments
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, renewable energy, marine research companiesMarine construction, offshore drilling, environmental agencies

Senior Ocean Engineers typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced certifications compared to Ocean Engineers. They often oversee projects and teams, focusing on complex design and management tasks. Ocean Engineers perform technical analysis and fieldwork, supporting project execution. Both roles are vital in marine industries, but Senior Ocean Engineers hold more seniority and strategic responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Ocean Engineers during offshore project deployments?

Senior Ocean Engineers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, logistical complexities of transporting equipment to remote sites, and ensuring the safety of personnel during offshore deployments. Effective communication and coordination with multidisciplinary teams, including marine operations, environmental scientists, and vessel crews, are essential to address these issues. Additionally, adapting engineering solutions to dynamic marine environments and adhering to strict regulatory standards can require innovative problem-solving and flexibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Ocean Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Ocean Engineer, you need a solid background in ocean engineering, marine structures, and hydrodynamics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and several years of industry experience. Expertise in CAD software, computational modeling tools, and familiarity with offshore standards and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are highly valuable. Strong project management, problem-solving skills, and effective communication with multidisciplinary teams set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are essential for designing safe, efficient marine systems and leading complex projects in challenging ocean environments.

What does a Senior Ocean Engineer do?

A Senior Ocean Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the installation and maintenance of systems and equipment used in the ocean environment. This can include underwater vehicles, offshore platforms, renewable energy devices, and environmental monitoring systems. They work on projects related to marine infrastructure, energy extraction, and ocean exploration, often collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Senior Ocean Engineers also manage projects, lead teams, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Ocean Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Ocean Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Ocean Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Ocean Engineer jobs include:
Principal or Sr. Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer-Annapolis,Maryland

Principal or Sr. Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer-Annapolis,Maryland

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Friendship, MD

$108K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform concept development, problem solving, structural analysis, technical planning, design development, and integration and testing of undersea hardware.

  • Translate customer requirements into systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.

  • Collaborate in a team environment to prioritize and adjust tasks to accomplish project results.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
The Naval & Oceanic Systems business unit headquartered in Annapolis, MD is seeking dependable individuals willing to work in a collaborative environment and that are interested in expanding their horizons. The Mechanical Engineering Department is seeking a Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer or Senior Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals.
Essential Functions:
This position tasking includes concept development, problem solving, structural analysis, technical planning, design development and integration & testing of undersea hardware. The applicant will translate customer requirements into systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
The candidate must be able to collaborate in a team environment, prioritize and adjust tasks to accomplish the project result, prioritize multiple responsibilities and/or accomplishing them simultaneously, and comprehend and analyze complex problems and develop solutions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
This position can be filled at a Principal or Senior Principal level.
Basic Qualifications Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer:
  • BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering or equivalent STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of experience or MS degree with 3 years of experience.
  • Proficiency in using common engineering design, production, analysis, and office tools.
  • Experience with Finite Element Analysis tools, bolted joint analysis, and structural hand calculations
  • Ability to work on site at Annapolis, MD campus.
  • US citizen with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI and pass a polygraph.

Basic Qualifications Senior Principal Mechanical Systems Engineer:
  • BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering or equivalent STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of experience or MS degree with 6 years of experience.
  • Proficiency in using common engineering design, production, analysis, and office tools.
  • Experience with Finite Element Analysis tools, bolted joint analysis, and structural hand calculations
  • Ability to work on site at Annapolis, MD campus.
  • US citizen with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI and pass a polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Able to work in a fast-paced environment where multiple projects are being developed and deployed simultaneously.
  • Proficiency in using Finite Element Analysis tools (ANSYS, FEMAP/Nastran), bolted joint analysis, and structural hand calculations.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance.

NGFeaturedJobs
Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939