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Underwater Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Underwater Engineer (EI Diver)

West Columbia, SC · On-site

Prepare engineering reports and technical documentation * Participate in diving operations, serving ... FHWA-NHI-130091 Underwater Bridge Inspection * FHWA-NHI-130055 Safety Inspection of In-Service ...

WSP

Underwater Engineer (EI Diver)

West Columbia, SC

Prepare engineering reports and technical documentation * Participate in diving operations, serving ... FHWA-NHI-130091 Underwater Bridge Inspection * FHWA-NHI-130055 Safety Inspection of In-Service ...

Peraton

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking an Underwater Acoustics Engineer to work directly with our Navy ... Provide engineering proficiency in the evaluation of acoustic and vibration data using MATLAB ...

Peraton

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

West Bethesda, MD

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking an Underwater Acoustics Engineer to work directly with our Navy ... Provide engineering proficiency in the evaluation of acoustic and vibration data using MATLAB ...

Peraton

Underwater Acoustics Engineer

West Bethesda, MD · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking an Underwater Acoustics Engineer to work directly with our Navy ... Provide engineering proficiency in the evaluation of acoustic and vibration data using MATLAB ...

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Underwater Engineering information

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How much do underwater engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for underwater engineering in the United States is $31.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is underwater engineering?

Underwater engineering is a specialized branch of engineering focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of structures and systems that operate below the surface of the water. This field combines elements of civil, mechanical, electrical, and marine engineering to solve challenges unique to underwater environments. Underwater engineers work on projects such as offshore oil rigs, subsea pipelines, underwater cables, and oceanographic research equipment. They must consider factors like water pressure, corrosion, and limited accessibility when designing and maintaining these systems.

What engineers work underwater?

Underwater engineers, such as marine or offshore engineers, design and maintain underwater structures like pipelines, oil rigs, and subsea equipment. They often work in challenging environments requiring specialized skills, certifications, and knowledge of underwater tools and safety protocols.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

In underwater engineering, highly specialized roles such as offshore project managers, diving supervisors, and underwater construction engineers can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working in remote or hazardous environments. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications like commercial diving or ROV operation, and long periods away from home. Compensation varies based on project complexity, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Underwater engineering roles such as commercial divers or underwater welders can pay $10,000 or more per month, especially with experience, specialized skills, and certifications. These jobs often require technical training, physical fitness, and working in challenging environments, but they do not always require a traditional college degree.

What engineers make $500,000?

In underwater engineering, senior roles such as offshore project managers, specialized subsea engineers, and those with extensive experience and advanced certifications can earn $500,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with offshore work, complex projects, and companies operating in the energy or deep-sea exploration sectors.

What are the most common challenges faced by underwater engineers during underwater construction projects?

Underwater engineers often encounter challenges such as limited visibility, difficult access to sites, and working with specialized equipment in high-pressure environments. Safety is a paramount concern, as engineers must follow strict protocols to mitigate risks associated with diving and underwater hazards. Additionally, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—such as marine biologists, divers, and project managers—is essential for ensuring that construction progresses smoothly and meets regulatory and environmental standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Underwater Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underwater Engineer, you need a solid background in civil, mechanical, or marine engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure. Familiarity with underwater robotics, diving certifications (such as commercial diver certification), and experience using CAD software and underwater inspection tools are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top professionals apart in this field. These competencies are crucial to ensure the safety, reliability, and innovation of underwater projects in challenging and hazardous environments.

What is the difference between Underwater Engineering vs Underwater Welding?

AspectUnderwater EngineeringUnderwater Welding
CertificationsEngineering degree, commercial diving certificationCommercial diving certification, welding certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and overseeing underwater projectsPerforming welding and cutting underwater
Industry UsageConstruction, oil & gas, infrastructure projectsRepair, maintenance, and fabrication of underwater structures

Underwater Engineering involves designing and managing underwater projects, requiring engineering degrees and diving certifications. In contrast, Underwater Welding focuses on executing welding tasks underwater, requiring specialized welding and diving certifications. Both roles operate in similar environments but serve different functions within underwater industries.

More about Underwater Engineering jobs
What states have the most Underwater Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Underwater Engineering jobs include:
Underwater Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underwater Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,624 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Underwater Engineer (EI Diver)

Underwater Engineer (EI Diver)

WSP

West Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants

Job description

Job Description
This Opportunity
WSP is seeking an Underwater Engineer (EI Diver) to join our growing dive team in Greenville, SC. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a top-ranked international engineering firm where your expertise will directly contribute to the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure.
At WSP, you'll work alongside highly skilled professionals, lead challenging inspections, and support our mission to deliver solutions that protect the traveling public and strengthen communities.
Your Impact
  • Apply your education, training, and experience to evaluate marine structures and bridges
  • Analyze deteriorated components and calculate remaining load capacities
  • Prepare engineering reports and technical documentation
  • Participate in diving operations, serving as diver or tender
  • Assist senior engineers in designing structural repairs for bridges and marine structures
  • Plan, schedule, and conduct bridge inspections in compliance with National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and OSHA regulations
  • Uphold WSP's standards for safety, quality, and ethical decision-making

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field
  • Engineer Intern (EI) certification or ability to obtain within one year
  • ADCI Commercial Diver Certification
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Bluebeam Revu, and CAD software
  • 0-3 years of relevant experience
  • Ability to pass ADCI medical examination
  • Valid state driver's license
  • Physically capable of fieldwork, including working in inclement weather, climbing slopes and ladders, carrying gear (up to 75 lbs), operating small boats, and using hand and power tools
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Self-motivated with attention to detail, ability to learn new techniques, multitask, follow instructions, and comply with company policies
  • Ability to work independently under general supervision and collaboratively within a team
  • Willingness to travel frequently overnight based on project requirements and location

Preferred Qualifications:
  • FHWA-NHI-130091 Underwater Bridge Inspection
  • FHWA-NHI-130055 Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges
  • Proficient in AASHTOWare Bridge Management (BrM)
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • ADCI Air Diver or Air-Diving Supervisor
  • Proficient in AutoCAD or MicroStation
  • USDOT physical
  • Valid TWIC card

#LI-TH1
About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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