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Submarine Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Submarine Engineering information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$62.2K

$94.2K

How much do submarine engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for submarine engineering in California is $62,152.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $71,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is submarine engineering?

Submarine engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of submarines and other underwater vehicles. It involves multiple disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, and marine engineering, as well as knowledge of hydrodynamics, materials science, and advanced navigation systems. Submarine engineers work to ensure that submarines are safe, efficient, and capable of performing their required missions, whether for military, research, or commercial purposes. This field requires strong technical skills and an understanding of how to operate in challenging underwater environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a submarine engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Submarine Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or marine engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with specialized design software (like AutoCAD or SolidWorks), knowledge of submarine systems, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help engineers collaborate effectively in high-pressure, safety-critical environments. These competencies are vital to ensuring the reliability, safety, and performance of complex submarine systems.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working in submarine engineering projects?

Engineers in submarine engineering often face challenges related to designing systems that can withstand extreme underwater pressures and limited space. They must also ensure that all components are highly reliable and maintainable, as access for repairs is restricted once the vessel is submerged. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, is essential to integrate complex systems such as propulsion, navigation, and life support. Adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards is another key aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Submarine Engineering vs Marine Engineering?

AspectSubmarine EngineeringMarine Engineering
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized training in submarine systemsEngineering degree, marine systems certification
Work EnvironmentUnderwater, confined spaces, naval or defense settingsShips, ports, offshore platforms, commercial vessels
Industry UsageNaval defense, submarine design, underwater technologyCommercial shipping, shipbuilding, offshore energy

Submarine Engineering focuses on designing, maintaining, and operating underwater vessels specifically submarines, often within defense or research sectors. Marine Engineering covers a broader range of maritime vessels and systems, including ships and offshore platforms. While both roles require engineering credentials and involve maritime environments, submarine engineering is specialized for underwater, confined spaces, and defense applications, whereas marine engineering is more diverse in ship types and commercial industries.

How much do submarine engineers make?

Submarine engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. They often work in specialized environments requiring knowledge of naval systems, propulsion, and safety protocols.

What kind of engineers work on submarines?

Submarine engineering involves various engineers such as mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, systems engineers, and nuclear engineers, depending on the submarine's design and propulsion system. These engineers work on designing, maintaining, and improving submarine systems, often requiring specialized certifications and knowledge of marine environments and safety protocols.

What cities in California are hiring for Submarine Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Submarine Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Submarine Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,152 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Ship/Submarine Engineering Technician 4 - San Diego, CA

M.C. Dean, Inc

San Diego, CA • On-site

$39.20 - $58.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

242nd of 452 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
General:
The M.C. Dean, Inc. Maritime Division works at shipyards around the world from our regional offices in Chesapeake, VA, and San Diego, CA. Become a key member of our Alteration Installation Teams, supporting C4ISR system installations on ships and submarines. Join the top team on the waterfront, working for unrivaled compensation and benefits.
Responsibilities
Skills and Proficiencies:
  • Have superior skills in complex mechanical, sub-assembly, rack and chassis assembly
  • Have superior leadership abilities
  • Consistently demonstrate superior workmanship in a mission-critical environment

Safety and Physical Requirements: (have or obtain the following certifications)
  • Occupation Safety Haz-Mat
  • Shipyard Competent Person
  • Aloft/Climbing / Climbing Shipyard Stairs and Ladders
  • Working in Confined Spaces
  • Training and the Ability to Safely Lift and Move Objects of 50 LBS
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Security and Work Locations:
  • Work is primarily in San Diego, CA and Norfolk, VA but you may travel for extended periods to other shipyards in the USA and to other Navy ports outside the USA
  • You will work at government facilities. You must be a US Citizenship eligible for clearance.
  • You must pass a background investigation
  • You must have a valid driver's license
  • This position may require ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle. Selected candidates must possess an acceptable driving record in accordance to our policy.

Other Responsibilities:
  • Work overtime upon management request
  • Maintain and safeguard company equipment and tools
  • Maintain and safeguard inventory
  • Organize and schedule jobs to an on-time completion

Qualifications
  • Minimum Education: (one of the following)
  • Completion of formal two-year or more contractor apprenticeship program in a related field that includes at least six months of formal classroom training that addresses structural design, and fabrication of metal objects.
  • Completion of four (4) years of U.S. military service with one of the following technical ratings: a) Mechanist Mate, Structural Mechanic, Machinery Repair, or Steel Worker
  • An associate degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical or Structural Engineering Technology preferred

Experience: 5+ Years
  • At least five (5) years of experience in mechanical or structural assembly, repair, and layouts with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in mechanical and structural planning including shipboard mechanical and structural requirements rated to electronic installations such as antenna supports, equipment foundations, bulkhead and hull penetrations of cable and waveguide. Experience should include designing shipboard air conditions, venting and cooling systems, conducting and following layout surveys, analyzing test results, preparing, reviewing and modifying schematics, and developing data summary reports.

Pay range: $39.20 - $58.80
We offer an excellent benefits package including
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid-time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Abilities:
  • Lifts at least 100 pounds at one time and 60 pounds for an extended period of time.
  • Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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