ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Underwater Exploration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vatn Systems

Acoustic Systems Engineer

Bristol, RI · On-site

Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of ...

Vatn Systems

Acoustic Systems Engineer

Bristol, RI · On-site

Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of ...

Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA

Lifeguard

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$15 - $18.73/hr

Our lessons develop aquatic readiness, engage in underwater exploration, and teach children important water safety skills. Lifeguard: * Responsible for active surveillance of the pool area ...

International Underwater Explorations

$70K - $80K/yr

International Underwater Explorations (IUE) is a subsidiary of Dynamic Integrated Services (DIS) which is a proud Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business based in the Washington, D.C.

Vatn Systems

CNC Operator - Multi-Axis Machining

Bristol, RI · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

At Vatn Systems, we specialize in designing and manufacturing advanced Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) that push the boundaries of underwater exploration and defense technology. Our AUVs ...

Vatn Systems

Business Development Manager

Bristol, RI · On-site

Vatn Systems is an autonomous underwater vehicle startup focused on developing cutting-edge technology to support underwater exploration, research, and defense applications. Our team is passionate ...

Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA

Lifeguard

Fargo, ND · On-site

$15 - $18.73/hr

Our lessons develop aquatic readiness, engage in underwater exploration, and teach children important water safety skills. The YMCA provides weekly lap swims, open swims, swim lessons, water exercise ...

International Underwater Explorations

$80K - $95K/yr

International Underwater Explorations (IUE) is a subsidiary of Dynamic Integrated Services (DIS) which is a proud Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business based in the Washington, D.C.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsScience JobsUnderwater Exploration Jobs

Underwater Exploration information

See salary details

$15K

$66.8K

$191K

How much do underwater exploration jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwater exploration in the United States is $66,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,000.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is underwater exploration?

An Underwater Exploration job involves studying, mapping, and investigating underwater environments, including oceans, lakes, and rivers. Professionals in this field may work as marine archaeologists, underwater engineers, or deep-sea divers, using specialized equipment like submarines, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and sonar technology. The job can include tasks such as searching for shipwrecks, conducting scientific research on marine life, or inspecting underwater structures. It often requires expertise in diving, robotics, marine biology, or geology, depending on the specific focus. This career can be physically and mentally demanding but offers unique opportunities to explore and protect the underwater world.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for underwater exploration?

To succeed in Underwater Exploration, professionals typically need strong skills in scuba or commercial diving, marine science knowledge, and physical fitness, often backed by degrees in marine biology, oceanography, or engineering. Certifications such as PADI Divemaster, commercial diving qualifications, or training in using underwater ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability are important soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities are critical to ensure safety, collect accurate data, and effectively contribute to scientific or industrial underwater missions.

What is a typical work environment like for underwater exploration?

Underwater Exploration professionals often work in a variety of settings, including oceans, lakes, or rivers, where both fieldwork and lab-based tasks are common. You may spend extended periods on research vessels or offshore platforms, with regular deployment into diverse underwater environments, sometimes under challenging conditions. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, such as marine scientists, engineers, and data analysts, is a key part of the role. Adaptability to variable schedules, travel, and unpredictable weather is important, but the work offers exciting opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and technological advances.

What jobs allow you to explore the ocean?

Jobs that allow you to explore the ocean include underwater exploration roles such as marine biologists, oceanographers, and commercial divers. These positions often require specialized training, certifications like SCUBA or commercial diving licenses, and involve working in underwater environments using tools like submersibles or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
More about Underwater Exploration jobs

What cities are hiring for Underwater Exploration jobs?

Cities with the most Underwater Exploration job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Underwater Exploration jobs?

The most popular types of Underwater Exploration jobs are:

What states have the most Underwater Exploration jobs?

States with the most job openings for Underwater Exploration jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Underwater Exploration jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Underwater Exploration jobs are:

Underwater Exploration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underwater Exploration job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,835 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Acoustic Systems Engineer

Vatn Systems

Bristol, RI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

About Vatn Systems
Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of underwater autonomy.
The Role
As an Acoustic Systems Engineer, you will integrate acoustic devices with VATN autonomous underwater vehicles, work with specialists to characterize the performance, and implement improvements. Devices you will work with include in-house acoustic forward looking sonar arrays, passive acoustic monitoring systems, and countermeasure devices. You'll work closely with the acoustics and autonomy team to characterize real-world sensor behavior and close the loop between fielded performance and algorithm development.
What You'll Do
  • Plan and execute in-water data collections for forward looking sonar designs
  • Isolate defects to root cause across the sensing chain - sensor, analog front end, acquisition software, vehicle integration, or environment - and drive corrective action to closure against requirements
  • Develop and maintain automated analysis pipelines that ingest multichannel recordings and produce spectra, beamformed outputs, detection and tracking metrics, and homing performance summaries
  • Develop and maintain ROS 2 nodes for these acoustic systems, launch configurations, and recording tools supporting payload data capture and playback on vehicle platforms..
What We're Looking For
Required
  • 3-5 years of experience in robotics perception or autonomous systems
  • Strong Python and/or MATLAB skills for software development and data analysis
  • Demonstrated system analytical / system level debugging skills
  • Solid understanding of linux operating system and commandline operations
  • Willingness to work in the field system and participate in weekly field test exercises.

Nice To Have:
  • Exposure to transducers, hydrophones, or other analog sensor front ends, including their failure modes and interface requirements
  • Familiarity with underwater or ocean acoustics, including propagation, array theory, or the sonar equation
  • Experience deploying sensor perception algorithms on embedded hardware (Jetson or similar)

Vatn is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially having you join our team in shaping the future of autonomous underwater exploration.

Apply