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How much do submarine engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for submarine engineering in the United States is $62,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $72,000.00 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 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.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

In submarine engineering, senior engineers such as naval architects, systems engineers, and project managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and work in defense or aerospace sectors.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

In submarine engineering, senior engineers such as naval architects, systems engineers, and project managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn $200,000 or more annually. These roles often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and work in highly technical environments. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and level of expertise.

What engineers make $500,000?

In the field of submarine engineering, senior engineers such as naval architects, systems engineers, and project managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in senior leadership roles or with bonuses and profit sharing. Achieving this level typically requires advanced certifications, years of experience, and working in high-paying defense or aerospace sectors.

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.

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. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in systems or propulsion may earn higher salaries, often supplemented by military or government benefits if working in defense sectors.
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Submarine Engineering jobs near you
Ship/Submarine Engineering Technician 2 - San Diego, CA

Ship/Submarine Engineering Technician 2 - San Diego, CA

M.C. Dean, Inc

Encinitas, CA • On-site

$24.80 - $37.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 357 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.
Minimum Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED

Experience: 3+ Years
  • The Engineering Technician 2 has a thorough knowledge of shipboard C5ISR installation practices and procedures, as demonstrated by successful accomplishment of installation tasks. Build infrastructure (cabling, connections, racks) and install and test equipment and devices on ships and submarines. A minimum of three (3) years of applicable experience performing alteration installation tasks to include fabrication and assembly or repairs of electromechanical and electronic assemblies per fabrication/assembly drawings. Experience shall include soldering with low wattage (under 30 watts) soldering devices, assembling cable harnesses, and making high-density electrical cable connectors, coaxial connectors, and waveguide connectors.

Skills and Proficiency:
  • Works with a team supporting cabling, equipment, and C5ISR system installations
  • Read and understand shipboard installation drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and cable running sheets.
  • Demonstrate skill in the operation of all commonly used installation test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, voltmeters, VSWR meters, Bit-Error Rate Test Sets, and Category 5e/6 cable testers.
  • Demonstrate advanced speed and accuracy when performing tasks such as attaching fiber optic connectors, RJ-45 connectors, and DB type connectors, and when dressing cable installations so that the finished product presents a well-organized and professional appearance.
  • Demonstrate superior skills in complex mechanical, sub-assembly, rack and chassis assembly
  • Demonstrate your leadership abilities
  • Provide superior workmanship in a mission-critical environment

Safety and Physical Requirements:
  • Occupation Safety Haz-Mat Certification
  • Shipyard Competent Person Certification
  • Aloft/Climbing / Climbing Shipyard Stairs and Ladders Certification
  • Working in Confined Spaces Certification
  • Training and the Ability to Safely Lift and Move Objects of 50 LBS

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 welding inventory
  • Organize and schedule welding jobs to an on-time completion

Pay range: $24.80 - $37.20
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.

Possible travel locations include the below but not limited to:
  • San Diego, CA
  • Vallejo, CA
  • Everett, WA
  • Seattle, WA
  • Portland, OR
  • Groton, CT
  • Mayport, FL
  • Panama City, FL
  • Charleston, SC
  • Pearl Harbor, HI
  • Portland, OR
  • Earl, NJ
  • Guam

What M.C. Dean employees say

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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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